James Hairston was sentenced to death by the State of Idaho for two murders committed during a robbery
According to court documents Hairston and an accomplice would force their way into a home where two elderly people would be executed: William and Dalma Fuhriman
James Hairston would be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death
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Where Is James Hairston Now
James Hairston is incarcerated at Idaho Maximum Security Institution
James Hairston Case
On January 6, 1996, Hairston and a companion, Richard Klipfel, were driving from Grand Junction, Colorado, to Spokane, Washington. They stopped at the Fuhrimans’ ranch because they had run out of money and could not continue their journey. The Fuhrimans invited Hairston and Klipfel into their home and offered to help them find jobs. While Mr. Fuhriman was sitting at a kitchen table looking at a phone book, Hairston shot him in the head and then shot Mrs. Fuhriman. Hairston and Klipfel took $30 in cash, credit cards, and some personal property from the Fuhrimans’ home and continued their journey. Hairston and Klipfel pawned some of the Fuhrimans’ property. They purchased several items with the credit cards including toy remote control cars, tires, food, gas, and lodging. They also attempted to purchase a Harley Davidson motorcycle and $2500 worth of snowboarding equipment, but the credit card was rejected. Hairston and Klipfel were apprehended together near Clarkston, Washington, three days after the murders.
A jury found Hairston guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery. The district court imposed a death sentence for each of the two murders and life in prison for the robbery. Hairston appealed. He also filed an application for post-conviction relief, which was denied. Hairston’s direct appeal and his appeal from the denial of post-conviction relief have been consolidated for our review
