Robert Andrew Shafer

Case summary

Robert Andrew Shafer was sentenced to death on January 6, 1993. His conviction was overturned in 1998.

Background

Shafer stated that on April 29, 1990 at about 10:30 a.m. he got fired from his job. He called his friend David Steinmeyer and asked him to come over and get high with him. Shafer and Steinmeyer got stoned from about 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. with Shafer’s sister, Francine, and a friend.

During this time Shafer stated that David and he talked about robbing some homosexuals and beating them up, and that Shafer’s sister did not have any knowledge of this.

Shafer stated that at 1:30 p.m. he and Steinmeyer went behind the apartments to play baseball with some friends. Shafer and Steinmeyer got stoned and drank some beer while playing. Shafer stated that he and Steinmeyer talked more about robbing somebody while playing softball. At about 4:45 p.m., Steinmeyer left to go to work at 5:00 p.m., and Shafer stayed and played softball until about 6:30 p.m.

Shafer stated that he went home, took a shower and got stoned some more. At about 7:25 p.m. he went up to Hardee’s on North 94 to talk to David again. He left Hardee’s at 7:45 p.m. and went back home to wait for David to get off work at 8:00 p.m.

Shafer stated that at 8:15 p.m. Steinmeyer came to Shafer’s house, they sat and got stoned and talked more about robbing somebody. Steinmeyer changed from his work clothes into some of Shafer’s. Shafer stated that he went into his sister’s bedroom, got the .22 revolver, and got 5 .22 shells from the kitchen. He put the shells in his pocket and the .22 into his waistband.

The offence

Shafer stated that at about 8:45 p.m. he and Steinmeyer left his house. They walked behind the Marina apartments until they got to North 94. They walked down North 94 until they got to Tecumseh Street, then to Tecumseh and Second Street where they talked to a St. Charles County Sheriff’s Deputy. The Deputy told them to keep on going.

Shafer stated that they walked to North Main Street, down North Main to the North River Road, and earlier that day Shafer and Steinmeyer had talked about where to look for somebody to rob and decided to look at Blanchette’s Landing on North River Road. Shafer stated that once on the North River Road they went to Blanchette’s Landing. They hid in the dark to see how many people were there and saw 4-5 parked cars. As they approached the eastern part of the landing, Shafer stated they saw Parker and Young. Shafer and Steinmeyer hid in the bathroom and tried to look at Parker and Young.

Shafer stated they heard loud music, saw Parker and Young hugging and drinking beer, and that this is when they knew they would be the ones they robbed. Shafer stated that Shafer and Steinmeyer walked up to Parker and Young and started talking to them. Shafer stated it seemed Young was apprehensive about talking to them. Parker and Young asked what they were doing out so late, and Shafer told them they were going to see some girls in St. Peters. Shafer stated he offered Young $5.00 to drive them to St. Peters. He gave the $5.00 to Parker and Parker gave it to Young. Shafer stated they sat there and talked for about 5 minutes and drank a beer Parker and Young gave them.

Shafer stated that at about 9:30 p.m. they got into the car to go to St. Peters, with Shafer getting in the car behind Parker on the passenger side and Steinmeyer getting behind Young on the driver side. Shafer stated that at this point he gave David the gun, but kept the 5 .22 shells. Young drove down the North River Road until he got to North Main, drove until he got to Tecumseh Street, then drove to Fourth Street, then drove to the hill leading to Fifth Street, then down Fifth Street until he got to the on ramp for I-70 West.

Shafer stated that during the drive they exchanged conversation, including that they asked their names and whether they got high. Shafer stated that Shafer and Steinmeyer knew right away Young was gay. Shafer stated Young appeared apprehensive about the incident.

Shafer stated that once they were on I-70 West, he put 3 of the .22 shells in the gun and gave it back to Steinmeyer to hold. Shafer stated that when they got to the Cave Springs Exit at St. Peters, Young exited. Shafer stated he was going to have Young drop them off at the Cave Springs Sunoco, but he did not because Shafer’s brother-in-law Jeff was at work there. Shafer stated he asked Young to take them farther into St. Peters, which Young agreed to. Shafer stated Young said, "There isn't anything going on, is there?"

