Introduction
Robert Walden was an American actor who appeared in numerous television shows and movies in the 1960s and 1970s. However, his life took a dark turn when he was convicted of murder in 1985. His case was featured on the TV show “Evil Lives Here,” which explored the impact of his crimes on those around him. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the life and crimes of Robert Walden.
Early Life and Career
Robert Walden was born on September 25, 1943, in New York City. He began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in TV shows such as “The Defenders” and “The Nurses.” He also had roles in movies like “The Happening” and “The Out-of-Towners.”
Walden’s acting career continued into the 1970s, with appearances in shows like “The Streets of San Francisco” and “Kojak.” He also had a recurring role on the TV series “Lou Grant,” which earned him an Emmy nomination.
The Murders of Cathy Mills and Cheryl Alston
In 1985, Walden was convicted of the murders of two women: Cathy Mills and Cheryl Alston. Mills was a former girlfriend of Walden’s, and Alston was her roommate. The women were found beaten and strangled in their apartment in Los Angeles.
Walden was linked to the crime through DNA evidence and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He maintained his innocence throughout his trial and appeals process, but his conviction was upheld.
Impact on Those Around Him
The TV show “Evil Lives Here” featured an episode about Walden’s crimes and their impact on his family and friends. The show explored how Walden’s loved ones struggled to come to terms with his actions and the fact that the man they knew as a talented actor was capable of such violence.
Walden’s wife at the time of the murders, Joan Benedict Steiger, spoke on the show about her shock and disbelief when she learned of his crimes. She also discussed the toll that the trial and media attention took on her and her family.
Execution Date and Controversy
As of the time of writing, Robert Walden is still alive and incarcerated at the California State Prison in Los Angeles County. He has been eligible for parole since 2005 but has been denied each time.
There has been controversy surrounding Walden’s case, with some arguing that there was not enough evidence to convict him of the murders. However, his conviction has been upheld in the appeals process, and he remains behind bars.
Conclusion
Robert Walden’s life and career were cut short by his heinous crimes. While he was once known for his acting talent, he will now be remembered as a convicted murderer. His case serves as a reminder of the impact that violent crimes can have on those around the perpetrator and the importance of seeking justice for victims.
