Robert Wayne Harris
Texas Mass Murder Case
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Texas, United States
TIME PERIOD
1999-2000
VICTIMS
6 confirmed
Robert Wayne Harris committed a series of violent crimes in Texas, culminating in the abduction and murder of 37-year-old Sandra Scott on November 29, 1999, after suspecting her of theft. Following this, on March 20, 2000, he executed a shooting rampage at a car wash where he had recently been fired, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. Harris was apprehended on March 21, 2000, and subsequently convicted of capital murder, receiving a death sentence. He was executed by lethal injection on September 20, 2012. Key evidence included a 9mm pistol used in the shootings and witness testimonies linking him to both the abduction and the shooting incident.
Robert Wayne Harris is believed to have been motivated by revenge against those he felt wronged him, particularly after being fired from his job. Some speculate that his traumatic childhood, including witnessing his mother's murder and subsequent instability, contributed to his violent behavior and mental health issues. There are also theories that his criminal history and aggressive conduct disorder played significant roles in his escalation to mass murder.
The Dark Path of Robert Wayne Harris: A True Crime Story
Early Life
Robert Wayne Harris’s life was marred by tragedy from a young age. Born on February 28, 1972, in Dallas County, Texas, his childhood was shattered at the tender age of eight when he witnessed his father murder his mother before taking his own life. This traumatic event set the stage for a turbulent upbringing, during which Harris was shuffled among relatives. The instability contributed to his development of a stutter and landed him in special education classes. School was no sanctuary for Harris; he faced relentless bullying and dropped out in the ninth grade. Known to physically confront both teachers and peers, he was diagnosed with aggressive conduct disorder. Despite the chaos of his early years, Harris managed to earn his GED at the age of 18.
Early Crimes
Harris’s descent into criminality began in earnest at age 15 when he violently attacked a mall clerk and burglarized his aunt's home. The latter act culminated in a brutal assault, wherein Harris struck his aunt on the head with a hammer, shattering the tool. This violent outburst resulted in a two-year stint in a juvenile correctional facility. By 17, Harris had ventured into drug dealing, setting a pattern of criminal behavior that would continue throughout his life.
In 1991, Harris committed a series of burglaries. Initially given probation, his defiance of authority led to an eight-year sentence after he fled from a treatment program. In prison, Harris spent considerable time in administrative segregation due to his ongoing misconduct, which included setting his cell on fire, threatening and assaulting staff and inmates, drug dealing, and sexual misconduct. He participated in a program for mentally ill offenders but was discharged due to non-compliance. Paroled in 1999, Harris re-entered society, but the seeds of violence had already taken root.
The Murders
The ominous turn in Harris's life began on November 29, 1999, when he abducted and fatally shot 37-year-old Sandra Scott, suspecting her of stealing money from him. Although he was questioned by police following Scott's disappearance, charges were not immediately filed. Her truck was found abandoned, stripped of all belongings except the keys.
On March 15, 2000, Harris's erratic behavior led to an incident at Mi-T-Fine Car Wash in Irving, Texas, where he was employed. He exposed himself to a female customer, which resulted in his arrest and subsequent firing two days later. This marked the beginning of a deadly spiral. On March 19, Harris borrowed a car from a friend and then obtained a 9mm pistol through another acquaintance, Billy Brooks, facilitated by Brooks's stepson.
In the early hours of March 20, Harris returned to the car wash. He ambushed manager Dennis Lee, assistant manager Augustin Villasenor, and cashier Rhoda Wheeler, forcing them into the office. After having Wheeler open the safe, he shot them all, slitting Lee’s throat for good measure. As three more employees arrived, they were met with the same grim fate. Benjamin Villasenor and Roberto Jimenez were killed, while a third victim survived but with permanent disabilities. Each victim was executed with a single shot to the back of the head.
Jason Shields, another employee, arrived to find the tragic scene unfolding. Seeing Harris, Shields initially believed his claim of stumbling upon the crime scene, until Harris brandished a knife. Shields fled to a nearby donut shop, calling the police. Harris followed and briefly spoke to the 911 operator before fleeing with approximately $4,000 in stolen cash.
