Ann Peterson, a 20-year-old white female, was tragically murdered on July 22, 1987, in Okaloosa County, Florida. Her death was part of a series of brutal killings committed by Frank Athen Walls, a serial killer who terrorized the community during the mid-1980s. On the night of her murder, Walls entered the mobile home of Edward Alger and Ann Peterson with the intent to commit burglary. He deliberately knocked over a fan to wake the occupants.
When Alger and Peterson came to investigate, Walls forced Alger to lie on the floor and had Peterson tie his hands behind his back, bind his ankles, and gag him. He then restrained Peterson in a similar manner.
During the struggle that ensued, Alger managed to free himself and attacked Walls, who then cut Alger's throat with a knife. Alger bit Walls' leg, causing him to drop the knife, but Walls retrieved a gun and shot Alger in the head three times, killing him. Walls then returned to Peterson, who was crying and attempting to speak through her gag. He removed the gag and untied her, but after learning that Alger was dead, a struggle ensued between Walls and Peterson. Walls tore off Peterson's clothes and shot her in the back of the head. Despite being shot, Peterson survived and continued to scream. Walls then forced her face into a pillow and fatally shot her again.
The bodies of Edward Alger and Ann Peterson were discovered later that day when Alger failed to show up for work. Investigators obtained a warrant to search Walls' mobile home based on information provided by Walls' former roommate, who lived near the victims. Evidence seized from Walls' residence linked him to the murders, leading to his arrest on July 24, 1987. Walls was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder and burglary/assault for the incident and was sentenced to death on August 24, 1988. He was resentenced to death on July 29, 1992.
Frank Walls' reign of terror in Okaloosa County included the murders of several other individuals, making him one of the most notorious serial killers in the area. His other victims included Tommie Lou Whiddon, Cynthia Sue Condra, and Audrey Gygi. Walls' actions left a lasting impact on the community, and he remains on death row at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida. His appeals continue, and each time he returns to Okaloosa County for court appearances, the community is reminded of the horror he inflicted during his two-year killing spree.
