Bio

Robert Earl O'Neal II was born on September 25, 1961. He grew up in Missouri. As a child, he faced challenges that contributed to his feelings of anger and resentment. O'Neal's life took a darker turn as he reached adulthood. He became involved in crime, which led to a series of arrests. As he moved through the legal system, he was often in and out of prison.

Murder Story

On February 2, 1984, Robert Earl O'Neal, along with two accomplices, was involved in the murder of fellow inmate Arthur Dade at the Jefferson City Correctional Center in Missouri. The incident occurred when Dade was distracted after another inmate threw a liquid in his face. During this distraction, one accomplice held Dade's hands, while O'Neal approached from the front. He then stabbed Dade multiple times in the chest with an ice pick-type weapon, puncturing vital organs.

Following the attack, O'Neal attempted to dispose of the weapon by throwing it out a broken window. He then washed the blood from his hands and arms at a nearby sink. Dade managed to move a short distance before collapsing and succumbing to his injuries shortly after.

The investigation led to the discovery of blood-stained clothing belonging to O'Neal, which contained his prison-issued identification numbers. This evidence, along with the injuries on O'Neal's hand, which he sustained during the stabbing, linked him directly to the murder scene. Authorities arrested him shortly thereafter.

For the murder of Dade, O'Neal faced legal proceedings. In 1985, he was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death after a jury trial. Though he appealed the decision, his conviction and sentence were upheld by various courts, including the Missouri Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court.

O'Neal's earlier criminal history included a conviction for murder in 1980, which resulted in a life sentence as he was already serving time in prison at the time of Dade's murder. Over the years, he faced multiple other charges related to violence against correctional staff and inmates.

On December 6, 1995, Robert Earl O'Neal was executed by lethal injection in Missouri. He had been on death row for over a decade following his conviction for the murder of Arthur Dade.