Perhaps, one of the most notorious crimes that a human being can exist is taking the life of another human being. This is not only backed up by the fact that murder is unquestionably among the most severe crimes in any country’s law but also profoundly engraved in our culture and social norms.
For instance, according to the bible, the second sin committed by humanity was indeed murdering – the murder of Abe at the hands of his brother Cain, to be more precise. However, despite the hideous nature of this act, some people actively choose to take the life of another fellow human being over and over – such individuals are commonly known as serial killers.
Today, we will go through the list of my favorite serial killers in America to take a glimpse into their twisted nature. And maybe, after going through the list, you – my dear readers will learn something new and exciting, or even a calling.
1. Jeffrey Dahmer – The Milwaukee Cannibal
| Jeffrey Dahmer The Milwaukee Cannibal | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Dahmer – The Milwaukee Cannibal |
| Alias | The Milwaukee Cannibal, The Milwaukee Monster |
| Birthdate | May 21, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Death | November 28, 1994 |
| Cause of Death | Beaten to death by a fellow inmate at Columbia Correctional Institution |
| Convictions | First-degree murder (15 counts in Wisconsin) |
| Criminal History | Serial killer and sex offender who killed and dismembered seventeen males |
| Diagnosed Disorders | Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Schizotypal Personality Disorder (StPD) |
| Legal Sanity | Found legally sane at trial |
| Sentence | Fifteen terms of life imprisonment in Wisconsin |
| Imprisoned at | Columbia Correctional Institution, Portage, Wisconsin |
| Childhood | Deprived of attention as an infant |
| Adolescence | Outcast in high school |
| Family Divorce | Parents divorced with acrimonious proceedings |
| First Murder | Picked up hitchhiker Steven Mark Hicks and later bludgeoned and strangled him to death |
Let’s start with one of the classics – Jeffrey Dahmer, also known as Milwaukee Cannibal. Some of you who are interested in criminal psychology may have already known that serial killers are often categorized into four different types based on their motives; these types are: visionary, mission-oriented, hedonistic, and power.
Carrying out the murder and dismemberment of 17 young men and teenage boys and practicing necrophilia and cannibalism on many of his later victims, it is not hard to see that Dahmer pursued a twisted sense of pleasure – putting him into the hedonistic type for the most part.
The sickening nature of his crimes and the number of his victim make the Milwaukee Cannibal stand out as a valuable case study – showing how dangerous the unstable mind of a fellow man can be to our society. It took 13 years to stop this murderous cannibal, resulting in the loss of lives of 17 victims.
2. Ed Gein – The Plainfield Ghoul
| Ed Gein The Plainfield Ghoul | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ed Gein – The Plainfield Ghoul |
| Nicknames | The Butcher of Plainfield, The Plainfield Ghoul |
| Birthdate | August 27, 1906 |
| Birthplace | La Crosse, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Occupation | Body snatcher, murderer |
| Notoriety | Committed crimes in Plainfield, Wisconsin, involving exhumation of corpses and creation of macabre items |
| Known Victims | Mary Hogan (tavern owner) |
| Conviction | Found guilty of the murder of Bernice Worden |
| Legal Status | Initially found unfit to stand trial, later judged legally insane |
| Incarceration | Confined to a mental health facility, Mendota Mental Health Institute |
| Death | July 26, 1984, at Mendota Mental Health Institute, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Respiratory failure resulting from lung cancer |
| Resting Place | Plainfield Cemetery |
| Family | Father: George Philip Gein |
Edward Theodore Gein does not boast an impressive kill count compared to the other serial killers on this list. However, the number of his deceased victims makes up for his measly kill count.
Gaining the nickname “Plainfield Ghoul”, Ed Gein had a thing for collecting buried corpses and their belongings. He even made some trophies and keepsakes from the body parts of the corpses that he had stolen from the local graveyards. But when it comes to murder, The Plainfield Ghoul only had two confirmed murders – sufficient to qualify as a serial killer.
3. Gary Ridgway – The Green River killer
| Gary Leon Ridgway The Green River Killer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Leon Ridgway – The Green River Killer |
| Other Names | The Green River Killer |
| Born | February 18, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Spouses | Claudia Kraig Barrows (m. 1970; div. 1972) Marcia Lorene Brown (m. 1973; div. 1981) Judith Lorraine Lynch (m. 1988; div. 2002) |
| Convictions | Aggravated first-degree murder (49 counts) Solicitation |
| Criminal Penalty | Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole |
| Victims | 49 convicted, 71–90+ confessed and suspected |
| Span of Crimes | 1982 – 1998 confirmed (possibly as recent as 2001) |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | Washington, Oregon |
| Date Apprehended | November 30, 2001 |
| Imprisoned at | Washington State Penitentiary, Walla Walla, Washington |
| Description | Gary Leon Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, is an American serial killer and sex offender. He was convicted of 48 separate murders, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history. Ridgway targeted teenage girls and vulnerable women, primarily sex workers and runaways, whom he would strangle and dump in forested areas. He was apprehended in 2001 and is serving a life sentence without parole. |
| Personal Background | Ridgway had a troubled childhood and experienced violent fantasies. He had a history of infidelity and divorces. His relationships with sex workers were complex, simultaneously complaining about their presence while frequently using their services. The Green River Task Force, formed by the King County Sheriff’s Office, played a crucial role in investigating his crimes. Ridgway’s guilty plea and cooperation helped locate the remains of victims. |
The first man-with-a-mission on this list – Gary Leo Ridgway, also known as the infamous Green River Killer, boasts an impressive kill count of 49 convicted victims.
