Bio

Robert Ira Peede was born on June 30, 1944. He spent most of his childhood in North Carolina. He was estranged from his first wife, Geraldine, and later from his second wife, Darla.

He had a background in motorcycle riding, which played a role in his life later on. He lived in different places throughout North Carolina, including Hillsboro. Peede’s relationships were troubled. His marriage to Darla was marked by conflict, and they eventually separated. He also had children. In March 1983, Peede drove from North Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida, to try to convince Darla to return with him. 

Murder Story

On March 31, 1983, Robert Ira Peede killed his estranged wife, Darla Peede, in Orange County, Florida. The murder took place after Peede drove from North Carolina to Florida to persuade Darla to return with him. His true plan involved using Darla as bait to lure his former wife, Geraldine, and her boyfriend, Calvin Wagner, to a motel where he intended to kill them.

On that day, Peede called Darla to pick him up from the airport. She agreed, but before leaving her home, she instructed her daughter to alert the police if she did not return by midnight. Darla was concerned about her safety and only took her purse when she left. After she picked him up, Peede directed Darla to drive north on the highway. They mistakenly took a turnpike towards Orlando.

While in the car, a song came on the radio that triggered Peede's anger. He believed that Darla and Geraldine had placed an ad for sexual partners and responded violently. Peede superficially cut Darla in the side with his knife. They later picked up a hitchhiker who drove the car while Peede and Darla were intimate in the back seat. After dropping off the hitchhiker, Peede stopped the car several miles outside of Orlando.

He then jumped into the back seat and stabbed Darla in the neck. As a result, she began to bleed severely and died within minutes. Peede continued his journey to North Carolina and disposed of Darla’s body in a wooded area in Camden, Georgia. He also discarded the knife used in the murder during the drive.

After returning home, Peede was arrested in Hillsboro, North Carolina. At the time of his arrest, Darla's car was outside with bloodstains inside. Peede later confessed to the murder, requesting the death penalty be executed without delay. He was charged with first-degree murder and was found guilty on February 17, 1984. On March 5, 1984, a jury recommended the death penalty, which was subsequently imposed.