Podcast Summary: Morbid Episode 674 – The Norco Shootout

Introduction In Episode 674 of Morbid, titled "The Norco Shootout," hosts Ashley and Elena delve into one of California's most shocking and violent events—the Norco shootout. This detailed exploration uncovers the motivations, planning, execution, and catastrophic aftermath of a bank robbery that spiraled into chaos and tragedy.

Background of the Perpetrators The story centers around George Wayne Smith and Christopher Harvin, two men whose lives converged in the Cypress Parks Department in the early 1970s. Unlike typical criminals, Smith and Harvin had no prior criminal records or interactions with law enforcement. Their motivations were deeply rooted in apocalyptic beliefs, fueled by their upbringing during the Cold War era, which exposed them to constant threats of nuclear war and global instability.

Ashley [11:03]: "Both men spent their formative years right in the middle of all this social political unrest... It was a scary time."

Smith was an evangelical influenced by the Jesus Movement, interpreting the Book of Revelation literally and believing that the world was on the brink of extinction. Harvin, on the other hand, leaned towards spirituality and viewed impending doom through astrological and ecological lenses.

Planning the Robbery By 1979, financial strains and growing apocalyptic fears pushed Smith and Harvin to devise an elaborate plan to secure resources for the anticipated end times. They fortified their Miraloma, California, home into a fortified bunker, complete with high walls, razor wire, and hidden compartments. Their plan involved a meticulous bank robbery that deviated significantly from conventional methods.

Elena [21:13]: "They were looking to scare people. To terrorize people."

Execution of the Robbery On May 9, 1980, the group—comprising Smith, Harvin, and their associates Manny and Billy Delgado, along with Russ Harvin—attempted to rob the Norco branch of the Security Pacific Bank. Their plan was fraught with poor decision-making and unforeseen complications:

1. Initial Bank Attempt: The initial attempt to rob a telephone service van failed when the back compartment was unsuitable for their needs, leading them to flee without any loot.

2. Final Plan: Undeterred, they staked out the Sussec Pacific Bank in Norco, armed with an extensive arsenal including assault rifles, shotguns, grenades, and Molotov cocktails. Their strategy involved creating diversions and utilizing heavy firepower to intimidate and control the situation.

Ashley [44:30]: "But George Smith broke cardinal rule number one when he comes to bank robbery. He robbed his own bank."

The Shootout and Aftermath As the group entered the bank, chaos ensued almost immediately:

• Hostage Situation: They took several hostages, including a bank teller named Gary Hakala, whom they forced into the van as a hostage.

• Police Response: Deputy Glenn Balaski was the first officer on the scene. The robbers' aggressive actions led to a violent shootout involving multiple deputies and federal agents. The ensuing firefight was intense, resulting in the deaths of Deputy Jim Evans and Billy Delgado, Harvin's 17-year-old brother.

• Escape Attempt: The surviving robbers attempted to flee into the San Gabriel Mountains but were ultimately cornered. Manny Delgado took his own life rather than surrender, and Chris Harvin was mortally wounded during the confrontation.

Elena [71:36]: "They wanted to do it... They wanted to scare people. To terrorize people."

Legal Consequences Despite their lack of prior criminal history, Smith, Harvin, and Russ Harvin were swiftly apprehended. In a trial that lasted several months, they were convicted on 45 counts, including murder and armed robbery. Smith and Chris Harvin were sentenced to life without parole, while Russ Harvin passed away in 2019.

Ashley [69:00]: "They got all of them on 45 counts... Including two counts of murder for Billy Delgado and Jim Evans, one of their own and a police officer."

Conclusions and Reflections The Norco shootout remains a stark reminder of how extremist beliefs and poor planning can escalate ordinary criminal acts into catastrophic events. Smith and Harvin's story is not just about a failed bank robbery but also about the destructive power of apocalyptic paranoia and the devastating impact it can have on communities and individuals alike.

Elena [71:05]: "They were looking to scare people. To terrorize people."

Notable Quotes

• Ashley [11:03]: "Both men spent their formative years right in the middle of all this social political unrest... It was a scary time."
• Elena [21:13]: "They were looking to scare people. To terrorize people."
• Ashley [44:30]: "But George Smith broke cardinal rule number one when it comes to bank robbery. He robbed his own bank."
• Elena [71:05]: "They were looking to scare people. To terrorize people."

Conclusion Episode 674 of Morbid provides a comprehensive and chilling account of the Norco shootout, highlighting how unconventional motivations and irrational planning can lead to immense tragedy. Through detailed storytelling and insightful analysis, Ashley and Elena illuminate the darkest facets of human behavior and the lasting scars such events leave on society.