Michael Eugene Sharp
Texas Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
West Texas, United States
TIME PERIOD
1982
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Michael Eugene Sharp, an American serial killer, abducted and murdered two women, Brenda Broadway and her daughter Christie Elms, along with a third victim, in West Texas during June 1982. The incident occurred on June 14, 1982, when Sharp, armed with a knife, forced Broadway and her daughters into his vehicle, subsequently committing sexual assault and homicide in a remote area outside Kermit. The sole survivor, 14-year-old Selena Elms, escaped and provided critical information to law enforcement, leading to Sharp's arrest on June 16, 1982. Sharp was convicted of capital murder and aggravated robbery, sentenced to death, and executed by lethal injection on November 19, 1997. Significant evidence included eyewitness testimony from Selena and physical evidence linking Sharp to the crime scene, which ultimately confirmed his identity as the perpetrator.
Michael Eugene Sharp is believed to have committed additional murders beyond the three for which he was convicted, with speculation suggesting he may have been involved in a series of unsolved cases in West Texas during the early 1980s. Some theorize that Sharp's criminal behavior escalated over time, leading to his eventual violent acts against women and children. Additionally, there are discussions about potential accomplices or influences in his life that may have contributed to his criminal activities.
The Sinister Tale of Michael Eugene Sharp
Introduction
Michael Eugene Sharp was a man whose name became synonymous with terror in West Texas during the early 1980s. Born on April 24, 1954, in Eastland, Texas, Sharp would embark on a chilling spree of violence that left a permanent scar on the region. His crimes included the abduction and murder of two women and a girl, casting a shadow of fear and suspicion across the state. Ultimately, Sharp was convicted for two of these brutal murders, leading to his execution by lethal injection on November 19, 1997, at the age of 43. While his death closed a chapter, suspicions linger that Sharp's violent legacy might extend beyond the crimes for which he was convicted.
Early Crimes and Imprisonment
Sharp's criminal life began in March 1975 when he invaded a woman's home, tied her up, and stole her valuables. This audacious crime led to his swift arrest and subsequent conviction on charges of aggravated robbery and theft by check, earning him a 15-year sentence at the Huntsville Unit. However, his time behind bars was cut short, as he secured early parole in mid-1979. Upon his release, Sharp relocated to Odessa, Texas, where he assumed the role of a toolpusher on local oil rigs. His neighbors perceived him as a quiet, respectable man with a beautiful wife, a good job, and a comfortable lifestyle.
The Broadway-Elms Murders
On the morning of June 14, 1982, the tranquility of the small town of Kermit was shattered. At a local car wash, Sharp noticed 31-year-old Brenda Broadway and her daughters, 14-year-old Selena and 8-year-old Christie Elms. Armed with a knife, Sharp forced them into his pickup truck, driving them to a secluded area. There, he subjected Brenda and Selena to a horrific assault. When Brenda began praying aloud, an enraged Sharp declared that a merciful God could not exist, given such suffering. In a fit of anger, he stabbed Brenda and Christie to death.
In a desperate bid for survival, Selena managed to escape, running barefoot and naked for five miles until she reached safety at an oilfield, where workers quickly summoned the police. Despite her trauma, Selena was able to provide a description of Sharp and the crime scene, leading to the discovery of the bodies of Brenda and Christie in a remote desert area.
Manhunt and Arrest
With Selena's testimony and a facial composite of the suspect in hand, law enforcement issued an arrest warrant for Sharp. However, he had already fled the area. The following day, police received a tip from Sweetwater, Texas, about a man matching Sharp's description on a bus bound for Louisiana. Acting quickly, authorities intercepted the bus and apprehended Sharp without incident. He was charged with two counts of murder and one count of kidnapping, held without bail for the murders and on a $200,000 bond for the kidnapping charge.
Further Suspicions
As Sharp awaited trial, investigators began to explore connections between him and other unsolved cases. They eyed the murders of 26-year-old William Lawrence McNew and 20-year-old Tammy Lee Davis, both discovered in shallow graves near Andrews, Texas, in May after disappearing in February. Both victims were employees of Rod Ric Inc., the same oil drilling company where Sharp worked. Despite this connection, no concrete evidence linked Sharp to their deaths. Similarly, Sharp was a suspect in the disappearance of 18-year-old Blanca Isela Arreola Guerrero, who was last seen boarding a truck resembling Sharp's. For lack of evidence, these cases remained unresolved.
Trials and Confessions
Sharp's trial for the murder of Christie Elms faced initial delays due to difficulties in securing legal representation. Furthermore, Texas law at the time prevented defendants facing the death penalty from pleading guilty to murder charges. Once these hurdles were overcome, Selena once again recounted her terrifying ordeal to the jury. Her testimony painted a vivid picture of the crime, leading jurors to a unanimous guilty verdict. However, Sharp's attorney, Robert C. Wright, successfully argued for a reduction in charges, resulting in a life sentence—a decision that drew ire from Kermit's residents.
