Bio 

Jeffrey Allen Muehleman was born on October 31, 1964. He was 18 years old when he met Earl Baughman, an elderly man who lived in Pinellas County, Florida. In May 1983, Baughman hired Muehleman as a helper. Muehleman used the false name Jeff Williams while working for him. The job gave him access to Baughman’s home, car, and personal belongings. 

Murder Story

On May 2, 1983, Earl Baughman hired Jeffrey Allen Muehleman to help him around his home. Baughman was 97 years old and lived alone in Pinellas County, Florida. Muehleman introduced himself using the false name Jeff Williams. By May 4, 1983, Muehleman had decided to rob and kill Baughman. He first tried to get another person to help with the robbery and disposal of the body, but that person did not come. Muehleman then carried out the crime alone.

Muehleman attempted to make it appear that Baughman had left home voluntarily. He placed two nearly empty coffee cups and breadcrumbs on the kitchen table to create the appearance of breakfast. He also wiped areas of the home to remove fingerprints. Muehleman attacked Baughman while he was in bed. He struck him with a cast-iron frying pan, tried to strangle him, and then forced plastic newspaper wrappers into his throat. Baughman died from suffocation. Muehleman then stole money and other items from the home.

After the killing, Muehleman wrapped Baughman’s body in bedding and placed it in the trunk of Baughman’s car. He later abandoned the car. Baughman was reported missing on May 5, 1983, and police questioned Muehleman the next day. When first approached, he gave officers a false name.

Baughman’s body was later found in the trunk of his Cadillac. Muehleman initially denied involvement, but investigators obtained statements and evidence connecting him to the killing. He eventually confessed. He was indicted for first-degree murder on June 28, 1983, and later pleaded guilty.

On June 6, 1984, a jury recommended death by a vote of 10–2. On June 8, 1984, Muehleman was sentenced to death. The Florida Supreme Court affirmed his conviction and sentence in 1987, and the United States Supreme Court denied review later that year. Years later, the Florida Supreme Court ordered a new penalty phase. Muehleman was resentenced to death on October 10, 2003. On February 19, 2009, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the resentenced death penalty.