Shafer stated that Young drove the car down Cave Springs Road until he got to Mexico Road, turned right going west until he got to Jungerman Road, turned left going south, drove down Jungerman Road until he got to a 7-11 on the right hand side and turned left on Oak Tree going east, followed Oak Tree until Shafer told him to turn on Peach Street, and that Parker then said his nephew lived on Peach so Shafer told Young it was the wrong street. Shafer stated Young drove down Oak Tree until it turned into Cherry Tree, drove down Cherry Tree until it came to Timberidge, then to New Muegge Road, then to the Hackman and Country Club Road intersection. Shafer stated that at Country Club Road, Young took a left and went until he came to Berlekamp. Shafer stated that at Berlekamp Young went to a circular drive and Shafer told him that was the house, and that the lights were off so Shafer told Young it was the right house, but nobody was home now.

Shafer stated that during the whole drive through St. Peters Young kept asking if anything was wrong and seemed scared. Shafer stated that when Young sensed something was wrong, Young told them to get out and find another ride from there. Shafer asked Young to take them back to I-70 where they would get out and find a ride. Shafer stated that Young drove back pretty much the same way they had come as far as Shafer could remember.

Shafer stated that on the trip back to I-70 they talked about partying at Parker’s house in St. Charles and that Shafer and Steinmeyer decided to take the car when they stopped next time.

Shafer stated that back at Cave Springs and I-70 Young got on the south service road going east, and Shafer told him they could be dropped off at another friend’s house on the service road. Shafer stated that Young drove until he got to Spring Road; at Spring Road Young turned right going south. Shafer stated Spring Road dead ended and at the dead end Young pulled into a driveway on the right side. Shafer stated he told Young to turn off the headlights and the motor because Shafer’s "friend" could be asleep, and that he got the gun from Steinmeyer at this time.

Shafer stated that as Parker got out, Parker opened the seat for Shafer to get out. Shafer stated that on his way out he punched Parker in the face and stomach and pushed him into a hole; Parker tried to get up and Shafer kicked him again. Shafer stated Steinmeyer was fighting with Young on the other side of the car, but that Young was on top of Steinmeyer. Shafer stated he dragged Parker over to Young, pointed the gun at Young’s head, and told Young to stop fighting. Shafer stated he gave the gun to Steinmeyer and told him to shoot if they tried to get away.

Shafer stated he got in the driver’s seat, Young behind him, and Steinmeyer in the passenger seat, and he told them all that they would do is rob them and leave them somewhere unless they tried to get away. Shafer stated that Steinmeyer kept them at gun point while Shafer drove.

Shafer stated he drove back to the south service road and turned left going west. Shafer stated he took the service road all the way to Mid Rivers Drive; at Mid Rivers Drive he crossed the over-pass to the north service road; he drove down the north service road past the Quick Trip on the right, through old town St. Peters, and through the stop sign at a point where Young tried to reach for the door handle. Shafer stated that from Cave Springs to Mid Rivers Young tried once to choke him from behind.

Shafer stated that at the railroad tracks next to Lone Wolf Park, he turned onto Salt River Road and drove until he got to Silvers Road on the right side, stating that this was where he planned on robbing Young and Parker because it was dark and away from people. Shafer stated he drove down Silvers Road for a ways and stopped, turned off the car and turned off the headlights.

Shafer stated that along the way from Cave Springs to Mid Rivers Steinmeyer asked if they would kill or shoot the guys, and Shafer said no until Young tried to choke him and get away. Shafer stated that after he stopped the car, he opened the door to let Young out on the passenger side. Shafer stated that Steinmeyer and Parker started to fight and Parker ended up in the ditch. Shafer stated that as Young got out he punched Shafer in the face, and Shafer fought with him until he also ended up in the ditch.

Shafer stated that Steinmeyer came up to him after Young was in the ditch and they talked for a few seconds. Shafer stated he saw Parker trying to run away and chased him; as Shafer caught up to Parker he fell into the ditch again. Shafer stated that he was not too far away when he fired 2 shots from the .22 revolver, and that he knew at least one (1) shot hit Parker in the face because he had some blood on his hand.

Shafer stated that right after he shot Parker he ran over to where Young was laying in the ditch. Shafer stated that Young begged him not to shoot him, said Young did not remember what Shafer looked like, and said Young wouldn’t go to the police. Shafer stated he then fired one (1) shot at Young, hitting him in the back, because Young was trying to run away into the field. Shafer stated he took the last 2 shells out of his pocket, put them in the gun, and fired one (1) shot, then walked closer to Young and fired another one (1) shot into his head. Shafer stated that Young did not move but made noises.

