Lynwood Crumpler Drake III was born on October 10, 1949, in Norfolk, Virginia. He led a tumultuous life, working various jobs including bartender, caterer, and construction worker. Drake also pursued acting, attending classes in New York and securing a minor role in the film The World According to Garp. Despite these endeavors, he struggled with unemployment and financial instability.

Drake's personal life was equally troubled. He had a common-law wife and a daughter, but the relationship deteriorated, leading to their departure. In June 1991, he was arrested for assaulting a daycare worker after his daughter sustained an injury. He was sentenced to probation and mandated to attend an anger management program, which he reportedly did not complete.

By May 1992, Drake faced eviction from his Morro Bay residence due to unpaid rent. This eviction, coupled with his deteriorating personal relationships and financial woes, contributed to his growing resentment and feelings of persecution. He frequently expressed threats of violence, but these were largely dismissed by those around him.

On the evening of November 7, 1992, Drake embarked on a deadly spree across San Luis Obispo County, California. His first victim was 80-year-old Andrew Zatko, his former landlord who had evicted him months earlier. Drake shot Zatko in the throat at close range in his Morro Bay home.

Shortly after, Drake proceeded to the residence of Norman Metcalfe, a former roommate who had testified against him during eviction proceedings. Upon Metcalfe's arrival with two friends, Drake shot him between the eyes. He also killed 32-year-old Danny Cizek and wounded 27-year-old Jeffrey Sidlin during the encounter.

Approximately five hours later, Drake targeted Oak's Card Parlor in Paso Robles, a venue from which he had been banned for disruptive behavior. Armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, he killed dealers David Law, 47, and Joe Garcia, 60, and fatally wounded 31-year-old customer Kris Staub. Witnesses reported that Drake spared others who pleaded for their lives.

Drake's final stop was the home of 60-year-old Joanne Morrow in San Miguel, another former landlord. He took Morrow hostage, beating her and threatening her life. As law enforcement surrounded the property in the early hours of November 8, Drake engaged in phone negotiations before fatally shooting himself in the head.

A suicide note found on his person revealed his deep-seated grievances, blaming various individuals for his life's misfortunes. He signed the note as "Jesse Cole Younger," referencing the infamous outlaw, and expressed a desire for retribution against those he believed had wronged him.