Earlier today, Palo Alto Daily Post reported that San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Garratt recently sentenced Francis Wolke to 26 years to life in prison for the gruesome murder of Kathleen Anderson in her Menlo Park home back in 2018, a crime labeled as "every woman's worst nightmare." As we remember the loss of an incredible person who dedicated her life to nurturing green spaces, it is important to honor her life, impact, and legacy.
Kathleen Anderson, 62, known as Kathy to her friends and family, was Atherton's arborist for 22 years, from November 1989 until her retirement in November 2011, according to the Palo Alto Daily Post. She was passionate about her work as an arboriculturalist, providing insight into proper tree planting and trimming to the town's residents, often visiting their gardens and offering advice. Kathy was a beacon of positivity, and her impact on trees in Atherton will carry on for many generations.
Born in Decatur, Illinois, she moved to California in the 1980s to pursue her educational goals. Kathy married William "Andy" Anderson, who co-owned Dahl Plumbing on Alma Street in Palo Alto, and the couple were married for about 30 years before Andy's death in 2007. The couple had no children but were known for hosting holiday parties, traveling, and being regulars at the Alpine Beer Garden in Portola Valley.
Anderson's love for plants extended beyond her professional career as an arborist, as she maintained a fantastic garden at her home at 925 Valparaiso Avenue, which was described as "fantastic" by her brother-in-law, Barry Anderson. With a beautiful indoor sunroom brimming with plants, she was also known for her green thumb.
On the fateful day of the murder on December 12, 2018, Daniel Baggett, a former tenant of Anderson's, grew concerned after noticing her garbage bins remained on the curb a day after trash collection, and her usually open bedroom window was closed. He entered her home after finding the back door open and discovered Francis Wolke at the top of the stairs. Baggett called 911 and held Wolke at knifepoint until the police arrived, according CBS Bay Area.
Wolke, a resident of Cincinnati, had no known relationship or prior contact with Anderson before brutally killing her with a pen and handsaw reported Palo Alto Online.
The jury convicted Wolke of first-degree murder and determined he was sane at the time of the crime. His defense attorney claimed he had auditory hallucinations regarding consuming human flesh during the trial. CBS Bay Area reported that Wolke received a 26-years-to-life sentence with about 1,600 days credit for time already served.
