Robert Wesley Knighton (February 5, 1941 – May 27, 2003) was an American serial killer and spree killer who, after serving time for kidnapping and manslaughter in Missouri embarked on a four-day, two-state killing spree along with Lawrence Lingle Brittain (born September 11, 1972) and Ruth Renee Williams (born February 1967).

Brittain and Williams both pleaded guilty and testified against Knighton in exchange for leniency, and have since been released from prison.

Immediately following the shootings, Knighton went to the home of a young couple and kidnapped them and their 6-year-old daughter, threatening to kill the girl if they did not comply.

The kidnapping, which lasted 11 hours, came to an end after Knighton stopped at a café to buy the family food.

The woman, fearing her family would be killed, attacked Knighton with a steak knife, cutting his face.

He was charged with first degree murder for killing Coffier Day, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter and had 10 years added to his sentence.

[9] In 1990, after learning that Brittain would be moved to a more restrictive jail setting, they and Williams decided to flee the city.

The following day, they drove to the home of Frank Merrifield, a friend of Brittain's father, in Clinton, Missouri.

As the three drove through rural Oklahoma, Knighton told Brittain he would perform the next robbery since he needed to "grow up".

Brittain got out of the van and asked Richard for directions, intending to pull a gun on him when he was distracted.

Knighton said he did not "want to have to" kill the Denny's, but then offered Brittain the chance to shoot the couple.

A local woman became suspicious of the trio after they repeatedly circled around the block and called the police.

[2] Knighton, Brittain, and Williams were each charged with two counts of first degree murder in Missouri and Oklahoma.

During a preliminary hearing, Brittain, who the court ruled would be tried as an adult, said he and Williams were stupid for having ever agreed to accompany Knighton.

"[12] Knighton was convicted of two counts of first degree murder in 50 minutes, and was sentenced to death after four hours of deliberations.

Norton testified on Knighton's behalf at a clemency hearing, asking the state pardon and parole board for mercy.

Norton's forgiving nature temporarily estranged from her sister, who thought Knighton deserved to die.