Joshua Anderson (Serial Killer)
Oklahoma Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Tulsa, Oklahoma
TIME PERIOD
2006-2007
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
Joshua Julius Anderson, an intellectually disabled serial killer, committed a series of murders in northern Tulsa, Oklahoma, between late 2006 and early 2007, resulting in four to five confirmed fatalities. The crimes occurred primarily in a neighborhood plagued by drug issues, with the first known murder taking place on November 5, 2006, when Anderson shot Evaristo Tovias Jr. during a confrontation. On January 23, 2007, he killed Christopher Moderow and subsequently shot David Gilbert on the same day. Anderson was apprehended on February 2, 2007, after the final two murders, and he confessed to the crimes shortly thereafter. He was sentenced to four life terms plus an additional 35 years without the possibility of parole and is currently incarcerated at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center. Significant evidence includes eyewitness accounts and the murder weapon, which linked him directly to the crimes.
Joshua Anderson is believed to have targeted victims randomly, with no specific profile, leading to speculation that his actions were driven by a desire for power and control over his environment. Some theories suggest that his history of violence and bullying in the neighborhood contributed to his eventual escalation to murder. Additionally, the proximity of the crimes to his residence has led to speculation that he may have been influenced by the local drug problems and social dynamics of the area.
The Dark Path of Joshua Anderson: A Tulsa Tragedy
Early Life
Joshua Julius Anderson entered the world on June 17, 1987, but little is documented about the formative years of this man who would later become notorious for his violent crimes. Growing up, Anderson found himself on the wrong side of the law more than once. By the time he was 15, he was accused of shooting with intent to kill in Muskogee, though the warrant for his arrest was recalled less than a month later. In 2005, he faced charges for kidnapping, concealing stolen property, and domestic assault and battery. A plea deal saw him admit to kidnapping and assault, while the charge of concealing stolen property was dropped. He served a 90-day jail sentence. Just a month after his release, he was charged again for a shooting incident, but the case crumbled due to the unreliability of witness testimonies.
The Murders
The neighborhood just north of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a place overshadowed by a persistent drug problem. It was in this turbulent environment that Anderson, known as the local bully, unleashed his reign of terror. Without a clear victim profile, Anderson's murderous spree left a trail of fear, claiming the lives of individuals regardless of race, age, or gender. By the time he was arrested, his actions accounted for a third of Tulsa's homicides that year.
Evaristo Tovias Jr.
The violence began on November 5, 2006. Evaristo Tovias Jr., aged 34 and armed with a knife, was on the hunt for drugs when he crossed paths with Anderson's brother, A.C. An altercation ensued, and the brothers beat Tovias. Seizing the moment, Joshua retrieved a double-barreled shotgun and shot Tovias, hitting him twice. Afterward, he took the knife from Tovias' lifeless body, drawn to its appearance, and fled the scene, leaving chaos in his wake.
Christopher Moderow and David Gilbert
Fast forward to January 23, 2007. That day, 30-year-old Christopher Moderow, driven by a desire for drugs, encountered Joshua and A.C. as they journeyed to meet a dealer. An argument erupted, and Moderow brandished an ice pick. Joshua responded with deadly force, shooting Moderow with a .22-caliber revolver. He then scavenged $3 from Moderow's body before making a hasty escape in his brother's car.
The violence continued that same day when Anderson shot and killed David Gilbert, 26, over a previous altercation. Despite witness accounts, the evidence was insufficient to charge Anderson with Gilbert's murder.
The Hobbses
On February 2, 2007, A.C. Anderson informed Joshua about 52-year-old Herbert Hobbs, who allegedly had money on him. Armed with a revolver, Joshua entered the Hobbs residence with robbery in mind. Inside, he restrained Herbert and his 69-year-old mother, Rosemary, stealing $300. Not long after leaving, Joshua returned to ensure his identity remained concealed. Despite the Hobbses freeing themselves, Joshua forced them at gunpoint to commit sexual acts upon each other, then fatally shot them. In a gruesome act, he consumed part of Rosemary's brain, set their home ablaze with gasoline, and disappeared into the night.
Legal Proceedings
The day of the Hobbs murders marked the end of Anderson's freedom. He was apprehended in Muskogee County on charges of first-degree rape, a warrant that had been issued since late November. The investigation swiftly linked him to the murders, leading to charges of four counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree arson, and one count of assault and battery with a deadly weapon. Confronted with a tape of his brother implicating him, Anderson confessed, revealing details only the true perpetrator would know, such as the precise location and position of the victims' bodies. Due to his mental disability, prosecutors opted not to pursue the death penalty, deciding instead to try each murder separately.