After returning the borrowed car and disposing of evidence at Brooks's house, Harris bought new clothes and checked into a motel. He was arrested the following day at another friend's home. In custody, Harris confessed to Scott's murder and led police to her body. He chillingly revealed plans to drive to Florida to kill his ex-girlfriend.
Trial and Execution
Charged with capital murder for the car wash massacre, prosecutors sought the death penalty. In September 2000, after an 11-minute jury deliberation, Harris was found guilty. During sentencing, his defense highlighted Harris’s psychological issues and troubled upbringing, presenting diagnoses of depression, antisocial personality disorder, and Tourette's syndrome. Nonetheless, prosecutors argued Harris understood right from wrong and had been influenced by positive role models.
On September 29, 2000, the jury, after two hours of deliberation, recommended a death sentence. Rhoda Wheeler's children, Charity McFadden and Jeremy Spears, supported this outcome in court.
Throughout his time on death row, Harris's attorneys argued he was mentally disabled, rendering him ineligible for execution. However, experts from both sides determined he did not meet the criteria for mental disability.
On September 20, 2012, Robert Wayne Harris was executed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit in Texas. At 6:43 p.m., he was pronounced dead after receiving a fatal dose of Pentobarbital. His final words were a poignant farewell to loved ones, expressing love and a sense of peace.
Harris now rests in Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of violence and tragedy.
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First Murder Committed
Robert Wayne Harris abducts and kills Sandra Scott, suspecting her of theft.
Indecent Exposure Arrest
Harris is arrested for exposing himself to a customer at Mi-T-Fine Car Wash.
Car Wash Shooting Rampage
Harris kills five people at Mi-T-Fine Car Wash in a shooting spree.
Harris Apprehended
Harris is arrested at a friend's home the day after the car wash shootings.
Death Sentence Imposed
Harris is sentenced to death after being found guilty of capital murder.
Execution
Robert Wayne Harris is executed by lethal injection in Texas.
Robert Wayne Harris committed a series of violent crimes in Texas, culminating in the abduction and murder of 37-year-old Sandra Scott on November 29, 1999, after suspecting her of theft. Following this, on March 20, 2000, he executed a shooting rampage at a car wash where he had recently been fired, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. Harris was apprehended on March 21, 2000, and subsequently convicted of capital murder, receiving a death sentence. He was executed by lethal injection on September 20, 2012. Key evidence included a 9mm pistol used in the shootings and witness testimonies linking him to both the abduction and the shooting incident.
Robert Wayne Harris is believed to have been motivated by revenge against those he felt wronged him, particularly after being fired from his job. Some speculate that his traumatic childhood, including witnessing his mother's murder and subsequent instability, contributed to his violent behavior and mental health issues. There are also theories that his criminal history and aggressive conduct disorder played significant roles in his escalation to mass murder.
The Dark Path of Robert Wayne Harris: A True Crime Story
Early Life
Robert Wayne Harris’s life was marred by tragedy from a young age. Born on February 28, 1972, in Dallas County, Texas, his childhood was shattered at the tender age of eight when he witnessed his father murder his mother before taking his own life. This traumatic event set the stage for a turbulent upbringing, during which Harris was shuffled among relatives. The instability contributed to his development of a stutter and landed him in special education classes. School was no sanctuary for Harris; he faced relentless bullying and dropped out in the ninth grade. Known to physically confront both teachers and peers, he was diagnosed with aggressive conduct disorder. Despite the chaos of his early years, Harris managed to earn his GED at the age of 18.
Early Crimes
Harris’s descent into criminality began in earnest at age 15 when he violently attacked a mall clerk and burglarized his aunt's home. The latter act culminated in a brutal assault, wherein Harris struck his aunt on the head with a hammer, shattering the tool. This violent outburst resulted in a two-year stint in a juvenile correctional facility. By 17, Harris had ventured into drug dealing, setting a pattern of criminal behavior that would continue throughout his life.