Shafer stated that Steinmeyer was back at the car. Shafer stated he walked over to Steinmeyer and that Steinmeyer asked how come Shafer shot them, and Shafer responded that he shot them because they tried to get away. Shafer stated that Shafer and Steinmeyer got back into the car, Shafer driving and Steinmeyer in the passenger seat, and they turned around at the 90 degree turn in road. Shafer stated that as they came parallel to Young, Shafer stopped the car, walked over to Young, and got into his pockets; Shafer stated he did not recall for sure what exactly was taken, but that he knew a silver Zippo lighter was taken.

Shafer stated that at this point Young was alive, but unconscious and bleeding bad. Shafer stated he drove the car down to Parker and stopped again, and that Steinmeyer stayed in the car while Shafer left to empty Parker’s pockets. Shafer stated he took some money close to $100.00 and Parker’s Camel cigarettes. Shafer stated that Parker was not breathing at all and that Shafer assumed Parker was dead.

Immediate events after the offence

Shafer stated he got back into the car and drove down Silvers Road until he got to Salt River Road. Shafer stated he took Salt River Road back to Highway C and through old town St. Peters. Shafer stated he got onto the south service road, going east, drove down that all the way to First Capitol Drive, and took First Capitol to Fifth Street back into North St. Charles. Shafer stated that once back in North St. Charles, he and Steinmeyer talked about where to leave the car.

Shafer stated it was about 10:30 p.m. when they got back to St. Charles. Shafer stated he drove around North St. Charles, Boschertown, looking for a place to leave the car until about 11:00 p.m. Shafer stated he drove to North Main Street to Bales Memorial Park, stopped the car, and started to take out the car stereo, the speakers, cassette tapes and other things. Shafer stated that he and Steinmeyer threw out trash, ashtray, cigarette lighter that might have fingerprints on it. Shafer stated he also took off the vinyl steering wheel cover to alleviate fingerprints. Shafer stated that after they took these items they dumped them in the park area.

Shafer stated that at about 11:15 p.m. they got to the Town and Country IGA on North 94, where Shafer had decided to leave Young’s car. Shafer stated they took the car stereo, speakers, cassette tapes and the .22 gun with them. Before Shafer closed the door he kicked the gear shifter to try and remove the plastic casing that had his fingerprints on it. Shafer stated that Shafer and Steinmeyer walked through the small field behind Steamboat Lane Apartments where he dropped the plastic from the gear shifter and the vinyl steering wheel cover.

Shafer stated that Shafer and Steinmeyer walked in the dark behind all of the Marina Apartments until they got to Shafer’s apartment. Shafer stated he put the stereo, speakers, gun and cassettes under his bedroom window. Shafer stated he and Steinmeyer walked to the front of his apartment and went in at 11:19 p.m., and that Shafer’s sister Francine, her husband and son were watching VCR tapes. Shafer stated that his sister asked how come their shoes were all wet and what was wrong.

Shafer stated that Shafer and Steinmeyer went to Shafer’s bedroom and took the stereo, speakers, cassettes and gun in through the window. Shafer stated Steinmeyer changed out of Shafer’s clothes into his work uniform, and that Shafer put the clothes in the closet. Shafer stated Shafer and Steinmeyer went out onto the porch to talk. Shafer stated that he told Steinmeyer not to say anything until they figured out what to do tomorrow.

Shafer stated that at 11:25 p.m. Steinmeyer went home. Shafer stated that from 11:25 p.m. until about 1:30 a.m., April 30, 1990, he sat and watched t.v. with his sister and her husband. Shafer stated that at 1:30 a.m. he went into his bedroom and locked the door. Shafer stated that until about 3:00 a.m. he got stoned and drunk. Shafer stated that at 3:00 a.m. he crawled out the window and took the stereo, speakers and some cassette tapes to his sister’s old storage across the street at 755 Marina Drive. Shafer stated he went back home in through the window, went into his sister’s room, and put the .22 revolver back into the closet so his sister would never know it was gone. Shafer stated the (5) empty shell casings he put in his closet. Shafer stated he had to have his brother-in-law Jeff unlock his bedroom door from the outside because he got locked in at about 4:00 a.m. Shafer stated he stayed in the bedroom until about 7:30 a.m., April 30, 1990.

Shafer stated that at about 7:30 a.m. he had to babysit his nephew Jacob. Shafer stated he did not do much until 12:00 p.m. when he went to the Town and Country IGA to get a few things and had to walk by Young’s car. Shafer stated he noticed it had been moved a few feet from where he left it, but that he kept going.

