Stephen Wayne Anderson

Stephen Wayne Anderson, born on July 8, 1953, was an American contract killer and serial murderer whose life ended with a lethal injection at California's San Quentin State Prison on January 29, 2002. His criminal history was marked by a string of violent offenses, including multiple murders.

Raised in a tumultuous environment, Anderson experienced a troubled childhood characterized by parental neglect and abuse. His criminal trajectory began in 1971 with a burglary in Farmington, New Mexico, during which he menaced police officers. This led to his first conviction and a subsequent stint in prison. Despite being paroled in 1975, Anderson's criminal activities persisted, resulting in further convictions and imprisonment.

While incarcerated at Utah State Prison in 1977, Anderson committed his first known murder, taking the life of fellow inmate Blundell. He also engaged in assaults on both inmates and correctional officers. Additionally, he confessed to six contract killings in Las Vegas, Nevada, prior to his ultimate conviction.

Anderson's most notorious crime occurred on May 26, 1980, when he invaded the home of 81-year-old Elizabeth Lyman in Bloomington, California. After disabling her phone line and breaking into her residence, he fatally shot Lyman in the face with a .45 caliber handgun during a confrontation in her bedroom. Despite his heinous act, he only managed to steal a small sum of money from her home before being apprehended by law enforcement.

Following his arrest, Anderson openly admitted to his involvement in Lyman's murder, stating,

"I was born and trained to be a killer. I always wanted to be a killer."

This chilling confession, coupled with his extensive history of violence, sealed his fate.

In July 1981, Anderson was convicted and sentenced to death. Prosecutors cited his violent past and sociopathic tendencies as compelling evidence for his execution. Despite appeals and legal maneuvers, Anderson's sentence was upheld.

On January 29, 2002, Anderson met his end via lethal injection at San Quentin State Prison. He declined to make any final statements. His last meal consisted of two grilled cheese sandwiches with radishes, a pint of cottage cheese, a hominy/corn mixture, a slice of peach pie, and a pint of chocolate chip ice cream.

The case of Stephen Wayne Anderson serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals with a propensity for violence and a lack of empathy for their victims.