Bio

Karl Anthony Terry was born on September 29, 1973, in Clackamas County, Oregon. He grew up in a typical American neighborhood, but details about his early childhood are limited. He had friends and attended local schools. As he grew older, he developed interests that set him apart from his peers.

In his teenage years, Terry became involved in a group he referred to as the "Order of the Black Dove." This group appears to have celebrated violence and anti-social behavior, which foreshadowed troubling events in his later life. Despite these associations, he did maintain friendships and spent time with people in his community.

Terry’s life changed dramatically leading up to the summer of 1994. He had formed a friendship with two brothers, Jeffrey and Dale Brown. On August 6, 1994, the group went camping together in a park near the Willamette River in Milwaukie, Oregon, to celebrate Dale's birthday. They enjoyed a day of drinking and socializing, but the events of that day would lead to tragic consequences.

Murder Story

On August 6, 1994, Karl Anthony Terry went camping with Jeffrey and Dale Brown to celebrate Dale's birthday. They camped at a park next to the Willamette River in Milwaukie, Oregon. During the night, Terry killed both brothers. He used an 18-inch-long Japanese sword to hack them to death while they slept.

The police discovered the bodies the next day. They found Jeffrey and Dale Brown at the campsite. Investigators were unable to locate any weapons at the scene. The brothers were identified, and the investigation began.

After several days, police linked the murders to Terry. He was arrested by the police 17 days after the killings. He initially denied involvement but later made various statements, claiming the events unfolded as a fight between the brothers, and he intervened in self-defense.

A black motorcycle jacket belonging to Terry was found in Jeff's apartment along with other evidence. DNA testing indicated that the blood on the jacket and the sword belonged to both victims.

Terry was convicted of the murders. He was sentenced to death on November 22, 1995. His case went through an extensive appeals process that lasted over six years due to issues with trial transcripts. Terry remains on death row.