Bio

Robert Lester Patton was born on April 28, 1957. He grew up in Florida. In 1978, Patton was charged with receiving stolen property. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity for that charge. After this, he was committed to the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services for treatment. This shows that his mental health issues were recognized at an early age.

Patton's life continued to be marked by legal problems. Despite some treatment for his mental health issues, he found himself in risky situations. By the time he committed murder in September 1981, his life had taken a very serious turn.

Murder Story

On September 2, 1981, Robert Lester Patton was driving a stolen car in Dade County, Florida. A Miami police officer noticed him driving the wrong way on a one-way street and stopped him. Patton abandoned the car and fled on foot. The officer chased him into an alley.

Witnesses reported that Patton hid in the alley and waited for the officer to come close. When the officer approached, Patton shot him. The officer was shot twice. The first bullet hit him in the heart, killing him instantly. The second bullet struck his foot after he had already fallen to the ground. This indicated that Patton shot the officer after he was dead.

After shooting the officer, Patton stole another car at gunpoint and drove away. He was arrested later that same day. Police searched his grandmother's home on September 4, 1981, and found the gun used in the shooting hidden beneath a heating grate.

Patton faced several charges, including first-degree murder. He was found guilty on February 22, 1982, and sentenced to death on March 29, 1982. However, his initial death sentence was later vacated in 1985, but he was resentenced to death again on May 15, 1989, after a jury recommended death by an 11-1 vote. Over the years, Patton made multiple appeals, but his sentences were upheld despite various legal challenges.