October 8, 1915
Folsom, California
Burr Harris is executed for the random murder of Rebecca Gay

Harris claimed to have wanted to simply kill a woman, any woman. He came across Gay’s door, the first one he saw, created a reason to enter her office, then beat her to death before stealing $25. The bludgeoning left blood splattered on the walls and blood oozed from the victim’s skull as authorities investigated the scene. Harris was arrested on October 6, 1913, ten days after the murder, when he confessed to the murder. He attempted a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity which was rejected by the judge. Harris was sentenced to death and paid for the murder on October 8, 1915.