Linda and Gary Haas

In April 2009, retired Texas couple Gary (61) and Linda Haas (63) set out on a cross-country RV trip from their home in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. When they failed to contact family members, concern grew. Their burned motorhome was found along a remote road near McAlester, Oklahoma with their remains inside, badly charred.

The investigation initially had few leads. The fire had destroyed much potential evidence, and the remote location of the burned RV offered no witnesses. However, when items from the Haas's RV—including credit cards, firearms, and personal effects—began surfacing, investigators were able to trace them to suspects.

Two men, Paul Kevin Watts and Tanner Croft, were eventually arrested and charged with the murders. Evidence showed they had encountered the Haases, murdered them for their possessions, set fire to the RV to conceal the crime, and fled with stolen property. Watts was convicted and sentenced to death, while Croft received a lengthy prison sentence.

The case highlighted the vulnerability of travelers in remote areas and the value of financial tracking in solving crimes. The use of the stolen credit cards and sale of stolen firearms ultimately provided the evidence trail that led to the killers.