Bio

David Leroy Skaggs was born on June 2, 1950. He grew up in Barren County, Kentucky. Information about his early life is limited. However, he was reportedly raised by his grandmother. His childhood home life appeared to have been troubled, as he faced challenges related to mental health and behavioral issues. There are indications that he had difficulties in school and did not perform well academically.

As an adult, Skaggs had several run-ins with the law. He had five prior felony convictions before committing the crimes for which he became known. His criminal activities set a pattern for future behavior. He struggled with substance abuse, which may have contributed to his issues with the law.

In the years leading up to his criminal acts, there were signs that Skaggs faced ongoing emotional and mental challenges. He was evaluated by psychiatric professionals, and these evaluations noted struggles with mental health. The specifics of his mental condition were revealed during legal proceedings, where it was mentioned that he was diagnosed with various mental disorders.

Skaggs' life took a dramatic turn on May 6, 1981, when he was involved in the shooting deaths of Herman and Mae Matthews. This event led to his arrest shortly after and ultimately, to his life sentence in prison. Skaggs died in prison in November 2009 due to complications from cancer, while serving his time for the crimes he committed many years earlier.

Murder Story

On May 6, 1981, David Leroy Skaggs entered the home of Herman and Mae Matthews, an elderly couple in Barren County, Kentucky. He shot and killed both of them during a robbery. After the murders, he fled the scene.

The police began an investigation that led them to Skaggs in Columbus, Indiana, eight days later. He was arrested and later confessed to the crimes. He also directed the police to the murder weapon and to Mae Matthews's purse.

Skaggs was tried and convicted on two counts of capital murder, one count of first-degree robbery, and one count of first-degree burglary. The jury recommended the death sentence. Skaggs’s initial death sentence was later reversed, but he was resentenced to death in April 2002.

David Leroy Skaggs died in prison in November 2009 from complications related to cancer.