Bio

Frank Athen Walls was born on October 12, 1967. He grew up in Okaloosa County, Florida. From an early age, Frank faced various challenges in his life. He was diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder during his teenage years. This condition often affected his moods and behavior. He was treated with medication, specifically lithium, but eventually stopped taking it as an adult.

Frank's childhood was marked by instability. Information about his family life is not widely available. However, it is noted that he struggled with issues that likely contributed to his later life. As a teenager, he experienced "uncontrollable rages," which he mentioned in a letter years later.

As a young adult, Walls began to show a pattern of troubling behavior. He became involved in crimes, including robberies. By the time he was in his late teens, he was committing more serious offenses. His actions would ultimately lead to a series of events that would change his life forever.

At the age of 17, Frank's criminal trajectory took a dark turn. Between 1985 and 1987, he was connected to multiple violent acts in the Fort Walton Beach area. Frank was known to the authorities for his troubling behavior and potential link to other crimes.

Despite his background, Walls was just a teenager navigating the complexities of life, mental health issues, and the consequences of his actions. These factors played a significant role in shaping his early years before the events that would lead to his conviction as a serial killer.

Murder Story

In the early morning of July 22, 1987, Frank Walls entered the mobile home of Edward Alger Jr. and Ann Peterson in Okaloosa County, Florida, with the intention of stealing. When Alger and Peterson woke up to the noise, Walls threatened them. He forced Alger to lie on the floor and had Peterson tie him up. Walls then restrained Peterson in a similar way.

Alger managed to free himself and confronted Walls. During their struggle, Walls used a knife to cut Alger’s throat. After Alger attempted to bite Walls, the situation escalated, and Walls shot him three times in the head. Walls returned to Peterson, who was still tied up. He released her gag but learned that Alger was dead. A struggle ensued, and Walls shot Peterson in the back of the head. Although she survived the first shot, Walls forced her face into a pillow and shot her again, killing her.

The victims were found later that day after Alger failed to report to work. Police searched Walls’ mobile home based on information from his former roommate. Evidence collected linked Walls to the murders, leading to his arrest.

Walls had previously been convicted of another crime in May 1987, where he committed burglary and assault. He faced trial for the murders of Alger and Peterson. The jury found him guilty on multiple counts, including first-degree murder for both victims. Initially sentenced to death on August 24, 1988, he was resentenced on July 29, 1992, again receiving the death penalty for the murder of Peterson.

In addition to Alger and Peterson, Walls later pleaded no contest to the murder of Audrey Gygi, whom he stabbed in May 1987. He also admitted to killing two other women, Tommie Lou Whiddon and Cynthia Sue Condra, during a crime spree from 1985 to 1987. All five victims were either stabbed or shot, and the murders took place mostly on Tuesdays or early Wednesday mornings.

Walls’ actions resulted in him being one of the youngest serial killers in recorded history. He is currently on death row, and his legal battles continued for years with various appeals regarding his convictions and sentences.