Sean Bernard Running-Eagle

Murderer

2known / alleged victims

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: USA
Location: Maricopa County, Arizona, USA
Date of birth: December 7, 1968
Age at first offence: 19
Characteristics: burglary, robbery
Victim profile: Herbert Williams, 72, and his wife Jacqueline
Method of murder: St abbing with knife
Date(s) of murder: December 6, 1987
Years active: 1987
Date of arrest: —
Status: Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on February 3, 1989

Case Summary

Background

Sean Bernard Running-Eagle was an American Indian man.

The offence

Around 6:00 a.m. on December 6, 1987, Running Eagle, Corey Tilden, and Orva Antone were burglarizing the Robert Davis residence in Phoenix. Herbert Williams, a 72-year-old neighbor of Robert Davis, came outside and told the men to leave or he would call the police. Running Eagle began to tease and threaten Mr. Williams with a large hunting knife. Mrs. Williams then came outside and began yelling. Corey Tilden hit Mrs. Williams over the head with a large flashlight. Running Eagle and Tilden forced their way into the Williams' home, and beat and stabbed them both to death.

Mr. Williams was stabbed five times in the chest, arm, pelvis and back. Mrs. Williams was stabbed four times in the chest and abdomen and her throat was cut.

Investigation

No investigation facts beyond the events of the offence were included.

Trial

Running Eagle and Tilden were tried jointly. Orva Antone pled guilty to second-degree burglary and testified against Running Eagle and Tilden.

Running Eagle and Tilden were both convicted of two counts of first-degree murder. Tilden received two life sentences.

Presiding Judge: Gloria G. Ybarra. Prosecutor: Paul Abler. Start of Trial: June 21, 1988. Verdict: July 27, 1988.

Sentencing

Sentencing: February 3, 1989.

Aggravating Circumstances: Pecuniary gain; Especially heinous/cruel/depraved; Multiple homicides. Mitigating Circumstances: None sufficient to call for leniency.

Appeals

Published Opinions: State v. Runningeagle, 176 Ariz. 59, 859 P.2d 169 (1993).

Outcome

Running Eagle was sentenced to death on February 3, 1989.

Other details

Robert Davis was the residence owner in whose residence the burglary occurred in Phoenix. Herbert Williams and Jacqueline Williams were killed in the attack at their home.

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