Death row inmate had chilling ‘Grim Reaper’ final words before execution
A death row inmate had some chilling 'Grim Reaper' final words before he was executed in 1992.
Robert Alton Harris spent 13 years on death row after murdering two teenagers in the 1970s.
He and his brother Daniel Marcus Harris commenced their wicked ways by kidnapping two 16-year-old boys from a fast food restaurant in San Diego in July 1978.
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John Mayeski and Michael Baker were held at gunpoint by the two men, subsequently being forced to drive into an isolated area.
This is where the brutal murder took place, as Robert shot and killed the two boys.
The San Diego Union-Tribune states that the killer gloated about killing the two teenagers and even ate the rest of their hamburgers.
Their crimes didn't stop that day as the brothers used the stolen vehicle to rob a nearby bank.
They were both caught by police and local officials after a witness followed them to their home address after robbing the bank.
It didn't take long for Robert Harris to be sentenced for his crimes, as he was convicted of two counts of murder in the first degree with special circumstances, and kidnapping.
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In March 1979, the killer was sentenced to death.
It wasn't for another 13 years until Robert Harris was executed, with him being sent to a gas chamber at San Quentin State Prison in April 1992.
In what was the first execution in California in 25 years, Robert Harris uttered some rather chilling final words before his death.
According to prison boss Daniel Vasquez, the killer's final words were: "You can be a king or a street sweeper, but everyone dances with the Grim Reaper."
Witnesses said the killer laughed, winked and smiled as an audience gathered to watch his final moments.
His final moments were recorded by the Los Angeles Times.
"Again, Harris was walked in. This time, his face was blank. His resignation and fear seemed greater," the report began.
"Again, officers swarmed over him, strapping his wrists, arms, chest, legs. The officer's arms again were around Harris' chest. There was no fight.
"At 6:02 or so, Harris nodded to his officer friend, looked up, blinked, turned to his brother and looked away. After a pause, a thumbs-up again. His cousin, Leon Harris, returned the sign."
"Then the moment everyone in the room will remember: He threw his head back over his left shoulder and caught the eye of Michael Baker's still-grieving father. 'I'm sorry,' he mouthed."
Callum Jones