Bio

Wayne Eugene Ritter was born on January 30, 1954. He grew up in the United States. Ritter spent time in a criminal lifestyle. At some point, he was imprisoned in Indiana. While in prison, he met John Louis Evans, III. They later became accomplices in a series of crimes after they were released. They formed a partnership that led to a crime spree in 1976.

After leaving prison, Ritter and Evans committed numerous offenses, including armed robberies and kidnappings. Their criminal activities were widespread, taking place in at least seven states across the country. They targeted various businesses, which eventually led to serious legal consequences.

Ritter's criminal path was marked by violence, and over a short period, he became involved in several armed robberies. Eventually, he was arrested along with Evans in March 1977, which led to significant legal actions against him. Ritter's life before these events remains mostly private and less documented.

Murder Story

On January 5, 1977, Wayne Eugene Ritter and his accomplice, John Louis Evans, entered a pawnshop in Mobile, Alabama, with the intent to commit robbery. Ritter asked the owner, Edward Nassar, to show him a gun. When Nassar complied, Evans pulled out his own firearm and declared the robbery. Nassar attempted to escape by crawling toward his office but was shot in the back by Evans, resulting in his death. At the time of the incident, Nassar's two young daughters were present in the pawnshop.

After the murder, Ritter and Evans fled the scene. They were apprehended by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on March 7, 1977, in Little Rock, Arkansas. In their motel room, investigators found a gun identified as the weapon that killed Nassar. Additionally, the gun that Nassar had shown to Ritter was located in their vehicle. Following their arrest, Evans confessed in detail about the events, admitting he shot Nassar.

Both men were charged in connection with the murder. On April 26, 1977, they were convicted of capital murder. The jury recommended the death penalty for each. Ritter's execution took place via electrocution in Alabama on August 28, 1987.