Andrew Six
Child Murderer and Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Ottumwa, Iowa
TIME PERIOD
April 10, 1987
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
On April 10, 1987, Andrew Wessel Six, along with his uncle Donald Petary, kidnapped and murdered 12-year-old Kathy Allen in Iowa, with her body later discovered in Missouri. Both were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in Missouri, with Six also receiving a 200-year federal sentence for kidnapping. Six was executed by lethal injection on August 20, 1997, while Petary died on death row in 1998. In 2014, posthumous DNA testing linked Six to a 1984 triple homicide in Iowa, where he had previously been a prime suspect but was not charged due to insufficient evidence.
Andrew Six is believed to have been involved in multiple murders beyond those for which he was convicted, with posthumous DNA testing linking him to a 1984 triple homicide in Iowa. Some speculate that his troubled upbringing and psychological issues may have contributed to his violent behavior. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that he may have had accomplices in other crimes, although evidence for this remains circumstantial.
The Twisted Path of Andrew Six: A Tale of Murder and Justice
Early Life: A Troubled Beginning
Andrew Wessel Six entered this world on May 14, 1965, in Pershing, Iowa. From the start, his life was fraught with challenges that would eventually shape his dark future. Diagnosed with hyperactivity during preschool, Six's early years were marked by behavioral issues. His childhood was a tapestry of dysfunction, woven with threads of child abuse, neglect, and instability. Social services closely monitored his tumultuous home environment, but stability remained elusive. To compound his woes, a hearing impairment went untreated for three critical years during his elementary school days, further isolating him from the world.
As Six stumbled through his teenage years, psychiatric evaluations painted a grim picture. Dr. A.E. Daniel's comprehensive report detailed a childhood marred by disorganization, hyperactivity, and clinical depression. These early adversities laid the foundation for a life plagued by substance abuse and a burgeoning personality disorder with antisocial features.
1984: The Iowa Family Murders
On April 12, 1984, the idyllic town of Ottumwa, Iowa, became the backdrop for a chilling crime. Under circumstances shrouded in mystery, Andrew Six committed the brutal triple murder of a local family. The community would not learn of the tragedy until the following day when the lifeless body of 20-year-old Justin Hook Jr. was discovered outside his charred mobile home in rural Drakesville, Iowa.
The horror continued as, three days later, Hook's 41-year-old mother, Sarah Link, was found dead in a farm field near Eldon, Iowa. Forensic investigations revealed both victims had suffered lethal blows to the head. The tragedy culminated on April 18, 1984, when 19-year-old Tina Lade, Hook's fiancée, was found in a ravine half a mile from Link's body. Lade, missing since the murders of Link and Hook, had been sought by police for information. Her death confirmed her status as the third victim in this gruesome triple homicide.
Autopsies revealed that all three victims had died from similar fatal head wounds, pointing to a single perpetrator. The community grappled with the senseless violence, left questioning the motive behind such a heinous act. Despite the lack of immediate arrests, the case remained unsolved until 2014, years after Andrew Six's execution for another murder.
1987: The Abduction and Murder of Kathy Allen
April 10, 1987, marked the beginning of Andrew Six's final, horrifying chapter. It was on this day that he and his uncle, Donald Eugene Petary, committed the kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Kathy Annette Allen in Ottumwa, Iowa. The duo approached the Allen family under the pretense of purchasing a truck, a necessary sale to cover the surgical expenses of Kathy's father, Don Allen, who suffered from a heart condition.
Kathy, a special education student, was at home with her mother, Stella, and her pregnant 17-year-old sister, Christine, when Petary and Six arrived. As Stella accompanied the men for a test drive, Six and Petary bound her with duct tape and took her hostage. The men returned to the Allen home, where Six restrained Don, stole the family's wallets, and raped Christine. In the chaos, Stella was stabbed in the throat, and while Christine managed to escape, Kathy was not so fortunate. Six and Petary abducted her, driving south to Missouri.
The next day, authorities apprehended Six and Petary in Texas. Three days later, Kathy's body was found in a Missouri ditch. Examination revealed a stab wound to her neck, the fatal injury inflicted after her abduction.
The Trials: State and Federal Justice
In the aftermath of their arrest, Andrew Six and Donald Petary faced charges of first-degree murder in Missouri, a conviction carrying either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. Tried separately, Six was found guilty on July 28, 1988. Despite a jury deadlock on sentencing, Circuit Judge E. Richard Webber imposed the death penalty on July 29, citing the aggravating circumstances of the case.
Petary faced a similar fate, convicted and sentenced to death on November 3, 1988. Both men were incarcerated on death row at Potosi Correctional Center, Missouri's designated prison for male death row inmates.