Shafer stated that at 3:00 p.m., Steinmeyer got out of school and Shafer went to Steinmeyer’s house. Shafer stated they talked about the shooting, and that Steinmeyer said he talked to somebody at school about it. Shafer stated he got the car keys from Steinmeyer and threw them out behind Shafer’s apartment, in the woods. Shafer stated that at this point he did not know that the bodies had been found.

Shafer stated that at about 4:00 p.m. Steinmeyer had to go work for about one (1) hour or so and Shafer went home. Shafer stated that at about 5:00 p.m. Steinmeyer called and Shafer told him to watch the news to see if they found the bodies. Shafer stated that at 5:05 p.m. or so Steinmeyer called to say the police had found the car at the IGA.

Shafer stated he went to Steinmeyer’s house and watched the police photograph Young’s car. Shafer stated he left Steinmeyer’s house, went home, called his mother in Salina, Kansas, and told her he might have shot 2 people, but not to say anything until he called her back later on. Shafer stated that at about 5:30 p.m. he went to Hardee’s and told his sister he needed the car to go to confession; he was crying and his sister asked why. Shafer stated he told her that he couldn’t tell her yet.

Shafer stated that Shafer and Steinmeyer went to confession at Shafer’s girlfriend Kelly’s and a couple of other places to tell people they were leaving town. Shafer stated that at about 7:00 p.m. he went to his brother Michael’s house and told him he had to leave town because Shafer was in trouble. Shafer stated Michael asked what and Shafer told him he shot (2) people last night. Shafer stated he kissed his (2) nieces and brother goodbye and went home. Shafer stated that Steinmeyer talked to Shafer’s brother alone and that Shafer did not know what Steinmeyer said.

Shafer stated he packed some clothes, called Steinmeyer, and told him to get ready to leave town. Shafer stated they planned on going to Corpus Christi, Texas, to see Shafer’s son and then turn themselves in. Shafer stated that at Steinmeyer’s house they talked to Steinmeyer’s mother, Nancy before they left. Shafer stated that as they tried to leave, Shafer’s brother Michael tried to stop them, but Shafer kept on going. Shafer stated that as they went down North 94 they passed (2) or (3) police cars.

Shafer stated that at about 9:00 p.m. he and Steinmeyer were on I-70 West leaving town. Shafer stated he stopped at O’Fallon to get gas. Shafer stated that Shafer and Steinmeyer both called their mothers. Shafer stated their mothers encouraged them to turn themselves in to police right away. Shafer stated Shafer and Steinmeyer decided to turn themselves in at St. Charles.

Shafer stated that during the ride on I-70 East Shafer and Steinmeyer talked about what to say to police when they were arrested. Shafer stated he made Steinmeyer agree to let him write a statement saying he shot Young and he shot Parker, and Shafer stated this was not the truth but that Steinmeyer agreed reluctantly.

Shafer stated that at 9:30 p.m. they stopped at the Cave Springs Sunoco to make a few phone calls. Shafer stated he called his sister and told her he would turn himself in at 10:15 p.m. at the St. Charles Police Department and to be there to ensure Shafer’s safety.

Shafer stated he drove around St. Charles, went to his girlfriend Kelly’s house but she was gone. Shafer stated he called his brother-in-law Jeff and told him to get rid of the .22 revolver, and Jeff asked why and would not.

Shafer stated that at 10:10 p.m. he drove to West Clay Street and parked in Sun Valley Lake Apartments. Shafer stated Shafer and Steinmeyer walked across the street to the Police Department and were arrested at 10:14 p.m. by sheriff’s detectives. Shafer stated Shafer and Steinmeyer were taken to the sheriff’s department for questioning next. Shafer stated that he then gave Lt. Simcox and Det. Ifland a ( ) page statement to the murders.

Shafer provided additional details about evidence and related persons. He stated that during the kidnapping of Young and Parker on Spring Road, Young apparently lost his eyeglasses. Shafer stated that the .22 revolver was taken into evidence by Sgt. Roach, but later released back to Shafer’s brother-in-law Jeff. Shafer stated it could be in the hands of Tracy Baltazor in Salina, Kansas, and that Shafer’s sister gave it to him after Shafer’s arrest because she did not want it anymore.

Shafer stated the car stereo, speakers and cassettes were still in the storage until a few after Shafer’s arrest. Shafer stated he later found out that either Chauncey or Gary Regot might have them. Shafer stated some of the cassettes were now in evidence. Shafer stated they were in Shafer’s sister’s car at the time of Shafer’s arrest. Shafer stated the tape case might have Young’s name on it and that Shafer did not remember for sure. Shafer stated that one (1) of the shell casings could be in the evidence police seized from Shafer’s sister’s car at Sun Valley Lake Apartments. Shafer stated that the keys from Young’s car are behind Shafer’s apartment at 868 Marina Drive, or should be.

