Bio

Carl Elson Shriner was born in 1954. He was one of ten children in his family. Growing up, Shriner had a troubled childhood. He started committing crimes at a very young age. By the time he was eight years old, he had already begun his life of crime.

He was eventually assigned to juvenile facilities and spent time in various correctional institutions. As he grew older, Shriner continued to face legal issues, including armed robbery, which further contributed to his criminal record. His actions during this time are significant in understanding how he evolved into a known figure in crime.

Murder Story

On October 22, 1976, Carl Elson Shriner shot and killed Judith Ann Carter, a 32-year-old convenience store clerk, in Alachua County, Florida. The incident occurred during an early morning robbery at the Majik Market where Carter worked. After the murder, Shriner fled the scene.

When police arrived at the store, they found Carter's body with multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported seeing a man in the store just before the murder. Shortly after, a motel robbery was reported nearby, fitting the same suspect description.

The next afternoon, a deputy sheriff stopped a vehicle containing Shriner, who matched the description of the suspect. He was taken for questioning after being advised of his rights. Following a consented search of his living quarters, a revolver was found that matched the bullets collected at the crime scene.

Shriner was interrogated multiple times. Initially, he admitted to the motel robbery but denied involvement in the murder. Later, after several hours of questioning, he confessed to killing Carter. His confession played a crucial role in linking him to the crime.

Shriner was charged with first-degree murder. His trial concluded with a guilty verdict and a recommendation for the death penalty from the jury. The trial judge sentenced him to death. Shriner maintained that his rights were violated during the arrest and interrogation, claiming coercion and an improper confession process.

After exhausting appeals, the United States Supreme Court declined to stop his execution. Ultimately, Shriner was executed in Florida's electric chair on June 20, 1984.