Bio

Robert Beeler Power was born on July 23, 1960. In September 1972, Power was arrested for stealing a car. This was just the beginning of his criminal activities. He was sentenced to prison, but his life of crime did not end there. After serving his time, he was released in 1985 as part of a work release program.

Power moved to Florida after leaving California while still on parole. In June 1979, he was arrested in South Carolina for stealing a U-Haul truck. He received a five-year suspended sentence and two years of probation for that crime. Just a few months later, in September of the same year, he faced more trouble when he was arrested for armed robbery in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He pled no contest and served two years in prison.

In July 1982, while on parole in Florida, Power forged checks in California. He was sentenced to three years in prison during which time he escaped from a hospital while being treated for depression.

Power's criminal behavior continued even after his release. In early September 1987, he sexually assaulted two sisters in their home in Kissimmee, Florida. 

Murder Story

On October 6, 1987, Robert Beeler Power committed the murder of 12-year-old Angeli Bare in Orange County, Florida. That morning, Angeli approached a family friend named Frank Miller as he waited in his car to take her to school. She seemed nervous and said there was a man in her house who intended to rob her and threatened to kill them. Frank Miller decided to get help, driving four blocks to call 911.

Deputy Richard Welty responded to the call but found the Bare home empty. While searching nearby, he spotted a man walking through a field, later identified as Power. During their encounter, Power pointed a gun at Deputy Welty and demanded his service revolver and radio, telling him to run. Power fled the scene, and Angeli's body was eventually discovered in the field, showing signs of severe injuries.

The investigation led police to Power's residence ten days later. A search warrant was executed, and Power was found hiding in the attic. They discovered a duffle bag containing a pistol, ammunition, a knife, and other evidence linking him to the crime. Hair samples found in the home matched Angeli's, and the serial number on a part found in the house matched Deputy Welty's radio.

Robert Power was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder. He was convicted and sentenced to death on November 8, 1990. Subsequent appeals were filed, which were denied.