Bio

Brian Wakefield was born on June 9, 1977. He grew up in New Jersey. Little is known about his early childhood or family background, but like many children, he attended school.

As a teenager, he faced challenges that affected his life. It is recorded that he struggled with various issues, including problems at home and with peers. These struggles may have influenced his behavior as he grew older.

Wakefield's life took a turn as he became an adult. He had a history of minor run-ins with law enforcement. People who knew him described him as troubled. In his early twenties, he was not able to find stable work or maintain strong relationships.

Wakefield's circumstances seemed to worsen over time. He became involved with a negative crowd and engaged in petty crimes. His choices led him down a darker path, leading to his later actions.

From this point, his life would change dramatically, culminating in a series of violent events that would define him. However, before this change, he was just a young man trying to navigate life in New Jersey.

Murder Story

On January 18, 2001, Brian Wakefield committed a series of violent crimes in Atlantic County, New Jersey. He entered the home of 70-year-old Richard Hazard and his 65-year-old wife, Shirley. Richard had answered a knock at the door, letting Wakefield into their home while he was only looking to help someone.

Once inside, Wakefield attacked Richard. He stabbed him multiple times and caused serious injuries, including brain contusions and a fractured skull. After killing Richard, Wakefield waited for Shirley to come home from work. When she arrived, he ambushed her as well. He stabbed her in the neck and hit her in the head. He also pushed her down the basement steps and kicked her.

Shirley was not killed immediately. Wakefield later told police that she was able to look at him and see her husband's lifeless body. Following the brutal attacks on both victims, Wakefield set fire to their home, igniting several fires throughout the house.

After the murders, Wakefield took the couple's car and fled the scene. When the car broke down near the Hamilton Mall, he used the Hazards' money and credit cards to buy jewelry, music, and liquor. He called a cab, and the driver recognized him. The cab driver later reported Wakefield to the police after seeing blood on his clothes.

On January 19, 2001, the police found Wakefield at the Tropicana Casino and arrested him. He was asleep in a Jacuzzi and later admitted to the murders. Wakefield was tried and convicted, receiving a death sentence on March 4, 2004.