2007 Carnation Murders
Familicide of Anderson Family
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Carnation, Washington
TIME PERIOD
December 24, 2007
VICTIMS
6 confirmed
On December 24, 2007, a tragic familicide occurred at the home of Wayne Scott Anderson and Judy Anderson in Carnation, Washington, resulting in the deaths of six family members, including Wayne (60), Judy (61), their son Scott (32), his wife Erica (32), and their two children, Olivia (5) and Nathan (3). The perpetrators, Michele Kristen Anderson, the couple's daughter, and her boyfriend Joseph Thomas McEnroe, executed the murders following a financial dispute, using a .357 Magnum revolver and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. After killing the parents, they awaited the arrival of Scott and his family, ultimately shooting them as well, with all victims suffering fatal head wounds. The crime was discovered two days later when police responded to a delayed 9-1-1 call made by Erica, but initial investigation was hindered by a locked gate. Both suspects were apprehended and charged, with the case currently in the judicial process, pending trial.
Michele Kristen Anderson and Joseph Thomas McEnroe are believed to have been motivated by a financial dispute, possibly over inheritance or family assets. Some speculate that the planning of the murders was premeditated, as they cleaned the crime scene and waited for the rest of the family to arrive. There is also speculation about the psychological dynamics within the family, particularly regarding Michele's relationship with her parents and brother.
The Carnation Tragedy: A Family's Darkest Hour
A Quiet Christmas Eve Shattered
On December 24, 2007, in the serene rural backdrop of Carnation, Washington, a horrific event unfolded that would forever mar the lives of those involved and the community at large. The Anderson family, spanning three generations, fell victim to a chilling act of violence that would come to be known as the Carnation murders.
Nestled 25 miles east of Seattle, the home of Wayne Scott Anderson and Judy Anderson became the scene of an unthinkable massacre. By the end of the day, six family members lay dead, their lives brutally cut short.
The Anderson Family
The victims of this familial slaughter were:
- Wayne Scott Anderson, 60, a dedicated Boeing engineer and the patriarch of the family.
- Judy Anderson, 61, a postal worker and Wayne's devoted wife.
- Scott Anderson, 32, their son, who was building a life with his own family.
- Erica Mantle Anderson, 32, Scott's beloved wife.
- Olivia Anderson, 5, the bright-eyed daughter of Scott and Erica.
- Nathan Anderson, 3, their youngest child, full of potential and promise.
The Crime Unfolds
The events of that grim Christmas Eve began with Michele Kristen Anderson and her boyfriend, Joseph Thomas McEnroe, arming themselves and driving to Michele's parents' home. A financial dispute had simmered beneath the surface, driving Michele to this fateful decision. Once inside, McEnroe distracted Judy, who was wrapping Christmas gifts, as Michele attempted to shoot her father. When her gun jammed, McEnroe stepped in, killing both Wayne and Judy Anderson with cold precision.
The perpetrators then dragged the bodies outside, meticulously cleaning the house in anticipation of the arrival of Michele's brother, Scott, his wife, Erica, and their two young children. As the family entered their doom, Michele shot Scott multiple times, ensuring his death. Erica, though wounded, valiantly reached for the phone and managed to dial 9-1-1. The call, tragically brief, only captured the sound of chaos, which dispatchers mistook for a party dispute. McEnroe swiftly ended the call, removing the phone's batteries before delivering the fatal shot to Erica.
The couple's heartlessness extended to the children, Olivia and Nathan, whom they killed to eliminate any witnesses. Michele, fearing the impact of the children's trauma from witnessing their parents' murder, justified this heinous act. In total, 16 shots were fired, each one sealing the fate of the Anderson family.
The Discovery and Arrests
Despite the desperate 9-1-1 call, police initially did not investigate further due to a locked gate, which Michele had secured after realizing the call had gone through. It wasn't until two days later, on December 26, that the bodies were discovered. Judy's concerned friend and co-worker, Linda Thiele, visited the house after Judy failed to show up for work. Peering through the window, she saw bodies lying on the floor and immediately called for help.