The trial for the Hobbs murders commenced on October 22, 2008. Over two days, testimony unfolded, with Anderson's public defender arguing the absence of physical evidence linking Anderson to the crimes, as well as disputing claims of arson by accelerant. However, after two hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Anderson on all charges. He received two life sentences and an additional 25-year sentence for arson. On December 8, 2008, Anderson pleaded guilty to the murders of Tovias and Moderow, as well as to assault with a deadly weapon. This added two more life sentences and an extra 10 years to his already substantial prison term. Today, Joshua Anderson remains incarcerated at the Lexington Assessment & Reception Center in Lexington, Oklahoma, serving his sentences for the brutal crimes that shocked Tulsa.
Sources
- Joshua Julius Anderson Custody Record - Vinelink.com
- King, Kevin. "Murder Suspect Had Several Run-Ins With The Law In The Past." KTUL, February 6, 2007.
- Levy, Larry. "Tulsan charged in four killings." The Daily Oklahoman, February 28, 2007.
- Previch, Chad. "Police accuse man of five slayings for now." The Daily Oklahoman, February 8, 2007.
- "Oklahoma teen arrested in five Tulsa slayings." Pensacola News Journal, February 7, 2007.
- Braun, Bill. "Man ordered to face trial in 4 killings." Tulsa World, August 3, 2007.
- Levy, Larry. "Suspect to stand trial in 4 slayings." The Daily Oklahoman, August 3, 2007.
- "Oklahoma teen accused in 5 homicides." NBC News, February 6, 2007.
- Ridenour, Elizabeth. "Summit brothers implicate each other in homicides." Muskogee Phoenix, February 8, 2007.
- Levy, Larry. "Slaying details emerge in Tulsa." The Oklahoman, October 23, 2008.
- King, Kevin. "Police Say Man Suspected In At Least Five Tulsa Murder Cases." KTUL, February 5, 2007.
- "Jury convicts man in Tulsa murders." News OK, October 24, 2008.
- Hall, Susan. "The World Encyclopedia of Serial Killers: Volume One, A–D." WildBlue Press, 2020.
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First Murder Committed
Joshua Anderson shoots Evaristo Tovias Jr. during a fight.
Two More Murders
Anderson fatally shoots Christopher Moderow and David Gilbert.
Final Murders
Anderson kills Herbert and Rosemary Hobbs, then sets their house on fire.
Arrest Made
Joshua Anderson is arrested for first-degree rape and linked to the murders.
Trial Begins
Trial for the Hobbs murders starts, lasting two days.
Guilty Verdict
Anderson found guilty on all charges related to the Hobbs murders.
Pleads Guilty
Anderson pleads guilty to the murders of Tovias and Moderow.
Sentencing
Anderson receives four life sentences and additional years for arson.
Joshua Julius Anderson, an intellectually disabled serial killer, committed a series of murders in northern Tulsa, Oklahoma, between late 2006 and early 2007, resulting in four to five confirmed fatalities. The crimes occurred primarily in a neighborhood plagued by drug issues, with the first known murder taking place on November 5, 2006, when Anderson shot Evaristo Tovias Jr. during a confrontation. On January 23, 2007, he killed Christopher Moderow and subsequently shot David Gilbert on the same day. Anderson was apprehended on February 2, 2007, after the final two murders, and he confessed to the crimes shortly thereafter. He was sentenced to four life terms plus an additional 35 years without the possibility of parole and is currently incarcerated at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center. Significant evidence includes eyewitness accounts and the murder weapon, which linked him directly to the crimes.
Joshua Anderson is believed to have targeted victims randomly, with no specific profile, leading to speculation that his actions were driven by a desire for power and control over his environment. Some theories suggest that his history of violence and bullying in the neighborhood contributed to his eventual escalation to murder. Additionally, the proximity of the crimes to his residence has led to speculation that he may have been influenced by the local drug problems and social dynamics of the area.
The Dark Path of Joshua Anderson: A Tulsa Tragedy
Early Life
Joshua Julius Anderson entered the world on June 17, 1987, but little is documented about the formative years of this man who would later become notorious for his violent crimes. Growing up, Anderson found himself on the wrong side of the law more than once. By the time he was 15, he was accused of shooting with intent to kill in Muskogee, though the warrant for his arrest was recalled less than a month later. In 2005, he faced charges for kidnapping, concealing stolen property, and domestic assault and battery. A plea deal saw him admit to kidnapping and assault, while the charge of concealing stolen property was dropped. He served a 90-day jail sentence. Just a month after his release, he was charged again for a shooting incident, but the case crumbled due to the unreliability of witness testimonies.
The Murders
The neighborhood just north of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a place overshadowed by a persistent drug problem. It was in this turbulent environment that Anderson, known as the local bully, unleashed his reign of terror. Without a clear victim profile, Anderson's murderous spree left a trail of fear, claiming the lives of individuals regardless of race, age, or gender. By the time he was arrested, his actions accounted for a third of Tulsa's homicides that year.
Evaristo Tovias Jr.
