Bio

Robert Andrew Shafer was born on August 19, 1970. He grew up in St. Charles County, Missouri. Not much specific information is available about his childhood or his family life. However, it is known that he had a sister named Francine, who played a role in his life during his teenage years.

As a young adult, Robert faced some challenges. He lost his job on April 29, 1990, which may have contributed to his decision-making during that time. After being fired, he called his friend David Steinmeyer to come over. They spent the day getting high and talking about robbing someone. This conversation happened while they were with friends and family, including Robert's sister, who was not aware of their plans.

During this period, Robert and David also played baseball with their friends. They continued to discuss their intentions while playing sports. Eventually, David left to go to work, and Robert stayed behind, continuing to drink and get high. Later, when David returned, they discussed their robbery plans further.

Robert went into his sister's room and obtained a .22 revolver along with ammunition. He hid the gun in his waistband. The two friends left Robert's house later that evening, heading to a nearby area where they could find someone to rob. They walked through their neighborhood, where they interacted briefly with a police deputy, who told them to keep moving.

Murder Story

On April 29, 1990, Robert Andrew Shafer and his friend David Steinmeyer planned to commit a robbery. They had been using drugs and talking about attacking homosexuals. In the evening, they decided to look for someone to rob. They went to a popular area known as Blanchette's Landing where they spotted two men, Parker and Young.

After talking to Parker and Young, they convinced them to drive them to St. Peters. During the ride, Shafer handed David the gun he had taken earlier. When they reached a secluded area, they told Parker and Young to pull over. Initially, Parker and Young were cooperative, but things turned violent when Shafer punched Parker and a struggle ensued outside the car.

Shafer chased Parker, and in the heat of the moment, he shot him twice. David also faced a struggle with Young, who begged for his life. Shafer shot Young as well. After confirming their victims were incapacitated, Shafer took money and items from both men.

Later that night, Shafer and David disposed of evidence, including their clothes and the gun. They talked about fleeing the area. Shafer eventually called his family, hinting at what happened but not revealing full details. They made plans to leave town but later decided to turn themselves in at the St. Charles Police Department, where they were arrested. Shafer eventually confessed to the murders during questioning.

Shafer was sentenced to death in January 1993, though his sentence was later overturned.