The number of his suspected victims ranges from 71 to 90 + on top of that. He primarily targeted sex workers, which include many teenage girls and young women.
Some people believe that the Green River Killer is the mission-oriented type; however, the fact that he often returned for sexual activity with the corpses of his victims also implies that he was also after his twisted carnal desires.
4. Theodore Robert Bundy – The Riverman
| Theodore Robert Bundy The Riverman | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Theodore Robert Bundy – The Riverman |
| Birthdate | November 24, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Burlington, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | January 24, 1989 |
| Place of Death | Florida State Prison, Raiford, Florida, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Execution by electrocution |
| Education | Woodrow Wilson High School University of Washington (BA) |
| Spouse | Carole Ann Boone (m. 1980; div. 1986) |
| Children | 1 |
| Motive | Possession and control |
| Conviction(s) | First-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping |
| Criminal Penalty | Two death sentences, 1 to 15 years in prison |
| Escaped | June 7, 1977 – June 13, 1977 December 30, 1977 – February 15, 1978 |
| Victims | 20 confirmed, 30 confessed, 36+ suspected |
| Span of Crimes | 1974 – 1978 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington |
| Date Apprehended | August 16, 1975 |
| Early Life | Born to Eleanor Louise Cowell |
| Capture and Trials | Arrested and jailed for aggravated kidnapping and attempted assault |
| Personality | Characterized as a sadistic sociopath |
| Family Background | Raised by his grandparents to avoid social stigma |
| Education and Life | Attended Woodrow Wilson High School and University of Washington |
By exploiting his charismatic and good-looking appearance, Ted Bundy easily won the trust of his victims and society. Bundy preferred to distract his victim by impersonating an authority figure or faking a physical impairment; he would use this chance to knock out the victim with blunt force and drag them to a secondary location to be raped and strangled.
This ruthless serial killer also possessed some necrophilic tendencies because he often came back to perform sexual acts with the corpses. Bundy was a confident individual, even after his captivation.
Once, he even claimed to be “the most cold-hearted son of a bitch you’ll ever meet”. This self-claim is quite precise since Ted Bundy was a true psychopath who enjoyed the power he felt from his total control over the unfortunate victims.
5. John Wayne Gacy – The Killer Clown
| John Wayne Gacy The Killer Clown | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Wayne Gacy – The Killer Clown |
| Birthdate | March 17, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | May 10, 1994 |
| Place of Death | Stateville Correctional Center, Crest Hill, Illinois, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Execution by lethal injection |
| Other Names | The Killer Clown |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Spouses | Marlynn Myers (m. 1964; div. 1969) |
| Children | 2 |
| Convictions | Iowa: Sodomy |
| Criminal Penalty | Death |
| Notoriety | Known as the Killer Clown, performed as “Pogo the Clown” or “Patches the Clown” |
| Victims | 33+ |
| Span of Crimes | 1967–1978 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | Illinois |
| Date Apprehended | December 21, 1978 |
| Imprisoned at | Menard Correctional Center |
| Murders | Raped, tortured, and killed at least 33 young men and boys |
| Modus Operandi | Lured victims to his home, used handcuffs under the pretext of magic tricks |
| Burial Sites | 26 victims buried in the crawl space of his home, 3 others buried elsewhere on his property, 4 discarded in the Des Plaines River |
| Capture and Arrest | Arrested during the investigation into the disappearance of Robert Piest |
| Legal History | Convicted for 33 murders, the highest number of homicides by one individual in United States legal history |
| Execution | Executed by lethal injection |
| Childhood and Family | Endured an abusive relationship with his father, close to his mother and sisters, experienced early trauma and mistreatment |
| Occupation | Managed KFC restaurants, worked in politics, held leadership positions in Jaycees organization |
| Psychological Profile | Psychopathic tendencies, manipulation, deviant sexual behavior, desire for control and power |
Coulrophobia – commonly known as the fear of clowns, seems to be a silly concept at first; after all, before the evil clown archetype was made famous by pop-culture media, it was not that well known in the past.