While awaiting trial for Brenda Broadway's murder, Sharp claimed to have experienced a religious conversion, becoming a born-again Christian. This transformation prompted a detective to approach him, urging Sharp to confess to any other crimes in line with his new beliefs. Sharp eventually provided a map to Guerrero's gravesite and promised further revelations, contingent upon his anonymity in the media. However, a Lubbock Avalanche-Journal article exposed his cooperation, causing Sharp to sever contact with authorities. Subsequent investigations in Louisiana into the murder of realtor Jean McPhaul found no conclusive links to Sharp.
In his second trial, Selena again took the stand, repeating her harrowing narrative. The jury, after three and a half hours of deliberation, found Sharp guilty and sentenced him to death—a sentence met with widespread approval, particularly from Selena, who deemed lethal injection "far too painless." Conversely, Sharp's defense attorney questioned the trial's fairness and alleged procedural errors, claiming that both he and his family received death threats.
Execution and Legacy
Despite multiple appeals, Sharp's death sentence remained intact. On November 19, 1997, he faced execution by lethal injection at Huntsville Unit. In his final moments, he released a three-page statement expressing his newfound religious convictions and opposition to the death penalty.
As of May 2022, no additional murders have been definitively attributed to Sharp, although he remains a suspect in the deaths of McNew and Davis. His guidance in locating Guerrero's grave led to the closure of her case, yet the full extent of Sharp's criminal activities across West Texas may never be known. He was laid to rest in Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery.
Cultural Impact
Sharp's chilling story was recounted in the "On the Case with Paula Zahn" episode titled "Lethal Offer," which aired on October 7, 2018. This episode featured insights from reporters Kim Smith and Tim Madigan, who had covered Sharp's case extensively.
Sources
For more information on Michael Eugene Sharp, please refer to the original Wikipedia article here.
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Broadway-Elms Murders
Michael Sharp abducts and murders Brenda Broadway and her daughter Christie Elms.
Suspect Identified
Facial composite of Sharp is released; tips identify him as the suspect.
Sharp Arrested
Michael Sharp is apprehended on a bus bound for Louisiana.
Guilty Verdict
Sharp is found guilty of the murder of Christie Elms and sentenced to life in prison.
Death Sentence
Sharp receives a death sentence for the murder of Brenda Broadway after a second trial.
Execution
Michael Sharp is executed by lethal injection at Huntsville Unit.
Michael Eugene Sharp, an American serial killer, abducted and murdered two women, Brenda Broadway and her daughter Christie Elms, along with a third victim, in West Texas during June 1982. The incident occurred on June 14, 1982, when Sharp, armed with a knife, forced Broadway and her daughters into his vehicle, subsequently committing sexual assault and homicide in a remote area outside Kermit. The sole survivor, 14-year-old Selena Elms, escaped and provided critical information to law enforcement, leading to Sharp's arrest on June 16, 1982. Sharp was convicted of capital murder and aggravated robbery, sentenced to death, and executed by lethal injection on November 19, 1997. Significant evidence included eyewitness testimony from Selena and physical evidence linking Sharp to the crime scene, which ultimately confirmed his identity as the perpetrator.
Michael Eugene Sharp is believed to have committed additional murders beyond the three for which he was convicted, with speculation suggesting he may have been involved in a series of unsolved cases in West Texas during the early 1980s. Some theorize that Sharp's criminal behavior escalated over time, leading to his eventual violent acts against women and children. Additionally, there are discussions about potential accomplices or influences in his life that may have contributed to his criminal activities.
The Sinister Tale of Michael Eugene Sharp
Introduction
Michael Eugene Sharp was a man whose name became synonymous with terror in West Texas during the early 1980s. Born on April 24, 1954, in Eastland, Texas, Sharp would embark on a chilling spree of violence that left a permanent scar on the region. His crimes included the abduction and murder of two women and a girl, casting a shadow of fear and suspicion across the state. Ultimately, Sharp was convicted for two of these brutal murders, leading to his execution by lethal injection on November 19, 1997, at the age of 43. While his death closed a chapter, suspicions linger that Sharp's violent legacy might extend beyond the crimes for which he was convicted.
Early Crimes and Imprisonment
Sharp's criminal life began in March 1975 when he invaded a woman's home, tied her up, and stole her valuables. This audacious crime led to his swift arrest and subsequent conviction on charges of aggravated robbery and theft by check, earning him a 15-year sentence at the Huntsville Unit. However, his time behind bars was cut short, as he secured early parole in mid-1979. Upon his release, Sharp relocated to Odessa, Texas, where he assumed the role of a toolpusher on local oil rigs. His neighbors perceived him as a quiet, respectable man with a beautiful wife, a good job, and a comfortable lifestyle.
