Frank A. Walls
Florida Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Okaloosa County, Florida
TIME PERIOD
1985-1987
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
Frank A. Walls, an American serial killer, committed five murders in Okaloosa County, Florida, between 1985 and 1987, primarily during robberies and sexually-motivated attacks. He was apprehended on July 24, 1987, and initially convicted for two of the murders, receiving a death sentence for one and a 25-to-life term for the other; he later confessed to the remaining three murders. The case is considered solved, with Walls currently imprisoned at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida.
Frank A. Walls is speculated to have had a troubled early life marked by violent tendencies, including peeping, animal abuse, and discussions of rape and murder, which raises questions about the influence of his background on his later actions as a serial killer. Additionally, his roommate's wariness of him suggests that those close to Walls may have recognized early signs of his violent inclinations. The community's analysis points to a potential pattern of escalating violence linked to his history and behavior before the murders began.
Frank A. Walls
Overview
Frank Athen Walls (born October 12, 1967) is an American serial killer infamous for a string of five murders committed in Okaloosa County, Florida, between 1985 and 1987. His crimes, motivated by robbery and sexual assault, began when he was just 17 years old. Initially tried and convicted for two of these heinous acts, Walls received a death sentence for one murder and a 25-years-to-life term for another.
Quick Facts
- Born: October 12, 1967 (age 57)
- Location: Ocean City, Florida, U.S.
- Convictions:
- First-degree murder (3 counts)
- Burglary (2 counts)
- Kidnapping
- Criminal Penalty:
- Death for the murder of Ann Peterson
- 25 years-to-life for the murder of Edward Alger
- Victims: 5 (3 convictions)
- Span of Crimes: 1985–1987
- Country: United States
- State: Florida
- Date Apprehended: July 24, 1987
- Imprisoned at: Union Correctional Institution, Raiford, Florida
Years later, DNA evidence linked him to a third murder, and he eventually confessed to the remaining two. To avoid further prosecution, he pleaded guilty, solidifying his status as a notorious figure in the annals of true crime.
Early Life
Frank Walls' early life is shrouded in mystery, but it’s clear that troubling behavior began at a young age. Born in Ocean City, Florida, he reportedly engaged in various criminal activities, including burglaries and disturbing acts like peeping on women and animal abuse. At the time his murder spree commenced, Walls was working as a dishwasher at a local restaurant called "Quincy's."
He shared living quarters with Thomas "Animal" Farnham, who later expressed concern over Walls' macabre conversations about topics such as rape and murder. Despite his dark tendencies, Walls dated the stepdaughter of Mark Riebe, who would later also gain notoriety in the community for his own criminal actions.
The Murders
First Victim: Tommie Lou Whiddon
On March 26, 1985, Walls committed his first murder at just 17 years old. While performing community service on Okaloosa Island, he came across 19-year-old Tommie Lou Whiddon sunbathing. In a horrific act, he approached her with a knife and slashed her throat, leaving her to bleed out before stealing her car. The following day, her vehicle was discovered parked behind a building. Tragically, Whiddon’s body was found on the beach by an unsuspecting passerby later that evening.
Second Victim: Cynthia Sue Condra
Fast forward to September 16, 1986, when Walls struck again. This time, he targeted 24-year-old Cynthia Sue Condra in Wright, Florida. He brutally stabbed her 21 times before abandoning her body on the side of the road, escalating the brutality of his crimes.
Third Victim: Audrey Gygi
On May 20, 1987, Walls broke into the mobile home of 47-year-old Audrey Gygi, an employee at a local Kel-Tec facility. The events leading up to her murder are murky, but it is believed that Walls initially assaulted her before returning to kill her. After stabbing Gygi to death, he stole a fan and a radio. Her body was discovered the next morning when a co-worker reported her missing after she failed to arrive at work.
The Alger–Peterson Murders
The most notorious of Walls' crimes unfolded in the early hours of July 22, 1987. He broke into the mobile home of 20-year-old Edward K. Alger, an airman stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Ann Louise Peterson. In a chilling display of control, Walls knocked over a fan to wake the couple.