However, your fear would be justified if you ever find yourself being tricked into being handcuffed in an isolated ranch-style house on the pretext of performing a magic trick. This was the usual way that John Wayne Gacy trapped his victims before rapping, torturing, and finally killing them.
His targets were primarily young men and boys, which of course, are way easier to be tricked into his lethal trap. The Killer Clown had 33 confirmed victims, most of whom are buried in the crawl space of his home, and some are buried on his property.
6. Belle Gunness – Hell’s Princess
| Belle Gunness Hell s Princess | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Belle Gunness – Hell’s Princess |
| Nickname | Hell’s Belle |
| Birthdate | November 11, 1859 |
| Birthplace | Selbu, Sør-Trøndelag, Norway |
| Confirmation | Confirmed at the Church of Norway in 1874 |
| Appearance | At least 5’7″ tall and physically strong |
| Marital Status | Married to Mads Ditlev Anton Sørensen (1884), Peter Gunness (1902) |
| Occupation | Former domestic servant, worked at a butcher’s shop |
| Criminal Activities | Serial killer active between 1884 and 1908 |
| Number of Victims | At least 14, possibly involved in up to 40 murders |
| Crimes | Lured men to her rural Indiana property through personal advertisements |
| Death | Reportedly died in a fire in 1908, but fate is unconfirmed |
| Investigation | Bodies found in the ruins of her farmhouse, including a headless woman and her three children |
| Farm Property | Additional remains of at least 11 people discovered |
| Arson Conviction | Ray Lamphere convicted of arson in connection with the fire |
| Confessions | Lamphere stated Gunness murdered and robbed men who responded to her ads |
| Identity Questions | Speculation that Gunness faked her own death and escaped |
| Legacy | Gunness farm became a tourist attraction; permanent exhibit at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum |
Luring her victims to her rural Indiana property with the promise of marriage, the sly Belle Gunness claimed the life of at least 14 people. Even though this evil woman seemingly perished in a fire in 1908, many people believe that the Norwegian-American serial killer had faked her death. In the end, her fate was unknown.
7. Robert Christian Hansen – The Butcher Baker
| Robert Christian Hansen The Butcher Baker | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Christian Hansen – The Butcher Baker |
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Estherville, Iowa, U.S. |
| Date of Death | August 21, 2014 |
| Place of Death | Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. |
| Other Names | Bob the Baker, Bob Hansen, The Butcher Baker |
| Convictions | First degree murder |
| Criminal Penalty | 461 years imprisonment without parole |
| Modus Operandi | Abduction, rape, and murder of multiple women |
| Active Period | December 1971 – June 1983 |
| Victims | Confirmed: 17-21 killed; Suspected: 21 or more victims |
| Notable Actions | Hunting victims in the wilderness with a firearm and knife |
| Childhood Background | Shy, loner; suffered from stuttering and severe acne |
| Employment History | Worked at his father’s bakery |
| Military Service | Enlisted in the United States Army Reserve |
| Criminal History | Arrested for arson, theft, and assault in the past |
| Arrest and Conviction | Apprehended in 1983; pleaded guilty to multiple charges |
| Death and Legacy | Died in 2014 at the age of 75; left a legacy as a notorious serial killer |
| Notable Findings | Jewelry belonging to victims found in his possession; marked map of crime locations |
| Additional Victims | Suspected involvement in the murders of other women |
Robert Christian Hansen‘s favorite hobby was hunting; however, the man seemed to like it a little too much – holding people at gunpoint and forcing them to be his prey for a wild hunt in the wilderness. He would then hunt them down with a Ruger Mini-14 and a knife. Being arrested and convicted in 1983, the Butcher Baker had 17 known victims on his record.
8. Harry F. Powers – The West Virginia Bluebeard
| Harry F Powers The West Virginia Bluebeard | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harry F. Powers – The West Virginia Bluebeard |
| Birthdate | November 17, 1893 |
| Birthplace | Beerta, the Netherlands |
| Death | March 18, 1932 |
| Cause of Death | Execution by hanging |
| Other Names | John Schroeder, Joseph Gildow, Cornelius Orvin Pierson, A.R. Weaver |
| Criminal Status | Executed |
| Spouse | Luella Strother |
| Conviction | First-degree murder |
| Criminal Penalty | Death |
| Details | Lured victims through “lonely hearts” advertisements, murdered them for money |
| Victims | 5+2 not proven |
| Span of Crimes | June – July 1931 (known) |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | West Virginia, possibly others |
| Immigration | Immigrated to the United States in 1910 |
| Disappearances | Asta Eicher, her children, and Dorothy Lemke disappeared with no explanation |
| Murder Method | Strangulation, beating with a hammer, and use of a belt |
| Trial | Held at a local opera house, where witnesses testified to the evidence and Powers testified for himself |
| Sentencing | Sentenced to death |
| Execution | Hanged |
Being tricked and murdered for one’s money by a tinder date sounds like a good plot for a modern thriller, but in the 1930s, few would find themselves in that tragic situation.
