Bio

William Frank Parker was born in 1954. He was raised in a family that faced various challenges, including the loss of two siblings to suicide. 

As a young adult, Parker moved to Arkansas. He married Pamela Warren, and they had a turbulent relationship. Their marriage ended in divorce shortly before the events that would change his life forever.

Parker struggled with substance abuse, particularly alcohol and cocaine. These issues would later play a significant role in his actions and decisions. His divorce left him deeply unhappy, and he became increasingly volatile.

Throughout his life, Parker had conflicts with authority figures, including prison guards. He was incarcerated for a time and had a reputation for being combative. However, while in solitary confinement, a guard gave him a Buddhist text known as the Dhammapada, which sparked a later interest in Buddhism.

In due time, Parker developed a strong connection to Buddhist beliefs. He adopted the name Jusan Fudo Sifu, which means "teacher" in Chinese. This new identity was significant for him, especially as he reflected on his past and the choices he made.

Parker's life took a tragic turn on November 5, 1984, leading to events that would eventually see him convicted of murder and facing death row. His early life experiences, along with his struggles and transformation through Buddhism, shaped the man he became in the years leading up to his death.

Murder Story

On November 5, 1984, William Frank Parker, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, murdered James and Sandra Warren, the parents of his former wife. After the killings, he abducted his ex-wife, Pam Warren, taking her to a nearby police station. There, he shot her and wounded a police officer before being disarmed.

Parker was arrested on the same day as the murders. He faced multiple trials due to legal complications, but was ultimately convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. Throughout the legal process, he made several attempts to challenge his convictions.

Parker's execution by lethal injection took place on August 8, 1996, after numerous appeals and a significant amount of public attention, including advocacy from various figures, such as the Dalai Lama. In his final moments, he expressed his acceptance of death, invoking his Buddhist beliefs. His final words were a recitation of the Three Refuges, a core Buddhist prayer. Parker was 42 years old at the time of his execution.