Timeline

• April 29, 1990 (about 10:30 a.m.) — Shafer stated he got fired from his job.
• April 29, 1990 (about 1:30 p.m.) — Shafer and Steinmeyer went behind the apartments to play baseball.
• April 29, 1990 (about 4:45 p.m.) — Steinmeyer left to go to work at 5:00 p.m.
• April 29, 1990 (about 7:25 p.m.) — Shafer went to Hardee’s on North 94 to talk to David again.
• April 29, 1990 (about 8:15 p.m.) — Steinmeyer came to Shafer’s house; Shafer got the .22 revolver and shells.
• April 29, 1990 (about 8:45 p.m.) — Shafer and Steinmeyer left Shafer’s house with the gun.
• April 29, 1990 (about 9:30 p.m.) — They got into the car to go to St. Peters.
• April 29, 1990 (about 10:10 p.m.) — Shafer parked in Sun Valley Lake Apartments.
• April 29, 1990 (10:14 p.m.) — Shafer and Steinmeyer were arrested by sheriff’s detectives.
• April 30, 1990 (about 1:30 a.m.) — Shafer locked his bedroom door.
• April 30, 1990 (about 3:00 a.m.) — Shafer crawled out the window and took the stereo, speakers and some cassette tapes to 755 Marina Drive.
• April 30, 1990 (about 7:30 a.m.) — Shafer babysat his nephew Jacob.
• April 30, 1990 (about 3:00 p.m.) — Shafer went to Steinmeyer’s house after Steinmeyer got out of school.
• April 30, 1990 (about 5:05 p.m. or so) — Steinmeyer called to say the police found the car at the IGA.
• April 30, 1990 (about 5:30 p.m.) — Shafer went to Hardee’s and told his sister he needed the car to go to confession.
• April 30, 1990 (about 7:00 p.m.) — Shafer told his brother Michael he had to leave town because he was in trouble and said he shot (2) people last night.
• April 30, 1990 (about 9:00 p.m.) — Shafer and Steinmeyer were on I-70 West leaving town.
• April 30, 1990 (9:30 p.m.) — They stopped at the Cave Springs Sunoco to make phone calls.
• April 30, 1990 (10:15 p.m.) — Shafer told his sister he would turn himself in at 10:15 p.m. at the St. Charles Police Department.
• April 30, 1990 (10:10 p.m. / 10:14 p.m. stated) — Shafer drove to West Clay Street; Shafer and Steinmeyer were arrested at 10:14 p.m.

People

• Robert Andrew Shafer — defendant; confessed in his written statement.
• David Steinmeyer — Shafer’s friend; accomplice described in Shafer’s statement; was fighting with Young at the car and was kept at gunpoint.
• Francine — Shafer’s sister; was watching VCR tapes; asked why their shoes were wet.
• Young — victim named in Shafer’s statement.
• Parker — victim named in Shafer’s statement.
• Jeff — Shafer’s brother-in-law.
• Jacob — Shafer’s nephew.
• Kelly — Shafer’s girlfriend.
• Michael — Shafer’s brother.
• Nancy — Steinmeyer’s mother.
• Tracy Baltazor — person Shafer said Jeff might have passed the revolver to.
• Chauncey or Gary Regot — persons Shafer said might have the car stereo, speakers and cassettes.
• Lt. Simcox — referenced as receiving Shafer’s statement.
• Det. Ifland — referenced as receiving Shafer’s statement.
• Sgt. Roach — referenced as the person who took the .22 revolver into evidence.
• Sheriff’s detectives — referenced as the arresting officers; Shafer did not name them individually.
• St. Charles County Sheriff’s Deputy — the deputy who told Shafer and Steinmeyer to keep on going.

Other details

Shafer described using a .22 revolver and stated that he fired multiple shots at Parker and Young. He described taking money close to $100.00 and Camel cigarettes from Parker and taking a silver Zippo lighter from Young. He also described removing and taking a car stereo, speakers, cassette tapes, and a .22 gun from the car at different locations and trying to remove items that might contain fingerprints.

Shafer stated that his plan included robbing and leaving the victims somewhere unless they tried to get away. He stated he made Steinmeyer agree to let him write a statement saying he shot Young and Steinmeyer shot Parker, and he stated that this was not the truth.