TRUE CRIME FRIDAY: THE CASE OF THE CARNATION MURDERS

Ninetoes digs up a 20-year-old homicide that took “Keeping it in the family” to a new level of messed up.

Hey there, true crime lovers! It is your favorite investigator, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes HQ, and I am on the beat with The Case of the Carnation Murders. I have my notebook in hand and coffee in my system, so let’s get to it!

On December 24, 2007, a family of six was murdered. The victims were: Wayne Scott Anderson (60), Judy Anderson (61), Scott Anderson (32), Erica Mantle Anderson (32, Scott’s wife), Olivia Anderson (5), and Nathan Anderson (3).

Philip Thomas McEnroe and Michele Kristen Anderson drove to the Anderson home on the afternoon of December 24, 2007. When they got inside, McEnroe distracted Judy Anderson (who was wrapping Christmas gifts) while Michele tried to shoot her father. Her gun jammed, so McEnroe killed both parents. Their bodies were dragged outside, and the house was cleaned as they waited for Michele’s brother, Scott, and his family.

When Scott Anderson and his family entered the house, Michele shot her brother several times. Then McEnroe and Michele turned the gun on Erica. She was shot several times, but she was able to get to the cordless telephone and call 911. The connection lasted seconds, and the dispatcher heard what sounded like an argument at a party. McEnroe took the phone, pulled the batteries out, then smashed it on the floor. He killed Erica, then turned the gun on the children. Michele requested that the children also be killed because: A) she did not want any witnesses, and B) the children would be scarred for life after witnessing their parents being killed.

A total of sixteen shots were fired.

All victims were shot in the head.

The police were dispatched as a result of the 911 call, but the gate to the property was locked (Michele went out and locked the gate when she realized the 911 call went through). Since the gate was locked, the officers decided not to investigate any further.

The bodies were discovered on December 26 when a co-worker of Judy’s, Linda Thiel, went to see why she was not at work. Thiel saw the bodies through the window and called 911. As the detectives were investigating, McEnroe and Anderson drove up. They were taken in for questioning and eventually confessed to the murders.

The pair was charged with six counts of first-degree murder, each.

The prosecution charged that the motive for the murders was money. Apparently, Scott Anderson owed his sister, Michele, some money. Michele also felt that she was being mistreated by her parent and brother.

In January, 2014, McEnroe confessed to the murders in order to avoid the death sentence. In December 2014, a sixteen-member jury was picked for his trial. On March 25, 2015, a jury found him guilty of all six counts of aggravated first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison on May 13, 2015.

Michele Anderson was found guilty of six counts of aggravated first-degree murder on March 4, 2016. She was sentenced to life in prison in April 2016.

McEnroe is currently incarcerated at Washington State Penitentiary.

Anderson is incarcerated at Washington Corrections Center for Women.

Until the next time, keep your pencils sharp and your paper dry. I bid you successful investigations.

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.