Bio

Max Landon Payne was born on November 10, 1970. He grew up in Alabama. He had a sister named Wilma and a girlfriend named Sandra Walker.

Payne lived with his sister for a period. In his early years, Payne had a troubled childhood that included instability and trauma. 

In 1991, he started getting involved in criminal activities. This led to changes in his life and associations. By 1992, he was living a life that would lead him to commit serious crimes.

On March 23, 1992, a significant event occurred that changed the course of his life. Payne was at his sister Wilma’s house with Sandra. He left their home that evening and was later involved in a violent crime that took place at West Point Grocery, a store owned by Braxton Brown.

Murder Story

On March 23, 1992, Max Landon Payne was involved in the murder of Braxton Brown, the owner of the West Point Grocery store in Cullman, Alabama. Payne went to his sister Wilma’s house with a double-barreled shotgun. Later that evening, he was seen entering the grocery store, where he committed a robbery.

Payne kidnapped Braxton Brown at gunpoint and forced him into his car. He then drove Brown to his sister's house, where several people were present, including his girlfriend. At the house, Payne ordered Brown to give money to Wilma. When she suggested leaving Brown behind or taking him back to his store, Payne refused. Instead, he took Brown away in the car.

Later, Payne drove to a bridge over Crooked Creek. There, he shot Brown twice in the face with the shotgun and disposed of his body in the creek. Afterward, Payne bought a bus ticket to Florida, where he was later arrested by police upon arrival.

Authorities found items belonging to Brown on Payne, including bank deposits, identification, and a handgun. There was forensic evidence linking Payne to the crime, including human tissue found on his arm sling that matched Brown's blood type.

On October 8, 2009, after being convicted and spending 15 years on death row, Max Landon Payne was executed by lethal injection in Alabama. He had been sentenced to death for his actions in the murder of Braxton Brown. His final meal consisted of a turkey sandwich, potato salad, and cake. Before his execution, Payne expressed his love for his family as his last words.