Raped and Beaten to Death: The Brutal Murder of Wanda June Anderson
On July 15, 1965, 11-year-old Wanda June Anderson suffered a brutal attack, leaving her severely beaten. 36 hours later she passed away from her injuries. Her murder triggered a statewide search for the perpetrator, with multiple suspects investigated. Despite almost 59 years passing, the person responsible for her death remains unidentified.
What happened to her and who did it?
Wanda June Anderson, born on July 10, 1954, was raised in Joelton, Tennessee, by her parents Nora Josephine and Noah Cooper Anderson, alongside her eight siblings. Described as bright and kind-hearted, Wanda was an integral part of her large family.
On Thursday, July 15, 1965, Kay May, Wanda’s older sister, and her husband Howard entrusted Wanda, aged 11, with the care of their six children, including their infant twins, as they stepped out to run errands and stop by Evelyn’s Beer Tavern. When they left their residence at 1213 16th Avenue around 10 pm, all the children were fast asleep.
Returning around 12:30 am on July 16, 1965, Kay and Howard discovered both the front and back doors wide open, sparking immediate concern. Inside, they heard one of their infants crying and found the home in disarray. While inspecting all bedrooms, they were horrified to find Wanda missing. Upon…
