Eugene Doerr

Case details

Eugene Doerr was sentenced to death on November 27, 1996.

Timeline

• September 24, 1994 — Eugene Doerr called police and reported waking up and finding a dead woman in his bedroom.
• April 8, 1996 — Trial began.
• April 15, 1996 — Verdict was reached.
• November 27, 1996 — Sentencing occurred.
• 06-23-99 — Sentence vacated.
• April 4, 2002 — A stay was issued by the U.S. District Court in the May 1, 2002 scheduled execution of Eugene Allen Doerr ADC#125421.
• May 1, 2002 — Warrant of Execution was issued by the Arizona Supreme Court for the execution of Eugene Allen Doerr ADC#125421.

Background

Eugene Doerr reported that he woke up and found a dead woman in his bedroom.

The offence

The nude victim, Karen Bohl, was found lying on the floor with several lacerations to her head. A nipple had been cut off her breast. Karen Bohl suffered major trauma to her vagina and rectal area. Bruises and abrasions were found on her neck and other parts of her body.

An autopsy later revealed Karen Bohl died from multiple blunt force trauma.

Investigators noticed signs of a major struggle inside the apartment, including bloodstains on walls, floors and furniture in different rooms.

Eugene Doerr’s clothes and most of his body were covered in dried blood. When his clothing was removed, investigators observed his pelvic area and penis were also saturated with dried blood. He had several injuries, including a broken hand, and a deep laceration to his wrist consistent with a knife wound. A bloody steak knife was found on the bathroom sink. A bloodstained brass pipe was located on the living room floor.

Investigation and statements

Eugene Doerr told police he had gone out drinking at a couple of bars the previous evening, and did not remember coming home. When he woke up, he found the victim’s body and realized he was covered with blood. He claimed he had no idea what happened.

The defendant informed an investigator the victim’s purse was on the bathroom floor and her car was parked out front. He then tried to correct himself by saying he believed the car was hers.

Eugene Doerr stated, "She must have really made me mad for me to do something to her like this."

He asked an officer if he would be getting life in prison for the crime, then declined to answer questions without an attorney.

Blood samples taken from Eugene Doerr showed no presence of drugs or alcohol.

Trial

• Presiding Judge: Ronald Reinstein
• Prosecutor: Karen O’Connor
• Start of Trial: April 8, 1996
• Verdict: April 15, 1996

Sentencing

• Sentencing Date: November 27, 1996
• Aggravating Circumstances: Especially heinous/cruel/depraved
• Mitigating Circumstances: None sufficient to call for leniency
• Sentence Vacated: 06-23-99

Appeals

The sentence vacated on 06-23-99 preceded later execution proceedings that included a warrant and a stay.

Outcome

A Warrant of Execution was issued by the Arizona Supreme Court for the execution of Eugene Allen DOERR ADC#125421 on May 1, 2002.

A stay was issued by the U.S. District Court in the May 1, 2002 scheduled execution of Eugene Allen DOERR ADC#125421 on April 4, 2002.

Other details

Eugene Doerr and Karen Bohl were identified as Caucasian.