Bio

Herbert Lee Richardson was born on February 16, 1946, in Alabama. He grew up during a time of significant change in America, including the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. As a young man, he later enlisted in the military and served in Vietnam. His experience there was challenging and reportedly left him with emotional scars. After returning home, he struggled with the effects of his service, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In the years that followed, Herbert had various jobs, including work as an electrician. He was described by some as an "all-around American boy" with a promising future before his military service. However, his personal life was troubled. He had a romantic involvement with a woman named Doris Wyms, but their relationship ended. After it was over, he reportedly became increasingly unstable and exhibited troubling behavior.

Murder Story

On August 16, 1977, Herbert Lee Richardson placed a pipe bomb on the porch of a house in Dothan, Alabama. The bomb was intended to frighten the family of Rena Mae Callins, who was 11 years old at the time. Rena Mae had been visiting her aunt, Doris Wyms, at the house. When Rena Mae saw what looked like a drink can in a plastic bag, she picked it up, causing the bomb to explode. This explosion killed her instantly.

A series of events before the bombing indicated that Richardson was seeking revenge. Doris Wyms had ended a relationship with Richardson months prior, and he had been harassing her since then. Just days before the bombing, he had sent a threatening note to her. Witnesses, including Rena Mae's brother, observed Richardson watching the house on the morning of the explosion.

Investigators found evidence tying Richardson to the bomb. They discovered bomb-making materials in his car and home, and he had previously boasted to his co-workers about making bombs. At trial, Richardson denied responsibility, claiming someone else had done it. However, the evidence against him was strong, and he was ultimately convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death.

After years of legal appeals and multiple requests for clemency, the courts upheld his conviction. Richardon claimed the bomb was only meant to scare the family, not to kill, but this argument was not accepted by the jury or the courts.

Richardson was executed by electrocution on August 18, 1989, just two days after the anniversary of Rena Mae’s death. At his execution, he was reported to have said he held no ill feelings against anyone.