When Alger and Peterson emerged to investigate the disturbance, Walls forced Peterson to bind Alger’s hands and ankles before doing the same to her. Alger, however, managed to loosen his restraints and attacked Walls, but was quickly overpowered. In a brutal act of violence, Walls cut Alger’s throat and then shot him three times in the head, ensuring his death.
Walls then turned his attention to Peterson, removing her gag and assaulting her. After a shot to her head failed to kill her, he placed a pillow over her face and fired again, ultimately taking her life. He made off with $200, a worn leather wallet, and an oscillating fan. The couple's bodies were discovered the following day when Alger’s supervisor noticed his absence at work.
Arrest, Investigation, and Trials
Walls was apprehended the day after the discovery of Alger and Peterson’s bodies. His roommate had alerted the police to Walls' peculiar behavior. As a result, he faced multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and burglary.
A search of Walls’ trailer yielded stolen items from the crime scene, and he ultimately confessed. As investigators delved deeper, they re-examined unsolved cases, leading to a connection with the Gygi murder, as a fan similar to one stolen from her home was found in his possession, along with a fingerprint identified as hers.
Investigation
Given the overwhelming evidence in the Alger-Peterson case, prosecutors focused on trying Walls for these murders first. While awaiting trial, he was indicted on August 11, 1987, pleading not guilty. During the proceedings, Judge G. Robert Barron presided, with Chief Assistant State Attorney Drew Pinkerton leading the prosecution.
An extensive inventory of evidence recovered from Walls’ trailer included various weapons, a .22-caliber pistol, and a disturbing collection of items that painted a picture of his criminality. As the trial loomed, Judge Barron ordered Walls to undergo a forensic psychiatric exam.
In March 1988, the trial was temporarily delayed after a psychiatrist suggested that Walls might be incompetent to stand trial. This claim sparked a clash among mental health professionals, but ultimately, Judge Barron deemed him competent, scheduling the trial for July 11, 1988.
Trials
The trial commenced on July 15, 1988, with a jury selected to consider the prosecution's case, which sought the death penalty. In a swift six days, Walls was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder. Initially set for sentencing on August 18, the verdict was postponed due to Judge Barron's illness. Finally, on August 25, he was sentenced to death for the murder of Ann Peterson and received a life sentence with a chance for parole after 25 years for Alger's murder.
Shortly after, Walls requested a new trial, citing issues with the competency hearing. The Florida Supreme Court later reversed his convictions, leading to a new trial in Marianna to mitigate pre-trial publicity.
In July 1992, Walls was again found guilty, and Judge Barron reinstated his original sentences.
Aftermath
Link to Other Murders
Less than a year post-conviction, Walls was linked to Audrey Gygi’s murder via DNA, bringing relief to her family who had long suspected his involvement. To circumvent a second trial and another potential death sentence, Walls pleaded no contest to Gygi’s murder and admitted responsibility for the killings of Whiddon and Condra in exchange for avoiding prosecution for the latter two.
However, investigations continued into the murder of 35-year-old Lindsay Sams, who had been brutally attacked in Miramar Beach in 1986. Although Walls was a long-standing suspect, authorities later focused their attention on Mark Riebe, who had connections to Walls. Riebe was convicted of a similar murder, but the case remains unsolved.
Appeals
In 2017, Walls attempted to appeal his death sentence, arguing that his IQ of 72 classified him as borderline mentally ill. This appeal was rejected in 2018, with the court citing previous IQ tests he had taken that showed scores around 100, suggesting he had intentionally underperformed. In 2021, a judge denied his claim of intellectual disability, affirming that Walls was competent to face capital punishment.
In 2023, Walls filed for post-conviction relief based on new laws regarding intellectual disability, but this was also denied, and his death sentence remains in place.
Current Status
As of March 2025, Frank A. Walls remains on death row, awaiting execution. His crimes have left a significant scar on Okaloosa County, with local residents still feeling the effects decades later. Don Vinson, the Chief Investigator at the time of Walls’ arrest, stated that the community of Ocean City remains haunted by the legacy of his actions. Vinson himself passed away in 2022, but the echoes of Walls’ horrific crimes continue to resonate in the area.
