Stephen Wayne Anderson
Serial Killer and Contract Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
San Quentin, California
TIME PERIOD
2002
VICTIMS
9 confirmed
Stephen Wayne Anderson, an American serial killer and contract killer, was apprehended on May 26, 1980, after murdering 81-year-old Elizabeth Lyman in her Bloomington, California home. Anderson, who had a history of violent crime, broke into Lyman's residence, fatally shot her with a .45 caliber handgun, and was arrested shortly thereafter while still in the house. He was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges, ultimately leading to his execution by lethal injection at San Quentin State Prison on January 29, 2002. Throughout his criminal career, Anderson admitted to killing at least eight other individuals, including a fellow inmate, with his crimes spanning multiple states including Utah and Nevada. Significant evidence included the murder weapon and Anderson's own admissions during police interrogations.
Stephen Wayne Anderson is believed to have committed at least nine murders, with some speculation that the actual number of his victims could be higher due to his involvement in contract killings. Investigators and the public theorize that his violent upbringing and experiences in prison contributed to his criminal behavior, leading him to become a contract killer. There is also discussion about whether he may have been involved in organized crime, given the nature of some of his killings.
The Haunting Path of Stephen Wayne Anderson
The Beginnings of a Dark Journey
Stephen Wayne Anderson’s life began on July 8, 1953, in Utah, a place where the rocky desert landscapes contrasted sharply with the turbulence within his home. He was the older of two boys, born to a father whose alcoholism fueled a violent temper, and a mother whose emotional abuse left lasting scars. At just 14, Stephen and his brother were cast out, forced to seek refuge with friends and relatives. This formative experience, perhaps, set the stage for a life marred by violence and crime.
The Descent into Crime
Anderson's criminal journey commenced in 1971 in Farmington, New Mexico. There, he broke into a school, a decision that spiraled into a confrontation with two police officers whom he threatened. His actions led to a burglary conviction, earning him a prison sentence of one to five years. Although paroled in 1975, Anderson was not free for long. He continued serving a sentence ranging from 10 to 50 years for multiple aggravated burglaries, resulting in his transfer to Utah State Prison.
This facility became the backdrop for further violence. On August 24, 1977, Anderson killed a fellow inmate named Blundell. The prison walls could not contain his aggression; he also assaulted another inmate and a correctional officer. Despite these actions, Anderson’s story did not end within the confines of the Utah State Prison.
The Murder of Elizabeth Lyman
On the night of May 26, 1980, Anderson found himself in Bloomington, California. He targeted the home of Elizabeth Lyman, an 81-year-old retired piano teacher. Under the cloak of darkness, Anderson severed her telephone line and gained entry by removing a glass pane from her French doors. As he crept through the house, his presence awakened Lyman. Her screams met with a brutal response: Anderson shot her in the face at close range with a .45 caliber handgun, a shot that sealed her fate.
In a callous display of indifference, Anderson covered Lyman's lifeless body with a blanket, retrieved the bullet casing, and ransacked the home for money, finding less than $100. Satisfied, he then prepared himself a meal in her kitchen. This macabre scene was interrupted by the arrival of deputies, called by a vigilant neighbor. Anderson, caught in the act, confessed to the murder, admitting to having been "born and trained to be a killer."
A Trail of Contract Killings
Anderson's brutal confession extended beyond Lyman’s murder. He admitted to six additional contract killings in Las Vegas, carried out prior to his capture. His criminal resume included an escape from prison on November 24, 1979, after which he worked for narcotics traffickers, committing at least one murder in the eastern mountains of Salt Lake County.
Trial, Conviction, and Execution
The law finally caught up with Stephen Wayne Anderson. On July 24, 1981, he was convicted and sentenced to death. Prosecutors painted a grim picture of a sociopath whose violent tendencies posed a perpetual threat. The court heard of Anderson's history of stabbing and killing, including the murder of inmate Blundell and violent altercations at San Quentin State Prison, which underscored the belief that no one was safe from him.
On January 29, 2002, justice was served at San Quentin State Prison. Anderson met his end via lethal injection, pronounced dead at 12:30 a.m. PT. His last meal—a rather mundane assortment of grilled cheese sandwiches, radishes, cottage cheese, a hominy-corn mixture, peach pie, and chocolate chip ice cream—offered stark contrast to the gravity of his life’s actions. Stephen Wayne Anderson faced his fate in silence, offering no last words.
Epilogue
Anderson's life and crimes leave a chilling legacy within the annals of American criminal history. His path from a troubled youth to a notorious killer is a grim reminder of the destructive potential harbored within unchecked violence and abuse.
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First Violent Crime
Anderson commits his first violent crime by burglarizing a school and threatening police officers.
Inmate Murder
Anderson kills fellow inmate Blundell while serving time in Utah State Prison.
Murder of Elizabeth Lyman
Anderson murders 81-year-old Elizabeth Lyman during a burglary in her home.
Arrest
Anderson is arrested at the scene of the crime after a neighbor reports suspicious activity.
Conviction
Anderson is convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.
