HAFDAHL, Randall Wayne

Randall Wayne Hafdahl

• 1985-11-11 1
• 1986-04-04 1
• 1985-04-07 1
• 2001-05-15
• 2002-01-31

Summary

James D. Mitchell Jr., 42, an Amarillo police officer, had just finished his shift and was driving home, still in uniform.

Mitchell saw Hafdahl's car swerve around his truck and watched as it veered off the road. He stopped to investigate. When he saw Hafdahl running away, he ordered him to stop. With his revolver drawn, Mitchell pursued Hafdahl through the yard until Hafdahl was stopped by a locked gate.

Hafdahl then turned and killed Mitchell at close range with four shots from his 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. Mitchell never returned fire.

After shooting Mitchell, Hafdahl fled the scene, only to turn himself in later that night.

Final Meal:

A Chef salad with ranch dressing, double meat cheese burger (all the way), French fries, ketchup, and a chocolate shake.

Final Words:

"All I want to say, I love you. Approximately 28 years ago, I remember looking down at a bassinet. I saw an angel. I am looking at her right now. I love you Colleen. Let's get going. The road goes on forever and the party never ends. Let's rock and roll. Let's go Warden. Me and you, all of us. Remember Wet Willie. Keep on smiling, keep smiling. I love you. It's on the way, I can feel it. It's OK baby, we have a party to go to." Hafdahl's eyes began to close and he seemed to snore. He then took about six deep breaths and closed his eyes.

PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY

Hafdahl was arrested on charges of aggravated kidnapping and spent seven days in jail in Grand Prairie, Texas. Hafdahl was never convicted on these charges.

In 1970, Hafdahl was arrested on charges of misdemeanor theft and shoplifting, in Houston, Texas.

In 1975, in Tarrant County, Texas, Hafdahl received a probated sentence of 10 years for the delivery of LSD.

In 1980, in Richardson, Texas, Hafdahl was arrested for unlawful carrying of a weapon. According to the arresting officer, the charges were dismissed because Hafdahl could not be found.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY

• November 29, 1985 - Hafdahl was indicted in the 181st District Court of Randal County, Texas, for the capital murder of James Mitchell, a peace officer acting in the course of his official duty, on November 11, 1985.

• April 4, 1986 - A jury found Hafdahl guilty of capital murder.

• April 5, 1986 - Following a separate punishment hearing, the court assessed Hafdahl's punishment at death.

• June 13, 1990 - Hafdahl's conviction and sentence were affirmed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

• December 17, 1990 - The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denied rehearing.

• May 28, 1991 - The United States Supreme Court denied Hafdahl's petition for certiorari review.

• July 30, 1991 - Hafdahl filed an application for state writ of habeas corpus.

• June 1, 1994 - Habeas relief denied by the Court of Criminal Appeals in an unpublished order.

• May 22, 1995 - Hafdahl filed a third state habeas application, denied by Court of Criminal Appeals.

• May 25, 1995 - Hafdahl filed a petition for federal writ of habeas corpus in the district court.

• April 22, 1997 - Hafdahl filed an amended petition for writ of habeas corpus.

• December 17, 1999 - The district court denied habeas corpus relief and all discovery motions.

• March 14, 2000 - Hafdahl filed a motion for certificate of probable cause, denied by District Court.

• August 23, 2000 - U.S. Court of Appeals for Fifth Circuit granted certificate of appealability.

• May 15, 2001 - After briefing and oral argument, the Fifth Circuit denied Hafdahl's requested relief.

• June 20, 2001 - The Fifth Circuit denied rehearing.

• September 18, 2001- Hafdahl filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court.

• November 26, 2001- The United States Supreme Court denied Hafdahl's petition for writ of certiorari.