Sources
- McLaughlin, Tom (December 3, 2016). "Serial killer remains reviled after 30 years". Northwest Florida Daily News.
- Kelly Humphrey (March 21, 2015). "Remembering Tommie Lou: Thirty year anniversary of death approaching". Northwest Florida Daily News.
- "Murderer admits to two other slayings". Press Enterprise. October 8, 1994.
- Cindi Brownfield (August 1, 1987). "Fingerprint could be link to third death". Pensacola News Journal.
- Summer Poole (May 18, 2023). "Frank Walls: Man shoots woman, cuts man's throat during burglary". WKRG-TV.
- Elizabeth Donovan and Cindi Brownfield (July 30, 1987). "Investigation takes new look at old cases". Pensacola News Journal.
- Cindi Brownfield (August 10, 1987). "Grand jury probes double murder". Pensacola News Journal.
- "Authorities may tie 4 Okaloosa slayings". The Tampa Tribune. November 2, 1987.
- Cindi Brownfield (August 11, 1987). "Frank Walls indicted in two murders". Pensacola News Journal.
- "Suspect's roommate held in connection with theft". Pensacola News Journal. August 12, 1987.
- Jeff Newell (March 8, 1988). "Double murder trial delayed; judge orders psychiatric exam". Pensacola News Journal.
- Cindi Brownfield (May 6, 1988). "Expert witnesses don't agree on whether suspect is competent". Pensacola News Journal.
- Cindi Brownfield (May 7, 1988). "Frank Walls is competent, judge rules". Pensacola News Journal.
- "Jury selected for murder trial". Pensacola News Journal. July 14, 1988.
- "Okaloosa trial starts 1 year after pair's shooting deaths". Pensacola News Journal. July 15, 1988.
- "Man guilty of double murder suspected in four other deaths". Miami Herald. July 20, 1988.
- "Sentencing set Wednesday in trailer home murders". Pensacola News Journal. August 20, 1988.
- Karen Spencer (August 25, 1988). "Okaloosa man sentenced to die". Pensacola News Journal.
- "Man resentenced to die after getting second trial". Fort Pierce Tribune. July 31, 1992.
- "DNA leads to indictment in third murder". Miami Herald. May 7, 1993.
- "Killer's grim tally grows". Pensacola News Journal. November 17, 1994.
- Tom McLaughlin (December 3, 2016). "Could there have been two serial killers?". Northwest Florida Daily News.
- Kristie Henderson (February 13, 2017). "Convicted killer moves to overturn death sentence". WEAR-TV.
- Tom McLaughlin (November 30, 2021). "Serial killer Frank Walls ruled smart enough to be held responsible for 1980s-era murders". Northwest Florida Daily News.
- "Death sentence again upheld for Okaloosa County serial killer". WEAR-TV. February 22, 2023.
- Tom McLaughlin (January 17, 2022). "Don Vinson, longtime OCSO investigator who arrested serial killer Frank Walls, has died". Northwest Florida Daily News.
For further details, you can check the original Wikipedia article: Frank A. Walls.
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Arrest of Frank A. Walls
Walls is arrested after his roommate tips off police about his behavior.
Indictment
Walls is indicted on multiple charges including two counts of first-degree murder.
Trial Begins
Walls' trial for the double murder of Alger and Peterson begins.
Sentenced to Death
Walls is sentenced to death for the murder of Ann Peterson and life for Edward Alger's murder.
Linked to Third Murder
Walls is linked via DNA to the murder of Audrey Gygi and confesses to two additional murders.
Death Sentence Upheld
Walls' appeal for post-conviction relief is denied, maintaining his death sentence.
First Murder Committed
Frank A. Walls murders 19-year-old Tommie Lou Whiddon on Okaloosa Island.
Second Murder Committed
Walls kills 24-year-old Cynthia Sue Condra, stabbing her 21 times.
Third Murder Committed
Walls stabs 47-year-old Audrey Gygi to death in her mobile home.