In addition to state charges, Six and Petary faced federal charges for kidnapping Kathy Allen, a crime crossing state lines. On October 23, 1987, both were convicted of kidnapping in a Des Moines federal district court, receiving 200-year sentences. Judges Charles R. Wolle and Harold Duane Vietor ensured that neither would see freedom, as parole was denied for a minimum of 66 years.
Appeals and Execution
Following his convictions, Andrew Six launched a series of appeals, all of which were ultimately denied. His final attempt at clemency was rejected by Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan. On August 20, 1997, Andrew Six was executed by lethal injection at the age of 32. Kathy Allen's mother bore witness, finding a bittersweet closure in the justice served, yet mourning the loss that no execution could amend.
The Fate of Donald Petary
Donald Petary's journey ended on death row, his appeals against the death sentence dismissed. Scheduled for execution on November 28, 1990, Petary was granted a stay, only to die of natural causes on May 12, 1998, while awaiting his fate.
Posthumous Revelation: The 1984 Murders Solved
In January 2014, nearly two decades after Andrew Six's execution, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation announced that he was the true perpetrator of the 1984 Ottumwa triple murders. The breakthrough came as forensic analysis confirmed that material found on Tina Lade's clothing matched Six's DNA, bringing closure to a case long shrouded in mystery. Families of the victims found solace in knowing the man responsible had been held accountable, despite the years of unanswered questions.
Conclusion
The saga of Andrew Six is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can dwell within a life marred by adversity. His path of destruction left a trail of grief and loss, but it also showcased the relentless pursuit of justice. For the families of his victims, the eventual resolution of these cases served as a testament to their enduring strength and the hope that justice, though delayed, can still be served.
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Triple Family Murder
Andrew Six commits the triple murder of a family in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Murder of Kathy Allen
Andrew Six kidnaps and murders 12-year-old Kathy Allen in Iowa.
Federal Kidnapping Conviction
Six and his uncle are found guilty of kidnapping Kathy Allen and sentenced to 200 years in prison.
State Murder Conviction
Andrew Six is found guilty of first-degree murder for Kathy Allen's death.
Death Sentence
Andrew Six is sentenced to death by lethal injection in Missouri.
Execution
Andrew Six is executed by lethal injection at the Potosi Correctional Center.
DNA Links to Triple Murder
DNA testing posthumously identifies Six as the murderer of the 1984 triple homicide in Iowa.
On April 10, 1987, Andrew Wessel Six, along with his uncle Donald Petary, kidnapped and murdered 12-year-old Kathy Allen in Iowa, with her body later discovered in Missouri. Both were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in Missouri, with Six also receiving a 200-year federal sentence for kidnapping. Six was executed by lethal injection on August 20, 1997, while Petary died on death row in 1998. In 2014, posthumous DNA testing linked Six to a 1984 triple homicide in Iowa, where he had previously been a prime suspect but was not charged due to insufficient evidence.
Andrew Six is believed to have been involved in multiple murders beyond those for which he was convicted, with posthumous DNA testing linking him to a 1984 triple homicide in Iowa. Some speculate that his troubled upbringing and psychological issues may have contributed to his violent behavior. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that he may have had accomplices in other crimes, although evidence for this remains circumstantial.
The Twisted Path of Andrew Six: A Tale of Murder and Justice
Early Life: A Troubled Beginning
Andrew Wessel Six entered this world on May 14, 1965, in Pershing, Iowa. From the start, his life was fraught with challenges that would eventually shape his dark future. Diagnosed with hyperactivity during preschool, Six's early years were marked by behavioral issues. His childhood was a tapestry of dysfunction, woven with threads of child abuse, neglect, and instability. Social services closely monitored his tumultuous home environment, but stability remained elusive. To compound his woes, a hearing impairment went untreated for three critical years during his elementary school days, further isolating him from the world.
As Six stumbled through his teenage years, psychiatric evaluations painted a grim picture. Dr. A.E. Daniel's comprehensive report detailed a childhood marred by disorganization, hyperactivity, and clinical depression. These early adversities laid the foundation for a life plagued by substance abuse and a burgeoning personality disorder with antisocial features.
1984: The Iowa Family Murders
On April 12, 1984, the idyllic town of Ottumwa, Iowa, became the backdrop for a chilling crime. Under circumstances shrouded in mystery, Andrew Six committed the brutal triple murder of a local family. The community would not learn of the tragedy until the following day when the lifeless body of 20-year-old Justin Hook Jr. was discovered outside his charred mobile home in rural Drakesville, Iowa.
