Steven Vernon Bixby was born on August 17, 1967. He grew up in Warren, New Hampshire. His father, Arthur Bixby, had legal problems, including jail time for failing to pay a debt. Arthur and his wife, Rita, had a history of filing lawsuits, often viewed as frivolous. 

On December 8, 2003, a standoff began at the Bixby home in Abbeville, South Carolina. The confrontation involved Steven Bixby, his parents Arthur and Rita, and law enforcement officials. The tension arose from a property dispute regarding the state's plan to widen Highway 72, which affected the Bixby's land.

Early in the morning, a highway worker reported that the Bixbys were making threats and preventing survey work. Abbeville County Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Daniel "Danny Boy" Wilson arrived at their house around 9:15 AM. He was shot at close range by Steven Bixby while standing outside. After being shot, Wilson was dragged into the house, where he was held hostage for several hours until he died from his injuries.

As police attempted to respond to the situation, State Constable Donald "Donnie" Ouzts arrived on the scene. Within minutes, he was also shot and killed by Steven Bixby. The shooting of both officers prompted a large police response, including SWAT teams and other law enforcement agencies.

The standoff continued for about fourteen hours, with gunfire exchanged between the Bixbys and police. The Bixbys fired thousands of rounds during the confrontation. Law enforcement officers attempted to negotiate with them, but those efforts were unsuccessful. At one point, they even used teargas and pepper spray in an attempt to force the Bixbys to surrender.

As night fell, police managed to persuade Rita Bixby to surrender. However, negotiations with Steven and Arthur continued until they were finally taken into custody later that evening. Steven Bixby surrendered after a final surge of violence, where police used a battering ram to break down the door.

In the aftermath of the standoff, Steven Bixby was charged with two counts of murder, among other charges. Rita Bixby was charged as an accessory to the murders. Arthur Bixby was found mentally incompetent to stand trial due to dementia. Steven was later convicted and sentenced to death. He remains on death row, while Rita received a life sentence.