Stephen Wayne Anderson, born on July 8, 1953, was an American contract killer and serial murderer whose life ended with a lethal injection at California’s San Quentin State Prison on January 29, 2002. His criminal history was marked by a string of violent offenses, including multiple murders.
Raised in a tumultuous environment, Anderson experienced a troubled childhood characterized by parental neglect and abuse. His criminal trajectory began in 1971 with a burglary in Farmington, New Mexico, during which he menaced police officers. This led to his first conviction and a subsequent stint in prison. Despite being paroled in 1975, Anderson’s criminal activities persisted, resulting in further convictions and imprisonment.
While incarcerated at Utah State Prison in 1977, Anderson committed his first known murder, taking the life of fellow inmate Blundell. He also engaged in assaults on both inmates and correctional officers. Additionally, he confessed to six contract killings in Las Vegas, Nevada, prior to his ultimate conviction.