1960 - 1993
Summary
Name:
Danny Ray HarrisYears Active:
1978Birth:
July 31, 1960Status:
ExecutedClass:
MurdererVictims:
1Method:
BludgeoningDeath:
July 30, 1993Nationality:
USA1960 - 1993
Summary: Murderer
Name:
Danny Ray HarrisStatus:
ExecutedVictims:
1Method:
BludgeoningNationality:
USABirth:
July 31, 1960Death:
July 30, 1993Years Active:
1978"I would like to tell my family I love them very dearly, and I know they love me. I love all of the people who supported me all of these years. I would like to tell the Merka family I love them, too. I plead with all the teenagers to stop the violence and to accept Jesus Christ and find victory. Today I have victory in Christ and I thank Jesus for taking my spirit into His precious hands. Thank you, Jesus."
— Danny Ray Harris
Danny Ray Harris was born on July 31, 1960, and spent his upbringing in Texas alongside his younger brother, Curtis Paul Harris. Records indicate that by the late 1970s, the Harris family resided in the city of Bryan, located within Brazos County, Texas.Prior to December 1978, documentation surrounding Danny Harris was sparse.
However, on the night of December 11, 1978, at 18 years old, Danny, along with 17-year-old Curtis, an associate named James Manuel, and Valerie Rencher, were traveling in a vehicle that broke down in Bryan. Frustrated by the mechanical failure, the group eventually abandoned the vehicle on the roadside.
The group flagged down a passing pickup truck driven by 27-year-old Timothy Michael Merka, who stopped to assist them. While Merka was attempting to repair their vehicle, the occupants decided to overpower him to steal his truck. Danny Harris initiated a physical struggle with Merka. During the confrontation, Curtis Harris used an automobile bumper jack as a weapon. Merka sustained fatal injuries during the assault.
Following the homicide, the group moved Merka’s body, stole his personal belongings, and fled in his pickup truck. They later committed an armed robbery at a convenience store in Waller, Texas. Danny Harris was apprehended on December 12, 1978, after authorities located the stolen truck near his residence. In June 1979, Danny Harris was convicted of capital murder. He was executed by lethal injection on July 30, 1993, following the exhaustion of his legal appeals.
