ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Ala. (WLUC) – Caleb Anderson, a man accused of crimes in three states, has been handed a life sentence without the possibility of parole in Alabama. Anderson’s sentencing took place on January 4th in Escambia County, Alabama, where he was found guilty of capital murder in the death of 52-year-old Dwight Dixon. Dixon’s lifeless body was discovered in his apartment on August 3, 2022.

The court documents obtained by TV6 from the Escambia County Clerk confirm that Anderson pleaded guilty to the capital murder charge on December 13. Prior to this, Anderson’s defense attorneys had filed a notice of their intention to pursue a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in July 2023. However, following a psychiatric examination, it was determined that Anderson was fit to stand trial. Subsequently, he decided to forgo a jury trial and enter the guilty plea.

Anderson’s arrest occurred in Helena, Alabama, in August 2022, after a crime spree that originated in Upper Michigan. The Michigan State Police initiated a search for Anderson on August 1, 2022, as he was suspected of assaulting an 18-year-old woman from Gaastra while she was out for a run.

Over the following days, Anderson emerged as the prime suspect in the murder of 65-year-old Patrick Ernst, which took place on August 2. After the murder, Anderson stole Ernst’s vehicle and fled the scene, prompting Green Bay Police to issue a nationwide alert. U.S. marshals eventually apprehended Anderson in Helena, Alabama, after the victim’s car was spotted entering the city.

Following Anderson’s sentencing in Alabama, it remains unclear whether he will face separate court proceedings for Ernst’s murder in Wisconsin. Presently, he is charged with first-degree homicide for that crime. TV6 has reached out to the Brown County District Attorney for further details on the next steps in this case.

This is an ongoing story, and TV6 will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.