Double Murder Committed
Walls murders Edward K. Alger and Ann Louise Peterson in their home.
Frank A. Walls, an American serial killer, committed five murders in Okaloosa County, Florida, between 1985 and 1987, primarily during robberies and sexually-motivated attacks. He was apprehended on July 24, 1987, and initially convicted for two of the murders, receiving a death sentence for one and a 25-to-life term for the other; he later confessed to the remaining three murders. The case is considered solved, with Walls currently imprisoned at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida.
Frank A. Walls is speculated to have had a troubled early life marked by violent tendencies, including peeping, animal abuse, and discussions of rape and murder, which raises questions about the influence of his background on his later actions as a serial killer. Additionally, his roommate's wariness of him suggests that those close to Walls may have recognized early signs of his violent inclinations. The community's analysis points to a potential pattern of escalating violence linked to his history and behavior before the murders began.
Frank A. Walls
Overview
Frank Athen Walls (born October 12, 1967) is an American serial killer infamous for a string of five murders committed in Okaloosa County, Florida, between 1985 and 1987. His crimes, motivated by robbery and sexual assault, began when he was just 17 years old. Initially tried and convicted for two of these heinous acts, Walls received a death sentence for one murder and a 25-years-to-life term for another.
Quick Facts
- Born: October 12, 1967 (age 57)
- Location: Ocean City, Florida, U.S.
- Convictions:
- First-degree murder (3 counts)
- Burglary (2 counts)
- Kidnapping
- Criminal Penalty:
- Death for the murder of Ann Peterson
- 25 years-to-life for the murder of Edward Alger
- Victims: 5 (3 convictions)
- Span of Crimes: 1985–1987
- Country: United States
- State: Florida
- Date Apprehended: July 24, 1987
- Imprisoned at: Union Correctional Institution, Raiford, Florida
Years later, DNA evidence linked him to a third murder, and he eventually confessed to the remaining two. To avoid further prosecution, he pleaded guilty, solidifying his status as a notorious figure in the annals of true crime.
Early Life
Frank Walls' early life is shrouded in mystery, but it’s clear that troubling behavior began at a young age. Born in Ocean City, Florida, he reportedly engaged in various criminal activities, including burglaries and disturbing acts like peeping on women and animal abuse. At the time his murder spree commenced, Walls was working as a dishwasher at a local restaurant called "Quincy's."
He shared living quarters with Thomas "Animal" Farnham, who later expressed concern over Walls' macabre conversations about topics such as rape and murder. Despite his dark tendencies, Walls dated the stepdaughter of Mark Riebe, who would later also gain notoriety in the community for his own criminal actions.
The Murders
First Victim: Tommie Lou Whiddon
On March 26, 1985, Walls committed his first murder at just 17 years old. While performing community service on Okaloosa Island, he came across 19-year-old Tommie Lou Whiddon sunbathing. In a horrific act, he approached her with a knife and slashed her throat, leaving her to bleed out before stealing her car. The following day, her vehicle was discovered parked behind a building. Tragically, Whiddon’s body was found on the beach by an unsuspecting passerby later that evening.
Second Victim: Cynthia Sue Condra
Fast forward to September 16, 1986, when Walls struck again. This time, he targeted 24-year-old Cynthia Sue Condra in Wright, Florida. He brutally stabbed her 21 times before abandoning her body on the side of the road, escalating the brutality of his crimes.
Third Victim: Audrey Gygi
On May 20, 1987, Walls broke into the mobile home of 47-year-old Audrey Gygi, an employee at a local Kel-Tec facility. The events leading up to her murder are murky, but it is believed that Walls initially assaulted her before returning to kill her. After stabbing Gygi to death, he stole a fan and a radio. Her body was discovered the next morning when a co-worker reported her missing after she failed to arrive at work.
The Alger–Peterson Murders
The most notorious of Walls' crimes unfolded in the early hours of July 22, 1987. He broke into the mobile home of 20-year-old Edward K. Alger, an airman stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Ann Louise Peterson. In a chilling display of control, Walls knocked over a fan to wake the couple.
