Data File: Robert Harris

Harris worked at the Mi-T-Fine Car Wash in Irving, Texas, for around 10 months before being sacked after he masturbated in front of a female customer on 15th march 2000. The customer reported the incident and police were called. They arrested Harris and as a result, he was sacked from his job.

On Sunday 19th March, Harris borrowed a car from a friend. He then drove to another friend’s address where he arranged to borrow a pistol.

The following day, Harris drove to the car wash. He arrived before the premises opened and forced the manager, assistant manager and a cashier into the office. He got the cashier, Rhoda Wheeler, to open the safe. She did so and handed over the cash from inside. Harris then forced them to the floor and shot each one in the back of the head. He also slit the throat of the manager, Dennis Lee.

Before Harris could leave the car wash, three other workers arrived for work. Harris forced them into the lobby where he shot all three in the back of the head at close range. One of the victims survived though was paralysed.

A further worker arrived and saw Harris standing in the lobby with the dead victims. Harris told the employee he had just discovered the scene. The employee ran off and phoned 911.

Harris was arrested at his home the following day, he had made around $4,000 from the robbery. He confessed to killing Sandra Scott in November the previous year after he suspected she had stolen money from him. He told police he had abducted and killed are and led them to the remains.

In September 2000, Harris was convicted of the murders of Augustin Villasenor and Rhoda Wheeler. He was sentenced to death.

Harris was executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas on 20th September 2012. His last words were, “I’m going home. I’m going home,” Harris said. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright. God bless, and the Texas Rangers, Texas Rangers.”