As detectives arrived at the scene, Michele and McEnroe coincidentally drove up. Under questioning, they eventually confessed to the murders, leading to their arrest.
Motive and Legal Proceedings
The motive was as grim as it was trivial: money. Michele believed her brother owed her money, and she felt slighted and mistreated by her family. This perceived injustice fueled her rage and led to the catastrophic decision to annihilate her own kin.
Both Michele Anderson, unemployed at the time, and Joseph McEnroe, a Target employee, were charged with six counts of first-degree murder. They chose to waive their right to court appearances and admitted to their crimes during police interrogations.
Trials and Sentencing
In January 2014, McEnroe confessed to the murders, hoping to avoid the death penalty. By December 19, 2014, a jury had been selected to deliberate his fate. On March 25, 2015, the jury found McEnroe guilty on all counts of aggravated first-degree murder. He narrowly escaped the death penalty due to a statewide moratorium imposed by Governor Jay Inslee, instead receiving a life sentence on May 13, 2015.
Michele Anderson faced her own trial, and on March 4, 2016, she was found guilty of the same charges. She was sentenced to life in prison the following month. McEnroe now serves his sentence at Washington State Penitentiary, while Anderson is incarcerated at the Washington Corrections Center for Women.
Sources
For further reading, please consult the comprehensive timeline and reports on the Wikipedia page.
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Carnation Murders Occur
Michele Anderson and Joseph McEnroe murder six family members on Christmas Eve.
Bodies Discovered
The bodies of the Anderson family are found by a friend after a 9-1-1 call.
Suspects Arrested
Michele Anderson and Joseph McEnroe are arrested after arriving at the crime scene.
McEnroe Confesses
Joseph McEnroe confesses to the murders in an attempt to avoid the death penalty.
Trial Begins for McEnroe
Jury selection begins for Joseph McEnroe's trial for the murders.
McEnroe Found Guilty
Joseph McEnroe is found guilty of aggravated first-degree murder on all counts.
McEnroe Sentenced
Joseph McEnroe is sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Anderson Found Guilty
Michele Anderson is found guilty of six counts of aggravated first-degree murder.
Anderson Sentenced
Michele Anderson is sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
On December 24, 2007, a tragic familicide occurred at the home of Wayne Scott Anderson and Judy Anderson in Carnation, Washington, resulting in the deaths of six family members, including Wayne (60), Judy (61), their son Scott (32), his wife Erica (32), and their two children, Olivia (5) and Nathan (3). The perpetrators, Michele Kristen Anderson, the couple's daughter, and her boyfriend Joseph Thomas McEnroe, executed the murders following a financial dispute, using a .357 Magnum revolver and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. After killing the parents, they awaited the arrival of Scott and his family, ultimately shooting them as well, with all victims suffering fatal head wounds. The crime was discovered two days later when police responded to a delayed 9-1-1 call made by Erica, but initial investigation was hindered by a locked gate. Both suspects were apprehended and charged, with the case currently in the judicial process, pending trial.
Michele Kristen Anderson and Joseph Thomas McEnroe are believed to have been motivated by a financial dispute, possibly over inheritance or family assets. Some speculate that the planning of the murders was premeditated, as they cleaned the crime scene and waited for the rest of the family to arrive. There is also speculation about the psychological dynamics within the family, particularly regarding Michele's relationship with her parents and brother.
The Carnation Tragedy: A Family's Darkest Hour
A Quiet Christmas Eve Shattered
On December 24, 2007, in the serene rural backdrop of Carnation, Washington, a horrific event unfolded that would forever mar the lives of those involved and the community at large. The Anderson family, spanning three generations, fell victim to a chilling act of violence that would come to be known as the Carnation murders.
Nestled 25 miles east of Seattle, the home of Wayne Scott Anderson and Judy Anderson became the scene of an unthinkable massacre. By the end of the day, six family members lay dead, their lives brutally cut short.
The Anderson Family
The victims of this familial slaughter were:
- Wayne Scott Anderson, 60, a dedicated Boeing engineer and the patriarch of the family.
- Judy Anderson, 61, a postal worker and Wayne's devoted wife.
