Robert Wesley Knighton

Serial Killer

Robert Wesley Knighton: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life and Criminal Background

Robert Wesley Knighton was born on February 5, 1941, in Springfield, Missouri. His upbringing was marred by instability and abuse. Knighton's mother had multiple marriages and relationships, exposing him to a series of stepfathers. He suffered physical abuse from his father and neglect from his mother. At around six years old, he was forced to sit outside during a Thanksgiving dinner at his grandparents' house for looking too much like his father. Knighton left home at the age of 15 and had limited formal education, only completing up to the fourth grade. His early life experiences set a troubling foundation for his future actions.

First Murder and Subsequent Crimes

On September 15, 1973, shortly after being released from prison and while wanted on assault charges, Knighton shot Claude Day and his son, Coffier Day, following an argument. Claude was wounded in the neck but survived; Coffier was fatally wounded. Immediately after the shootings, Knighton kidnapped a family, holding them hostage for 11 hours before his arrest. He was subsequently convicted of manslaughter, kidnapping, and robbery, resulting in a 30-year prison sentence.

1990 Crime Spree and Murders

In 1989, while at a halfway house in Kansas City, Missouri, Knighton formed relationships with 22-year-old Ruth Renee Williams and 17-year-old Lawrence Lingle Brittain. Facing the possibility of Brittain's transfer to a more restrictive facility, the trio decided to flee, initiating a multi-state crime spree. - **January 6, 1990**: The trio visited the home of Frank Merrifield in Clinton, Missouri. Merrifield and his stepson, Ray Donahue, were present. Knighton fatally shot both men, stealing guns and money. - **January 8, 1990**: In rural Noble County, Oklahoma, Knighton and Brittain targeted the home of Richard and Virginia Denney. After a failed attempt by Brittain to initiate the robbery, Knighton intervened, holding the couple at gunpoint. Despite the Denneys' pleas for their lives, Knighton executed both. The trio stole $61, a pocketknife, cigarettes, and the Denneys' truck. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Coffier Day Age: (32), Date of Death: 1973-09-15

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Robert Wesley Knighton: Serial Killer Biography - IMDb

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