The horror continued as, three days later, Hook's 41-year-old mother, Sarah Link, was found dead in a farm field near Eldon, Iowa. Forensic investigations revealed both victims had suffered lethal blows to the head. The tragedy culminated on April 18, 1984, when 19-year-old Tina Lade, Hook's fiancée, was found in a ravine half a mile from Link's body. Lade, missing since the murders of Link and Hook, had been sought by police for information. Her death confirmed her status as the third victim in this gruesome triple homicide.
Autopsies revealed that all three victims had died from similar fatal head wounds, pointing to a single perpetrator. The community grappled with the senseless violence, left questioning the motive behind such a heinous act. Despite the lack of immediate arrests, the case remained unsolved until 2014, years after Andrew Six's execution for another murder.
1987: The Abduction and Murder of Kathy Allen
April 10, 1987, marked the beginning of Andrew Six's final, horrifying chapter. It was on this day that he and his uncle, Donald Eugene Petary, committed the kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Kathy Annette Allen in Ottumwa, Iowa. The duo approached the Allen family under the pretense of purchasing a truck, a necessary sale to cover the surgical expenses of Kathy's father, Don Allen, who suffered from a heart condition.
Kathy, a special education student, was at home with her mother, Stella, and her pregnant 17-year-old sister, Christine, when Petary and Six arrived. As Stella accompanied the men for a test drive, Six and Petary bound her with duct tape and took her hostage. The men returned to the Allen home, where Six restrained Don, stole the family's wallets, and raped Christine. In the chaos, Stella was stabbed in the throat, and while Christine managed to escape, Kathy was not so fortunate. Six and Petary abducted her, driving south to Missouri.
The next day, authorities apprehended Six and Petary in Texas. Three days later, Kathy's body was found in a Missouri ditch. Examination revealed a stab wound to her neck, the fatal injury inflicted after her abduction.
The Trials: State and Federal Justice
In the aftermath of their arrest, Andrew Six and Donald Petary faced charges of first-degree murder in Missouri, a conviction carrying either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. Tried separately, Six was found guilty on July 28, 1988. Despite a jury deadlock on sentencing, Circuit Judge E. Richard Webber imposed the death penalty on July 29, citing the aggravating circumstances of the case.
Petary faced a similar fate, convicted and sentenced to death on November 3, 1988. Both men were incarcerated on death row at Potosi Correctional Center, Missouri's designated prison for male death row inmates.
In addition to state charges, Six and Petary faced federal charges for kidnapping Kathy Allen, a crime crossing state lines. On October 23, 1987, both were convicted of kidnapping in a Des Moines federal district court, receiving 200-year sentences. Judges Charles R. Wolle and Harold Duane Vietor ensured that neither would see freedom, as parole was denied for a minimum of 66 years.
Appeals and Execution
Following his convictions, Andrew Six launched a series of appeals, all of which were ultimately denied. His final attempt at clemency was rejected by Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan. On August 20, 1997, Andrew Six was executed by lethal injection at the age of 32. Kathy Allen's mother bore witness, finding a bittersweet closure in the justice served, yet mourning the loss that no execution could amend.
The Fate of Donald Petary
Donald Petary's journey ended on death row, his appeals against the death sentence dismissed. Scheduled for execution on November 28, 1990, Petary was granted a stay, only to die of natural causes on May 12, 1998, while awaiting his fate.
Posthumous Revelation: The 1984 Murders Solved
In January 2014, nearly two decades after Andrew Six's execution, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation announced that he was the true perpetrator of the 1984 Ottumwa triple murders. The breakthrough came as forensic analysis confirmed that material found on Tina Lade's clothing matched Six's DNA, bringing closure to a case long shrouded in mystery. Families of the victims found solace in knowing the man responsible had been held accountable, despite the years of unanswered questions.
Conclusion
The saga of Andrew Six is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can dwell within a life marred by adversity. His path of destruction left a trail of grief and loss, but it also showcased the relentless pursuit of justice. For the families of his victims, the eventual resolution of these cases served as a testament to their enduring strength and the hope that justice, though delayed, can still be served.
Sources
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...
Triple Family Murder
Andrew Six commits the triple murder of a family in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Murder of Kathy Allen
Andrew Six kidnaps and murders 12-year-old Kathy Allen in Iowa.
Federal Kidnapping Conviction
Six and his uncle are found guilty of kidnapping Kathy Allen and sentenced to 200 years in prison.
State Murder Conviction
Andrew Six is found guilty of first-degree murder for Kathy Allen's death.
Death Sentence
Andrew Six is sentenced to death by lethal injection in Missouri.
Execution
Andrew Six is executed by lethal injection at the Potosi Correctional Center.
DNA Links to Triple Murder
DNA testing posthumously identifies Six as the murderer of the 1984 triple homicide in Iowa.