In November 2016, a chilling series of events unfolded in Kennewick, Washington, culminating in the tragic death of 69-year-old Sandra Harris, a White female. Just two days after celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary, Sandra was abducted from her home on November 18th. The kidnapper, later identified as Theresa L. Wiltse, a 49-year-old former prison guard, forced her way into the Harris residence while Sandra was alone.
Evidence suggests that Sandra was shot and wounded inside her house before being taken.
Following the abduction, Sandra's husband, Randy Harris, received a terrifying phone call. Using a voice-altering device, Wiltse demanded a ransom of $250,000 for Sandra's safe return. The ensuing hours were a nightmare for the Harris family as they cooperated with law enforcement, including the FBI, to negotiate with the kidnapper. A money drop was arranged near the Country Mercantile in Pasco. However, the situation took a devastating turn. Before Wiltse could collect the ransom, Sandra Harris had already died.
On November 20, 2016, a passerby discovered Sandra Harris's body on the side of Coffin Road, about two miles east of Interstate 82. An autopsy later confirmed that she had died from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators found blood, a gun, and ammunition in Wiltse's rental car. Theresa Wiltse was arrested after she collected the ransom money. Although she initially claimed two other men named "Jose" and "Jesus" were involved, authorities determined she acted alone.
Theresa Wiltse, who had been a customer at Randy Harris's pawn shop, was charged with aggravated first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. In January 2018, just weeks before her trial was set to begin, she pleaded guilty to the charges. Wiltse was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Sandra Harris.
