The Infuriating Night that Led to Unthinkable Violence

Calling the night frustrating would be an understatement—it was infuriating, to say the least. December 11, 1978, marked a night that ended in unspeakable and senseless violence.

Brothers Curtis Harris (17) and Danny Harris (18) were traveling with a friend, James Manuel, and Curtis' girlfriend, Valerie Rencher (16), to visit a friend in Bryan, Texas. However, upon arrival, they discovered that she was not home. To make matters worse, their car refused to start, leading to a fit of anger that resulted in the destruction of the car's interior.

The group decided to walk down Sandy Point Road in search of a neighbor who could help them. A man on his porch claimed he had no cables to lend, but they eventually flagged down Timothy Merka (27), an employee of Texas A&M, who had cables in his truck and was willing to assist them.

Despite Merka's efforts, the car still wouldn't start after 30 minutes. Frustrated, Merka suggested another man down the road who might be able to help. This final setback pushed the brothers over the edge.

1. Curtis was handed a car jack and proceeded to beat Merka to death, with Danny assisting in holding him down.
2. After the brutal attack, the brothers stole Merka's wallet, truck, and shotgun, leaving his body in a ditch.
3. Still consumed by anger, they then robbed a convenience store of its money and donations for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Despite the testimony of Valerie and the convenience store clerk, the brothers were convicted of these crimes. The only physical evidence linking them to the murder was found behind the Harris home. After a series of appeals, both brothers were executed in July 1993.

Danny's final words before his execution were a plea for peace and acceptance of Jesus Christ.

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What do you think?

• Was the punishment fitting for the crime?
• Do you believe in the death penalty for cases like this?
• How can we prevent acts of violence like this in the future?