Red and Sue Hammond rob (and murder) two bank messengers on the same day. They decide to pull one more robbery before leaving the area, but their attempt to rob messenger Ernest Babcock proves unsuccessful because the money is in an inviolable briefcase that is chained to his wrist. They abandon Babcock and attempt to flee, but the additional time they've spent in the area gives Dan Mathews and Sergeant Williams the opportunity to ascertain their whereabouts and ultimately trap them inside their motel room. The felons decide to make a last-ditch effort to shoot their way out, since they are well aware that capture will likely mean the death penalty.
—Sam Spear