- Scott Anderson, 32, their son, who was building a life with his own family.
- Erica Mantle Anderson, 32, Scott's beloved wife.
- Olivia Anderson, 5, the bright-eyed daughter of Scott and Erica.
- Nathan Anderson, 3, their youngest child, full of potential and promise.
The Crime Unfolds
The events of that grim Christmas Eve began with Michele Kristen Anderson and her boyfriend, Joseph Thomas McEnroe, arming themselves and driving to Michele's parents' home. A financial dispute had simmered beneath the surface, driving Michele to this fateful decision. Once inside, McEnroe distracted Judy, who was wrapping Christmas gifts, as Michele attempted to shoot her father. When her gun jammed, McEnroe stepped in, killing both Wayne and Judy Anderson with cold precision.
The perpetrators then dragged the bodies outside, meticulously cleaning the house in anticipation of the arrival of Michele's brother, Scott, his wife, Erica, and their two young children. As the family entered their doom, Michele shot Scott multiple times, ensuring his death. Erica, though wounded, valiantly reached for the phone and managed to dial 9-1-1. The call, tragically brief, only captured the sound of chaos, which dispatchers mistook for a party dispute. McEnroe swiftly ended the call, removing the phone's batteries before delivering the fatal shot to Erica.
The couple's heartlessness extended to the children, Olivia and Nathan, whom they killed to eliminate any witnesses. Michele, fearing the impact of the children's trauma from witnessing their parents' murder, justified this heinous act. In total, 16 shots were fired, each one sealing the fate of the Anderson family.
The Discovery and Arrests
Despite the desperate 9-1-1 call, police initially did not investigate further due to a locked gate, which Michele had secured after realizing the call had gone through. It wasn't until two days later, on December 26, that the bodies were discovered. Judy's concerned friend and co-worker, Linda Thiele, visited the house after Judy failed to show up for work. Peering through the window, she saw bodies lying on the floor and immediately called for help.
As detectives arrived at the scene, Michele and McEnroe coincidentally drove up. Under questioning, they eventually confessed to the murders, leading to their arrest.
Motive and Legal Proceedings
The motive was as grim as it was trivial: money. Michele believed her brother owed her money, and she felt slighted and mistreated by her family. This perceived injustice fueled her rage and led to the catastrophic decision to annihilate her own kin.
Both Michele Anderson, unemployed at the time, and Joseph McEnroe, a Target employee, were charged with six counts of first-degree murder. They chose to waive their right to court appearances and admitted to their crimes during police interrogations.
Trials and Sentencing
In January 2014, McEnroe confessed to the murders, hoping to avoid the death penalty. By December 19, 2014, a jury had been selected to deliberate his fate. On March 25, 2015, the jury found McEnroe guilty on all counts of aggravated first-degree murder. He narrowly escaped the death penalty due to a statewide moratorium imposed by Governor Jay Inslee, instead receiving a life sentence on May 13, 2015.
Michele Anderson faced her own trial, and on March 4, 2016, she was found guilty of the same charges. She was sentenced to life in prison the following month. McEnroe now serves his sentence at Washington State Penitentiary, while Anderson is incarcerated at the Washington Corrections Center for Women.
Sources
For further reading, please consult the comprehensive timeline and reports on the Wikipedia page.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Carnation Murders Occur
Michele Anderson and Joseph McEnroe murder six family members on Christmas Eve.
Bodies Discovered
The bodies of the Anderson family are found by a friend after a 9-1-1 call.
Suspects Arrested
Michele Anderson and Joseph McEnroe are arrested after arriving at the crime scene.
McEnroe Confesses
Joseph McEnroe confesses to the murders in an attempt to avoid the death penalty.
Trial Begins for McEnroe
Jury selection begins for Joseph McEnroe's trial for the murders.
McEnroe Found Guilty
Joseph McEnroe is found guilty of aggravated first-degree murder on all counts.
McEnroe Sentenced
Joseph McEnroe is sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Anderson Found Guilty
Michele Anderson is found guilty of six counts of aggravated first-degree murder.
Anderson Sentenced
Michele Anderson is sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.