Arizona Prison Escapee Found Guilty In Murders Of Oklahoma Couple

An Arizona prison escapee was found guilty Monday of murdering two Oklahomans in New Mexico.

Gary and Linda Haas of Tecumseh were shot to death in New Mexico three years ago. The family of his victims said they did not miss a day of the month-long trial.

"We're glad this part is over," said Vivian Haas, Gary Haas' mother.

John McCluskey was found guilty on 20 counts in the deaths of Gary and Linda Haas.

With the help of his cousin-turned-girlfriend, Casslyn Welch, McCluskey broke out of prison in Arizona with two other inmates.

Prosecutors say McCluskey saw the Haases at a New Mexico rest stop and he killed them then burned their bodies.

The carjacking sparked a nationwide manhunt and investigators say when they caught McCluskey, he was wearing Gary Haas' hat.

Welch and an inmate pleaded guilty to their roles and testified against McCluskey. His defense called no witnesses.

Vivian Haas spoke after the trial and when asked what it would take to feel relief she said, "to feel forgiveness or something, but I don't."

Gary and Linda Haas were high school sweethearts, retired and traveling on their annual trip to Colorado.

After their murders, Gary Haas' mother lost her home in the Joplin tornado, then Gary and Linda's daughter was found shot to death in Shawnee in March of 2013. Her husband was charged in the crime.

McCluskey could be sentenced to life in prison or receive the death penalty.

"I hope that we can get closure," Vivian Haas said.

McCluskey's sentencing is October 15 with the same jury.