When Alger and Peterson emerged to investigate the disturbance, Walls forced Peterson to bind Alger’s hands and ankles before doing the same to her. Alger, however, managed to loosen his restraints and attacked Walls, but was quickly overpowered. In a brutal act of violence, Walls cut Alger’s throat and then shot him three times in the head, ensuring his death.
Walls then turned his attention to Peterson, removing her gag and assaulting her. After a shot to her head failed to kill her, he placed a pillow over her face and fired again, ultimately taking her life. He made off with $200, a worn leather wallet, and an oscillating fan. The couple's bodies were discovered the following day when Alger’s supervisor noticed his absence at work.
Arrest, Investigation, and Trials
Walls was apprehended the day after the discovery of Alger and Peterson’s bodies. His roommate had alerted the police to Walls' peculiar behavior. As a result, he faced multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and burglary.
A search of Walls’ trailer yielded stolen items from the crime scene, and he ultimately confessed. As investigators delved deeper, they re-examined unsolved cases, leading to a connection with the Gygi murder, as a fan similar to one stolen from her home was found in his possession, along with a fingerprint identified as hers.
Investigation
Given the overwhelming evidence in the Alger-Peterson case, prosecutors focused on trying Walls for these murders first. While awaiting trial, he was indicted on August 11, 1987, pleading not guilty. During the proceedings, Judge G. Robert Barron presided, with Chief Assistant State Attorney Drew Pinkerton leading the prosecution.
An extensive inventory of evidence recovered from Walls’ trailer included various weapons, a .22-caliber pistol, and a disturbing collection of items that painted a picture of his criminality. As the trial loomed, Judge Barron ordered Walls to undergo a forensic psychiatric exam.
In March 1988, the trial was temporarily delayed after a psychiatrist suggested that Walls might be incompetent to stand trial. This claim sparked a clash among mental health professionals, but ultimately, Judge Barron deemed him competent, scheduling the trial for July 11, 1988.
Trials
The trial commenced on July 15, 1988, with a jury selected to consider the prosecution's case, which sought the death penalty. In a swift six days, Walls was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder. Initially set for sentencing on August 18, the verdict was postponed due to Judge Barron's illness. Finally, on August 25, he was sentenced to death for the murder of Ann Peterson and received a life sentence with a chance for parole after 25 years for Alger's murder.
Shortly after, Walls requested a new trial, citing issues with the competency hearing. The Florida Supreme Court later reversed his convictions, leading to a new trial in Marianna to mitigate pre-trial publicity.
In July 1992, Walls was again found guilty, and Judge Barron reinstated his original sentences.
Aftermath
Link to Other Murders
Less than a year post-conviction, Walls was linked to Audrey Gygi’s murder via DNA, bringing relief to her family who had long suspected his involvement. To circumvent a second trial and another potential death sentence, Walls pleaded no contest to Gygi’s murder and admitted responsibility for the killings of Whiddon and Condra in exchange for avoiding prosecution for the latter two.
However, investigations continued into the murder of 35-year-old Lindsay Sams, who had been brutally attacked in Miramar Beach in 1986. Although Walls was a long-standing suspect, authorities later focused their attention on Mark Riebe, who had connections to Walls. Riebe was convicted of a similar murder, but the case remains unsolved.
Appeals
In 2017, Walls attempted to appeal his death sentence, arguing that his IQ of 72 classified him as borderline mentally ill. This appeal was rejected in 2018, with the court citing previous IQ tests he had taken that showed scores around 100, suggesting he had intentionally underperformed. In 2021, a judge denied his claim of intellectual disability, affirming that Walls was competent to face capital punishment.
In 2023, Walls filed for post-conviction relief based on new laws regarding intellectual disability, but this was also denied, and his death sentence remains in place.
Current Status
As of March 2025, Frank A. Walls remains on death row, awaiting execution. His crimes have left a significant scar on Okaloosa County, with local residents still feeling the effects decades later. Don Vinson, the Chief Investigator at the time of Walls’ arrest, stated that the community of Ocean City remains haunted by the legacy of his actions. Vinson himself passed away in 2022, but the echoes of Walls’ horrific crimes continue to resonate in the area.