In 1991, Harris committed a series of burglaries. Initially given probation, his defiance of authority led to an eight-year sentence after he fled from a treatment program. In prison, Harris spent considerable time in administrative segregation due to his ongoing misconduct, which included setting his cell on fire, threatening and assaulting staff and inmates, drug dealing, and sexual misconduct. He participated in a program for mentally ill offenders but was discharged due to non-compliance. Paroled in 1999, Harris re-entered society, but the seeds of violence had already taken root.
The Murders
The ominous turn in Harris's life began on November 29, 1999, when he abducted and fatally shot 37-year-old Sandra Scott, suspecting her of stealing money from him. Although he was questioned by police following Scott's disappearance, charges were not immediately filed. Her truck was found abandoned, stripped of all belongings except the keys.
On March 15, 2000, Harris's erratic behavior led to an incident at Mi-T-Fine Car Wash in Irving, Texas, where he was employed. He exposed himself to a female customer, which resulted in his arrest and subsequent firing two days later. This marked the beginning of a deadly spiral. On March 19, Harris borrowed a car from a friend and then obtained a 9mm pistol through another acquaintance, Billy Brooks, facilitated by Brooks's stepson.
In the early hours of March 20, Harris returned to the car wash. He ambushed manager Dennis Lee, assistant manager Augustin Villasenor, and cashier Rhoda Wheeler, forcing them into the office. After having Wheeler open the safe, he shot them all, slitting Lee’s throat for good measure. As three more employees arrived, they were met with the same grim fate. Benjamin Villasenor and Roberto Jimenez were killed, while a third victim survived but with permanent disabilities. Each victim was executed with a single shot to the back of the head.
Jason Shields, another employee, arrived to find the tragic scene unfolding. Seeing Harris, Shields initially believed his claim of stumbling upon the crime scene, until Harris brandished a knife. Shields fled to a nearby donut shop, calling the police. Harris followed and briefly spoke to the 911 operator before fleeing with approximately $4,000 in stolen cash.
After returning the borrowed car and disposing of evidence at Brooks's house, Harris bought new clothes and checked into a motel. He was arrested the following day at another friend's home. In custody, Harris confessed to Scott's murder and led police to her body. He chillingly revealed plans to drive to Florida to kill his ex-girlfriend.
Trial and Execution
Charged with capital murder for the car wash massacre, prosecutors sought the death penalty. In September 2000, after an 11-minute jury deliberation, Harris was found guilty. During sentencing, his defense highlighted Harris’s psychological issues and troubled upbringing, presenting diagnoses of depression, antisocial personality disorder, and Tourette's syndrome. Nonetheless, prosecutors argued Harris understood right from wrong and had been influenced by positive role models.
On September 29, 2000, the jury, after two hours of deliberation, recommended a death sentence. Rhoda Wheeler's children, Charity McFadden and Jeremy Spears, supported this outcome in court.
Throughout his time on death row, Harris's attorneys argued he was mentally disabled, rendering him ineligible for execution. However, experts from both sides determined he did not meet the criteria for mental disability.
On September 20, 2012, Robert Wayne Harris was executed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit in Texas. At 6:43 p.m., he was pronounced dead after receiving a fatal dose of Pentobarbital. His final words were a poignant farewell to loved ones, expressing love and a sense of peace.
Harris now rests in Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of violence and tragedy.
Sources
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
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First Murder Committed
Robert Wayne Harris abducts and kills Sandra Scott, suspecting her of theft.
Indecent Exposure Arrest
Harris is arrested for exposing himself to a customer at Mi-T-Fine Car Wash.
Car Wash Shooting Rampage
Harris kills five people at Mi-T-Fine Car Wash in a shooting spree.
Harris Apprehended
Harris is arrested at a friend's home the day after the car wash shootings.
Death Sentence Imposed
Harris is sentenced to death after being found guilty of capital murder.
Execution
Robert Wayne Harris is executed by lethal injection in Texas.