Lowell Lee Andrews was born on September 21, 1940, in Wolcott, Kansas. He was a sophomore at the University of Kansas, majoring in zoology, and played the bassoon in the college band. Known in his hometown as "The Nicest Boy in Wolcott," Andrews led a seemingly unremarkable life. However, he harbored fantasies of becoming a gangster and professional hitman, inspired by his readings and imagination. He even contemplated poisoning his family to pursue this dream but feared detection through autopsies.

On the evening of November 28, 1958, during Thanksgiving break, Andrews executed a meticulously planned attack on his family. After reading "The Brothers Karamazov," he shaved, dressed in a suit, and armed himself with a .22 caliber rifle and a revolver. He entered the living room where his parents and sister were watching television and opened fire. He shot his sister, Jennie Marie, between the eyes, then shot his mother, Opal, multiple times, and his father, William, as he attempted to flee. In total, he fired 17 shots into his father.

To stage the scene as a burglary, Andrews opened a window, scattered belongings, and then drove to Lawrence, Kansas. There, he established an alibi by visiting his boarding house to retrieve a typewriter and attending a movie. After the film, he disposed of the dismantled murder weapons by throwing them into the Kansas River. Returning home, he called the police to report a robbery. Upon arrival, officers found Andrews unusually calm, sitting on the porch and petting his dog. He eventually confessed to the murders after speaking with the family’s pastor.

Andrews pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but was convicted on three counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. His appeals were unsuccessful, and he was executed by hanging on November 30, 1962, at the age of 22. He declined to make any final statement.