Claude fancied himself a super warrior. He told his buddies he learned ninja fighting in Viet Nam. He claimed to be a mercenary. But there’s no record of his serving overseas as either a soldier or a mercenary.

Sally, his newest girlfriend, said their relationship was a "one date fiasco." The night after she said, "It’s over, Claude!" he kicked in her kitchen door and begged for her hand in marriage.

Sally changed addresses several times but Claude always found her. He watched her, he telephoned her, and he followed her - everywhere.

Finally, Sally had enough and called the sheriff. Claude was arrested for stalking, but because he had no prior record, he was put on probation.

Claude felt "betrayed" by his lady-love and wanted revenge. Now his phone calls to Sally turned to threats. Late one night Claude put on a black jumpsuit, black gloves, and a black ski mask.

Deputies believe he planned to assault Sally’s trailer from the blind side with the fewest number of windows and no street lights. He planned to cut the phone line, cut the power, and kick in the kitchen door.

Claude’s assault on Sally’s trailer might have worked except for one thing. On that dark, moonless night dressed all in black this ninja wanna-be warrior was invisible as he crossed a four-lane highway to get to Sally’s place. He was struck and killed by fast-moving cars from both directions.

"I’m really sorry Claude died that way," Sally told deputies. "But I’m not surprised. He wasn’t good at anything he did. He forgot the most basic rule. Even school kids know: ‘Always look both ways before crossing.’"