History of Dustin Higgs in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 26, 2024

Dustin John Higgs was executed by the U.S. federal government in January 2021 for the 1996 murders of Tamika Black, Tanji Jackson, and Mishann Chinn in Maryland. The murders occurred on federal land, leading to a federal trial. Higgs's case and execution were highly controversial.

1945: Birth of Marilyn M. Bennett Higgs

Marilyn M. Bennett Higgs, Dustin Higgs' mother, was born in 1945.

March 10, 1972: Dustin John Higgs is Born

Dustin John Higgs was born on March 10, 1972.

1982: Death of Marilyn M. Bennett Higgs

Marilyn M. Bennett Higgs, Dustin Higgs' mother, died in 1982.

June 1991: Jane Tyson Murdered

Jane Tyson was murdered in June 1991.

1991: Dustin Higgs Moves to Laurel, Maryland

Dustin Higgs moved to Laurel, Maryland in 1991.

January 1996: Murders of Tamika Black, Tanji Jackson, and Mishann Chinn

In January 1996, Tamika Black, Tanji Jackson, and Mishann Chinn were shot and killed near the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.

January 26, 1996: Dustin Higgs, Willis Haynes, and Victor Gloria Meet Tamika Black, Tanji Jackson, and Mishann Chinn

On the evening of January 26, 1996, Dustin Higgs, Willis Haynes, and Victor Gloria met Tamika Black, Tanji Jackson, and Mishann Chinn in Washington D.C. to hang out.

March 1996: Dustin Higgs Questioned About Murders

Dustin Higgs was first questioned about the January 1996 murders in March 1996.

1996: Dustin Higgs Marries and Becomes a Father

By 1996, Dustin Higgs was married and had a son.

May 12, 1997: Dustin Higgs Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

On May 12, 1997, Dustin Higgs pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 17 years.

October 1998: Dustin Higgs and Willis Haynes Indicted for Murder

In October 1998, Dustin Higgs and Willis Haynes were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of first degree murder, kidnapping resulting in death, and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

August 24, 2000: Willis Haynes Sentenced to Life in Prison

On August 24, 2000, Willis Haynes was sentenced to nine concurrent life terms without parole, plus 45 years.

October 26, 2000: Dustin Higgs Sentenced to Death

On October 26, 2000, Dustin Higgs was sentenced to death.

November 22, 2000: Victor Gloria Sentenced to Prison

On November 22, 2000, Victor Gloria was sentenced to eighty-four months in federal prison.

2000: Dustin Higgs and Willis Haynes Tried Separately

Dustin Higgs and Willis Haynes were tried separately in 2000 for the January 1996 murders.

January 3, 2001: Dustin Higgs Formally Sentenced to Death

Dustin Higgs was formally sentenced to death by a federal judge on January 3, 2001.

2005: Wesley Baker Executed in Maryland

Wesley Baker was executed in Maryland in 2005, marking the last execution in the state prior to the abolishment of the death penalty.

February 4, 2006: Victor Gloria Released From Prison

Victor Gloria was released from prison on February 4, 2006.

2012: Willis Haynes Admits Higgs Did Not Force Him

In 2012, Willis Haynes admitted in a sworn affidavit that Dustin Higgs had not forced or bullied him into killing the three women.

2012: Willis Mark Haynes Signs Affidavit

In 2012, Willis Mark Haynes signed an affidavit stating that Dustin Higgs did not force or threaten him into killing Tamika Black, Tanji Jackson, and Mishann Chinn.