Snell, Richard Wayne (1931–1995)

Richard Wayne Snell, a key figure in the far-right Christian Identity movement and one-time member of a right-wing religious paramilitary group called the Covenant, the Sword, and the Arm of the Lord (CSA), was executed on April 19, 1995, a significant date among white supremacist and right-wing groups (April 19, 1995, was also the date of the Oklahoma City bombing). At the time of his death, some Christian Identity adherents believed Snell was to be the second coming of Christ.

Snell was on death row for murdering two men—Louis Bryant, a black Arkansas state trooper, and William Stumpp, the owner of a Texarkana pawn shop. In 1984, Bryant stopped Snell for a traffic violation near DeQueen, Arkansas. Snell shot Bryant once as he approached the car, and again as Bryant lay on the ground. Police chased Snell to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, where ...