Ralph Harris

Serial Killer

Ralph Harris: Chicago Serial Killer, Rapist and Armed Robber

Overview

Ralph Harris, born July 11, 1972, was a violent offender whose crimes were concentrated on Chicago's South Side, particularly in and around the Chatham area. Prosecutors described a crime spree extending from the summer of 1992 through August 1995. Harris repeatedly approached people near their homes or on residential streets, threatened them with a handgun, demanded money or valuables, and in numerous attacks opened fire. Six men were killed in shootings attributed to him, while several other shooting victims survived. During the 1995 portion of the crime spree, Harris also committed a series of armed robberies and sexual assaults against women. Harris was ultimately charged in numerous felony cases arising from the attacks. He was convicted of the murders of William Patterson and David Ford, as well as the attempted murder of William Patterson's brother James Patterson. He was also convicted in a separate case involving the armed robbery and sexual assault of a woman. Evidence concerning other murders, shootings, robberies and sexual assaults was presented during his prosecutions and sentencing proceedings.

The 1992 Murder Spree

Harris was already facing criminal charges when a concentrated series of shootings began during the summer of 1992. On July 21, insurance agent Danny Smith arrived at a residence on South Harper Avenue after driving from Memphis. Harris approached him during an attempted robbery and shot Smith seven times. Smith survived. The following day, July 22, Harris and another man confronted retired 69-year-old Thomas Hodges in the garage behind Hodges's home at 8617 South Maryland Avenue. Harris shot Hodges in the abdomen while his accomplice took Hodges's wallet. Hodges died from the shooting. Eleven days later, during the early morning of August 2, 1992, Harris encountered 43-year-old Jimmie Bramlett as Bramlett returned home from a family reunion. Bramlett had parked his car and was walking toward his residence at 2400 East 89th Street. Harris announced a robbery and shot Bramlett twice in the abdomen. Bramlett was found dead on his lawn at approximately 8:00 that morning. His wallet was missing. An envelope containing his wallet and identification was subsequently returned to his mailbox. On August 11, Harris confronted businessman Willie Williams after Williams returned home carrying money from his store. Williams surrendered a bag containing approximately $1,800, but Harris nevertheless shot him twice. Williams survived. Six days later, on August 17, Harris carried out two attacks that resulted in the deaths of David Ford and William Patterson and the serious shooting of Patterson's brother James. ...

Confirmed Victims: (6)

Thomas Hodges Age: (69), Date of Death: 1992-07-21

Ralph Harris | Murderpedia