He is best known for representing Alfred Packer in his trial for murder, and for attempting to shoot Harry Heye Tammen and Frederick Gilmer Bonfils of The Denver Post after employee reporter Polly Pry accused his client of cannibalism.

Amidst the trial, The Denver Post reporter Polly Pry wrote an article on the case, accusing Packer of cannibalism.

In response, Anderson went to the headquarters of The Denver Post with a gun, and shot the two publishers; Harry Heye Tammen in the arm, and Frederick Gilmer Bonfils in the neck twice.

Tammen only survived the shooting because Pry stalled Anderson until the police arrived.

[4] Anderson was released from police custody and acquitted of his crimes due to habeas corpus.