The violence began on November 5, 2006. Evaristo Tovias Jr., aged 34 and armed with a knife, was on the hunt for drugs when he crossed paths with Anderson's brother, A.C. An altercation ensued, and the brothers beat Tovias. Seizing the moment, Joshua retrieved a double-barreled shotgun and shot Tovias, hitting him twice. Afterward, he took the knife from Tovias' lifeless body, drawn to its appearance, and fled the scene, leaving chaos in his wake.
Christopher Moderow and David Gilbert
Fast forward to January 23, 2007. That day, 30-year-old Christopher Moderow, driven by a desire for drugs, encountered Joshua and A.C. as they journeyed to meet a dealer. An argument erupted, and Moderow brandished an ice pick. Joshua responded with deadly force, shooting Moderow with a .22-caliber revolver. He then scavenged $3 from Moderow's body before making a hasty escape in his brother's car.
The violence continued that same day when Anderson shot and killed David Gilbert, 26, over a previous altercation. Despite witness accounts, the evidence was insufficient to charge Anderson with Gilbert's murder.
The Hobbses
On February 2, 2007, A.C. Anderson informed Joshua about 52-year-old Herbert Hobbs, who allegedly had money on him. Armed with a revolver, Joshua entered the Hobbs residence with robbery in mind. Inside, he restrained Herbert and his 69-year-old mother, Rosemary, stealing $300. Not long after leaving, Joshua returned to ensure his identity remained concealed. Despite the Hobbses freeing themselves, Joshua forced them at gunpoint to commit sexual acts upon each other, then fatally shot them. In a gruesome act, he consumed part of Rosemary's brain, set their home ablaze with gasoline, and disappeared into the night.
Legal Proceedings
The day of the Hobbs murders marked the end of Anderson's freedom. He was apprehended in Muskogee County on charges of first-degree rape, a warrant that had been issued since late November. The investigation swiftly linked him to the murders, leading to charges of four counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree arson, and one count of assault and battery with a deadly weapon. Confronted with a tape of his brother implicating him, Anderson confessed, revealing details only the true perpetrator would know, such as the precise location and position of the victims' bodies. Due to his mental disability, prosecutors opted not to pursue the death penalty, deciding instead to try each murder separately.
The trial for the Hobbs murders commenced on October 22, 2008. Over two days, testimony unfolded, with Anderson's public defender arguing the absence of physical evidence linking Anderson to the crimes, as well as disputing claims of arson by accelerant. However, after two hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Anderson on all charges. He received two life sentences and an additional 25-year sentence for arson. On December 8, 2008, Anderson pleaded guilty to the murders of Tovias and Moderow, as well as to assault with a deadly weapon. This added two more life sentences and an extra 10 years to his already substantial prison term. Today, Joshua Anderson remains incarcerated at the Lexington Assessment & Reception Center in Lexington, Oklahoma, serving his sentences for the brutal crimes that shocked Tulsa.
Sources
- Joshua Julius Anderson Custody Record - Vinelink.com
- King, Kevin. "Murder Suspect Had Several Run-Ins With The Law In The Past." KTUL, February 6, 2007.
- Levy, Larry. "Tulsan charged in four killings." The Daily Oklahoman, February 28, 2007.
- Previch, Chad. "Police accuse man of five slayings for now." The Daily Oklahoman, February 8, 2007.
- "Oklahoma teen arrested in five Tulsa slayings." Pensacola News Journal, February 7, 2007.
- Braun, Bill. "Man ordered to face trial in 4 killings." Tulsa World, August 3, 2007.
- Levy, Larry. "Suspect to stand trial in 4 slayings." The Daily Oklahoman, August 3, 2007.
- "Oklahoma teen accused in 5 homicides." NBC News, February 6, 2007.
- Ridenour, Elizabeth. "Summit brothers implicate each other in homicides." Muskogee Phoenix, February 8, 2007.
- Levy, Larry. "Slaying details emerge in Tulsa." The Oklahoman, October 23, 2008.
- King, Kevin. "Police Say Man Suspected In At Least Five Tulsa Murder Cases." KTUL, February 5, 2007.
- "Jury convicts man in Tulsa murders." News OK, October 24, 2008.
- Hall, Susan. "The World Encyclopedia of Serial Killers: Volume One, A–D." WildBlue Press, 2020.
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...
First Murder Committed
Joshua Anderson shoots Evaristo Tovias Jr. during a fight.
Two More Murders
Anderson fatally shoots Christopher Moderow and David Gilbert.
Final Murders
Anderson kills Herbert and Rosemary Hobbs, then sets their house on fire.
Arrest Made
Joshua Anderson is arrested for first-degree rape and linked to the murders.
Trial Begins
Trial for the Hobbs murders starts, lasting two days.
Guilty Verdict
Anderson found guilty on all charges related to the Hobbs murders.
Pleads Guilty
Anderson pleads guilty to the murders of Tovias and Moderow.
Sentencing
Anderson receives four life sentences and additional years for arson.