Brian Wakefield

Case record: Brian Wakefield

Background

Brian Wakefield was sentenced to death on March 4, 2004 for killing an elderly couple during a robbery in their home.

The offence

Wakefield forced his way into the Hazards’ two-story suburban home near Atlantic City during a burglary and robbery. Acquaintances described the Hazards as doting grandparents and helpful neighbors, and the Hazards were complete strangers to Wakefield.

Richard Hazard, a retired military man who worked for years at the former Atlantic City Electric Co., heard a knock at the door on Jan. 18, 2001 and let Wakefield in. Wakefield later detailed to police how it was much easier to kill Richard Hazard, who was slain first, than his wife. Wakefield savagely beat Richard Hazard. Wakefield stabbed Richard Hazard in his side, his face and head. Richard Hazard suffered brain contusions and a fractured skull.

Shirley Hazard, a retired postal employee who worked part time at Boscov’s, left work after 3 p.m. She headed to Pathmark for groceries and went home. Wakefield ambushed her when she arrived. Wakefield stabbed her in the neck and hit her in the head. Wakefield threw her down the basement steps and kicked her in the ribs. Wakefield told police he kicked her “like a 250-pound place-kicker for the Raiders.” The 65-year-old woman did not die quickly; she lived long enough for the killer to tell police that she turned and looked into his face. With one eye swollen shut, she also looked at her 70-year-old husband’s lifeless body in a pile of debris.

Wakefield set five fires throughout the house. Both bodies were set afire, and the house was set afire before Wakefield stole Mrs. Hazard’s car as part of his getaway.

During the murders and the fire-setting, Wakefield went to the kitchen, took a wooden spoon, and beat the couple’s collie because the dog yelped and got on the killer’s nerves.

Investigation

Wakefield also told police about the kicking of Shirley Hazard, saying: “like a 250-pound place-kicker for the Raiders.”

The Hazards’ DNA was found all over Wakefield’s sneakers and pants.

Police also found some items connected to the Hazards’ belongings: coins from Richard Hazard’s valuable coin collection and Shirley Hazard’s charm that said “No. 1 Grandma.”

A cab driver brought police the bloody clothes that Wakefield changed out of in the casino parking garage.

Arrest

By 6 a.m. Jan. 19, 2001, police banged on the door to Wakefield’s room at the Tropicana.

Wakefield was asleep in the Jacuzzi in his room at the Tropicana when police arrived.

After his arrest, Wakefield admitted to the murders.

Trial

Wakefield was convicted by a jury.

Sentencing

Wakefield was sentenced to death on March 4, 2004. He was described as being on New Jersey’s death row.

Outcome

Wakefield was sentenced to death and remained on New Jersey’s death row.

Aftermath

After the murders, Wakefield took off in the Hazards’ Lincoln Continental. The car broke down near the Hamilton Mall. Wakefield took the Hazards’ money and credit cards and went on a spending spree at the mall. He bought $1,300 in jewelry from Zales and more than $130 in compact discs from Sam Goody. He also bought new clothes and $200 in top shelf liquor.

Wakefield called for a cab. The driver, Olin Caldwell, knew Wakefield as “B-Love,” a regular customer. Caldwell took Wakefield to the Tropicana Casino and Resort, where Wakefield rented 3 rooms to throw a party for a friend.