The Broadway-Elms Murders
On the morning of June 14, 1982, the tranquility of the small town of Kermit was shattered. At a local car wash, Sharp noticed 31-year-old Brenda Broadway and her daughters, 14-year-old Selena and 8-year-old Christie Elms. Armed with a knife, Sharp forced them into his pickup truck, driving them to a secluded area. There, he subjected Brenda and Selena to a horrific assault. When Brenda began praying aloud, an enraged Sharp declared that a merciful God could not exist, given such suffering. In a fit of anger, he stabbed Brenda and Christie to death.
In a desperate bid for survival, Selena managed to escape, running barefoot and naked for five miles until she reached safety at an oilfield, where workers quickly summoned the police. Despite her trauma, Selena was able to provide a description of Sharp and the crime scene, leading to the discovery of the bodies of Brenda and Christie in a remote desert area.
Manhunt and Arrest
With Selena's testimony and a facial composite of the suspect in hand, law enforcement issued an arrest warrant for Sharp. However, he had already fled the area. The following day, police received a tip from Sweetwater, Texas, about a man matching Sharp's description on a bus bound for Louisiana. Acting quickly, authorities intercepted the bus and apprehended Sharp without incident. He was charged with two counts of murder and one count of kidnapping, held without bail for the murders and on a $200,000 bond for the kidnapping charge.
Further Suspicions
As Sharp awaited trial, investigators began to explore connections between him and other unsolved cases. They eyed the murders of 26-year-old William Lawrence McNew and 20-year-old Tammy Lee Davis, both discovered in shallow graves near Andrews, Texas, in May after disappearing in February. Both victims were employees of Rod Ric Inc., the same oil drilling company where Sharp worked. Despite this connection, no concrete evidence linked Sharp to their deaths. Similarly, Sharp was a suspect in the disappearance of 18-year-old Blanca Isela Arreola Guerrero, who was last seen boarding a truck resembling Sharp's. For lack of evidence, these cases remained unresolved.
Trials and Confessions
Sharp's trial for the murder of Christie Elms faced initial delays due to difficulties in securing legal representation. Furthermore, Texas law at the time prevented defendants facing the death penalty from pleading guilty to murder charges. Once these hurdles were overcome, Selena once again recounted her terrifying ordeal to the jury. Her testimony painted a vivid picture of the crime, leading jurors to a unanimous guilty verdict. However, Sharp's attorney, Robert C. Wright, successfully argued for a reduction in charges, resulting in a life sentence—a decision that drew ire from Kermit's residents.
While awaiting trial for Brenda Broadway's murder, Sharp claimed to have experienced a religious conversion, becoming a born-again Christian. This transformation prompted a detective to approach him, urging Sharp to confess to any other crimes in line with his new beliefs. Sharp eventually provided a map to Guerrero's gravesite and promised further revelations, contingent upon his anonymity in the media. However, a Lubbock Avalanche-Journal article exposed his cooperation, causing Sharp to sever contact with authorities. Subsequent investigations in Louisiana into the murder of realtor Jean McPhaul found no conclusive links to Sharp.
In his second trial, Selena again took the stand, repeating her harrowing narrative. The jury, after three and a half hours of deliberation, found Sharp guilty and sentenced him to death—a sentence met with widespread approval, particularly from Selena, who deemed lethal injection "far too painless." Conversely, Sharp's defense attorney questioned the trial's fairness and alleged procedural errors, claiming that both he and his family received death threats.
Execution and Legacy
Despite multiple appeals, Sharp's death sentence remained intact. On November 19, 1997, he faced execution by lethal injection at Huntsville Unit. In his final moments, he released a three-page statement expressing his newfound religious convictions and opposition to the death penalty.
As of May 2022, no additional murders have been definitively attributed to Sharp, although he remains a suspect in the deaths of McNew and Davis. His guidance in locating Guerrero's grave led to the closure of her case, yet the full extent of Sharp's criminal activities across West Texas may never be known. He was laid to rest in Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery.
Cultural Impact
Sharp's chilling story was recounted in the "On the Case with Paula Zahn" episode titled "Lethal Offer," which aired on October 7, 2018. This episode featured insights from reporters Kim Smith and Tim Madigan, who had covered Sharp's case extensively.
Sources
For more information on Michael Eugene Sharp, please refer to the original Wikipedia article here.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Broadway-Elms Murders
Michael Sharp abducts and murders Brenda Broadway and her daughter Christie Elms.
Suspect Identified
Facial composite of Sharp is released; tips identify him as the suspect.
Sharp Arrested
Michael Sharp is apprehended on a bus bound for Louisiana.
Guilty Verdict
Sharp is found guilty of the murder of Christie Elms and sentenced to life in prison.
Death Sentence
Sharp receives a death sentence for the murder of Brenda Broadway after a second trial.
Execution
Michael Sharp is executed by lethal injection at Huntsville Unit.