Sources
- McLaughlin, Tom (December 3, 2016). "Serial killer remains reviled after 30 years". Northwest Florida Daily News.
- Kelly Humphrey (March 21, 2015). "Remembering Tommie Lou: Thirty year anniversary of death approaching". Northwest Florida Daily News.
- "Murderer admits to two other slayings". Press Enterprise. October 8, 1994.
- Cindi Brownfield (August 1, 1987). "Fingerprint could be link to third death". Pensacola News Journal.
- Summer Poole (May 18, 2023). "Frank Walls: Man shoots woman, cuts man's throat during burglary". WKRG-TV.
- Elizabeth Donovan and Cindi Brownfield (July 30, 1987). "Investigation takes new look at old cases". Pensacola News Journal.
- Cindi Brownfield (August 10, 1987). "Grand jury probes double murder". Pensacola News Journal.
- "Authorities may tie 4 Okaloosa slayings". The Tampa Tribune. November 2, 1987.
- Cindi Brownfield (August 11, 1987). "Frank Walls indicted in two murders". Pensacola News Journal.
- "Suspect's roommate held in connection with theft". Pensacola News Journal. August 12, 1987.
- Jeff Newell (March 8, 1988). "Double murder trial delayed; judge orders psychiatric exam". Pensacola News Journal.
- Cindi Brownfield (May 6, 1988). "Expert witnesses don't agree on whether suspect is competent". Pensacola News Journal.
- Cindi Brownfield (May 7, 1988). "Frank Walls is competent, judge rules". Pensacola News Journal.
- "Jury selected for murder trial". Pensacola News Journal. July 14, 1988.
- "Okaloosa trial starts 1 year after pair's shooting deaths". Pensacola News Journal. July 15, 1988.
- "Man guilty of double murder suspected in four other deaths". Miami Herald. July 20, 1988.
- "Sentencing set Wednesday in trailer home murders". Pensacola News Journal. August 20, 1988.
- Karen Spencer (August 25, 1988). "Okaloosa man sentenced to die". Pensacola News Journal.
- "Man resentenced to die after getting second trial". Fort Pierce Tribune. July 31, 1992.
- "DNA leads to indictment in third murder". Miami Herald. May 7, 1993.
- "Killer's grim tally grows". Pensacola News Journal. November 17, 1994.
- Tom McLaughlin (December 3, 2016). "Could there have been two serial killers?". Northwest Florida Daily News.
- Kristie Henderson (February 13, 2017). "Convicted killer moves to overturn death sentence". WEAR-TV.
- Tom McLaughlin (November 30, 2021). "Serial killer Frank Walls ruled smart enough to be held responsible for 1980s-era murders". Northwest Florida Daily News.
- "Death sentence again upheld for Okaloosa County serial killer". WEAR-TV. February 22, 2023.
- Tom McLaughlin (January 17, 2022). "Don Vinson, longtime OCSO investigator who arrested serial killer Frank Walls, has died". Northwest Florida Daily News.
For further details, you can check the original Wikipedia article: Frank A. Walls.
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...
Arrest of Frank A. Walls
Walls is arrested after his roommate tips off police about his behavior.
Indictment
Walls is indicted on multiple charges including two counts of first-degree murder.
Trial Begins
Walls' trial for the double murder of Alger and Peterson begins.
Sentenced to Death
Walls is sentenced to death for the murder of Ann Peterson and life for Edward Alger's murder.
Linked to Third Murder
Walls is linked via DNA to the murder of Audrey Gygi and confesses to two additional murders.
Death Sentence Upheld
Walls' appeal for post-conviction relief is denied, maintaining his death sentence.
First Murder Committed
Frank A. Walls murders 19-year-old Tommie Lou Whiddon on Okaloosa Island.
Second Murder Committed
Walls kills 24-year-old Cynthia Sue Condra, stabbing her 21 times.
Third Murder Committed
Walls stabs 47-year-old Audrey Gygi to death in her mobile home.
Double Murder Committed
Walls murders Edward K. Alger and Ann Louise Peterson in their home.