Robert Lee Willie

Serial Killer

Robert Lee Willie: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Background

Robert Lee Willie (January 2, 1958 – December 28, 1984) was an American serial killer active in Louisiana during the late 1970s and 1980. He was convicted of multiple heinous crimes, including kidnapping, rape, and murder, leading to his execution in 1984. His criminal activities have been documented in various sources, including the book and film "Dead Man Walking."

Crimes and Victims

• Dennis Buford Hemby
  • Date: May 23, 1978
  • Location: Near Covington, Louisiana
  • Details: Willie, along with his cousin Perry Wayne Taylor, beat and drowned 19-year-old Dennis Buford Hemby to steal his marijuana.
• Faith Hathaway
  • Date: May 28, 1980
  • Location: Near Franklinton, Louisiana
  • Details: Willie and accomplice Joseph Jesse Vaccaro abducted 18-year-old Faith Hathaway as she was walking home after a celebration. They drove her to a secluded area known as Fricke's Cave, where she was raped and stabbed 17 times. Her body was discovered on June 4, 1980.
• Mark Allen Brewster and Debbie Cuevas
  • Date: May 31, 1980
  • Location: Madisonville, Louisiana, and subsequent locations
  • Details: Willie and Vaccaro kidnapped 20-year-old Mark Allen Brewster and his 16-year-old girlfriend, Debbie Cuevas. They were forced to drive to Alabama, where Brewster was tied to a tree, shot twice in the head, and had his throat slashed. Remarkably, he survived but was left partially paralyzed. Cuevas was repeatedly raped during the ordeal but was eventually released.

Arrest and Trial

Willie and Vaccaro were apprehended on June 3, 1980, in Hope, Arkansas, for unrelated crimes. During interrogation, they confessed to the abduction of Faith Hathaway but each blamed the other for her rape and murder. The trial revealed the brutal nature of their crimes. Notably, during court proceedings, Willie displayed a lack of remorse, mocking his victims by blowing kisses at Debbie Cuevas and making threatening gestures toward Mark Brewster. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (2)

Dennis Buford Hemby Age: (19), Date of Death: May 23, 1978

    ...View 1 additional victims
Survivors:

Mark Allen Brewster Age: (20), Date of Attack: May 31, 1980

Debbie Cuevas Age: (16), Date of Attack: May 31, 1980

Robert Lee Willie - Wikipedia

    ...View 6 additional sources