Execution
Anderson is executed by lethal injection at San Quentin State Prison.
Stephen Wayne Anderson, an American serial killer and contract killer, was apprehended on May 26, 1980, after murdering 81-year-old Elizabeth Lyman in her Bloomington, California home. Anderson, who had a history of violent crime, broke into Lyman's residence, fatally shot her with a .45 caliber handgun, and was arrested shortly thereafter while still in the house. He was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges, ultimately leading to his execution by lethal injection at San Quentin State Prison on January 29, 2002. Throughout his criminal career, Anderson admitted to killing at least eight other individuals, including a fellow inmate, with his crimes spanning multiple states including Utah and Nevada. Significant evidence included the murder weapon and Anderson's own admissions during police interrogations.
Stephen Wayne Anderson is believed to have committed at least nine murders, with some speculation that the actual number of his victims could be higher due to his involvement in contract killings. Investigators and the public theorize that his violent upbringing and experiences in prison contributed to his criminal behavior, leading him to become a contract killer. There is also discussion about whether he may have been involved in organized crime, given the nature of some of his killings.
The Haunting Path of Stephen Wayne Anderson
The Beginnings of a Dark Journey
Stephen Wayne Anderson’s life began on July 8, 1953, in Utah, a place where the rocky desert landscapes contrasted sharply with the turbulence within his home. He was the older of two boys, born to a father whose alcoholism fueled a violent temper, and a mother whose emotional abuse left lasting scars. At just 14, Stephen and his brother were cast out, forced to seek refuge with friends and relatives. This formative experience, perhaps, set the stage for a life marred by violence and crime.
The Descent into Crime
Anderson's criminal journey commenced in 1971 in Farmington, New Mexico. There, he broke into a school, a decision that spiraled into a confrontation with two police officers whom he threatened. His actions led to a burglary conviction, earning him a prison sentence of one to five years. Although paroled in 1975, Anderson was not free for long. He continued serving a sentence ranging from 10 to 50 years for multiple aggravated burglaries, resulting in his transfer to Utah State Prison.
This facility became the backdrop for further violence. On August 24, 1977, Anderson killed a fellow inmate named Blundell. The prison walls could not contain his aggression; he also assaulted another inmate and a correctional officer. Despite these actions, Anderson’s story did not end within the confines of the Utah State Prison.
The Murder of Elizabeth Lyman
On the night of May 26, 1980, Anderson found himself in Bloomington, California. He targeted the home of Elizabeth Lyman, an 81-year-old retired piano teacher. Under the cloak of darkness, Anderson severed her telephone line and gained entry by removing a glass pane from her French doors. As he crept through the house, his presence awakened Lyman. Her screams met with a brutal response: Anderson shot her in the face at close range with a .45 caliber handgun, a shot that sealed her fate.
In a callous display of indifference, Anderson covered Lyman's lifeless body with a blanket, retrieved the bullet casing, and ransacked the home for money, finding less than $100. Satisfied, he then prepared himself a meal in her kitchen. This macabre scene was interrupted by the arrival of deputies, called by a vigilant neighbor. Anderson, caught in the act, confessed to the murder, admitting to having been "born and trained to be a killer."
A Trail of Contract Killings
Anderson's brutal confession extended beyond Lyman’s murder. He admitted to six additional contract killings in Las Vegas, carried out prior to his capture. His criminal resume included an escape from prison on November 24, 1979, after which he worked for narcotics traffickers, committing at least one murder in the eastern mountains of Salt Lake County.
Trial, Conviction, and Execution
The law finally caught up with Stephen Wayne Anderson. On July 24, 1981, he was convicted and sentenced to death. Prosecutors painted a grim picture of a sociopath whose violent tendencies posed a perpetual threat. The court heard of Anderson's history of stabbing and killing, including the murder of inmate Blundell and violent altercations at San Quentin State Prison, which underscored the belief that no one was safe from him.
On January 29, 2002, justice was served at San Quentin State Prison. Anderson met his end via lethal injection, pronounced dead at 12:30 a.m. PT. His last meal—a rather mundane assortment of grilled cheese sandwiches, radishes, cottage cheese, a hominy-corn mixture, peach pie, and chocolate chip ice cream—offered stark contrast to the gravity of his life’s actions. Stephen Wayne Anderson faced his fate in silence, offering no last words.
Epilogue
Anderson's life and crimes leave a chilling legacy within the annals of American criminal history. His path from a troubled youth to a notorious killer is a grim reminder of the destructive potential harbored within unchecked violence and abuse.
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...
First Violent Crime
Anderson commits his first violent crime by burglarizing a school and threatening police officers.
Inmate Murder
Anderson kills fellow inmate Blundell while serving time in Utah State Prison.
Murder of Elizabeth Lyman
Anderson murders 81-year-old Elizabeth Lyman during a burglary in her home.
Arrest
Anderson is arrested at the scene of the crime after a neighbor reports suspicious activity.
Conviction
Anderson is convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.
Execution
Anderson is executed by lethal injection at San Quentin State Prison.