In March 1988 two people were murdered in Tucson: 40-year-old Lili Champagne and her 17-year-old daughter, Melinda Ann Peters (known as Mindy). Their bodies were found inside the Champagne home on March 28, 1988 after deputies discovered a burned, abandoned Porsche 944 that belonged to Frank and Lili Champagne. Both victims had been shot multiple times; Melinda suffered two gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot behind her ear.

Investigators linked the crimes to Richard Harley Greenway after a tip and subsequent interviews. A co-participant, Chris Lincoln, confessed to stealing and burning the car and implicated Greenway in the killings. Evidence recovered from Greenway’s trailer included keys to the Porsche, and his fingerprint was found on the stock of a .22 caliber bolt-action rifle identified as the murder weapon. Greenway made statements to others admitting involvement and later confessed to a cellmate.

The court concluded the killings were committed for pecuniary gain, noting stereo equipment and other items were taken from the home.