However, such ill fate befell Asta Eicher (a widowed mother of three) and Dorothy Pressler. The Dutch-born American serial killer – Harry F. Powers – murdered these two broken hearts (and Asta Eicher’s children) in the garage and basement of his home in Quiet Dell.
They were later buried in a ditch on his property. More love letters were found in the trick of his car, many of which had been replied to by Powers to kill the writer and steal their money just as he did with his recent victims.
9. Samuel Little – The Choke And Stroke Killer
| Samuel Little The Choke And Stroke Killer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Little – The Choke And Stroke Killer |
| Birthdate | June 7, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Reynolds, Georgia, U.S. |
| Other Names | Samuel McDowell, The Choke-and-Stroke Killer, Mr. Sam |
| Known For | Most prolific serial killer in United States history |
| Confirmed Victims | 60 |
| Suspected and Claimed | 93 |
| Span of Crimes | 1970–2005 (confirmed), 1960–2012 (possible) |
| Convictions | Murder (4 counts) |
| Criminal Penalty | Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (4 counts) |
| Country | United States |
| States | California, Texas, Ohio (convicted), 14 other states (confessed) |
| Date Apprehended | September 5, 2012 |
| Details | Samuel Little was a notorious serial killer who confessed to murdering numerous women |
| Childhood | Claimed abandonment by teenage prostitute mother, troubled upbringing, early signs of violence |
| Criminal History | Multiple arrests and convictions across several states |
| Life Imprisonment | Currently serving life sentences in California State Prison, Los Angeles County |
Samuel Little is confirmed to be involved in at least 60 of the 93 confessed murders, which places him at the top of the number of confirmed victims in United States history. Little’s crime span also lasted a wonderful time (1970 – 2005).
This cruel strangler had taken the lives of numerous women from 19 states. With all these numbers, he was considered the most prolific serial killer in the U.S.
10. Paul Dennis Reid – The Fast Food Killer
| Paul Dennis Reid The Fast Food Killer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Dennis Reid – The Fast Food Killer |
| Alias | The Fast Food Killer, Justin Parks |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Richland Hills, Texas, U.S. |
| Date of Death | November 1, 2013 |
| Place of Death | Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Convictions | First-degree murder (7 counts) |
| Criminal Penalty | Death |
| Occupation | Former musician and security guard |
| Motive | Financial gain and thrill of killing |
| Notoriety | Known for targeting fast-food restaurants |
| Method of Crimes | Robbery and shootings |
| Span of Crimes | February 16, 1997 – April 23, 1997 |
| Victims | 7 killed; 2 survivors |
| Parole History | Convicted in 1983 for aggravated armed robbery |
| Trial | Three separate trials for the murders |
| Imprisonment | Incarcerated at Tennessee’s Morgan County Correctional Complex |
| Last Known Location | Tennessee |
| Mental Health | Controversial claims of mental incompetence |
| Possible Suspect | Briefly considered a suspect in the 1993 Brown’s Chicken massacre |
| Cause of Death | Complications due to pneumonia, heart failure, and respiratory issues |
Since this list is about American serial killers, nothing screams “America” more than fast food. Paul Dennis Reid‘s method and motivation are also very similar to the nature of fast food, which is cheap, heavily seasoned, and fast.
In 1997, Reid robbed three fast food places and killed their employees with a gun. He started with a Captain D’s place on February 16, then continued his crime at a McDonald’s on March 23; after that, the iconic fast food killer went for a murderous dessert at a Baskin-Robbins on the evening of April 23.
11. Lydia Sherman – The Derby Poisoner
| Lydia Sherman The Derby Poisoner | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lydia Sherman – The Derby Poisoner |
| Alias | The Derby Poisoner |
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1824 |
| Date of Death | May 16, 1878 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Housekeeper |
| Crimes | Serial poisoning |
| Conviction | Second-degree murder |
| Victims | 11 (including 3 husbands and 8 children) |
| Modus Operandi | Arsenic poisoning |
| Capture | June 7, 1872 |
| Imprisonment | Wethersfield State Prison, Connecticut |
| Escape Attempt | Pretended to be sick and obtained a job as a housekeeper |
| Recapture | Caught and imprisoned again |
| Death | Died from cancer in Wethersfield State Prison |
The Derby Poisoner‘s nickname says a lot about Sherman’s method to end her victims – poisoning.
The heartless woman took the lives of 11 victims; among her victims, three were her husbands, and eight were children under her care. It is also worth mentioning that 6 out of 8 children that Sherman poisoned with arsenic were her old children.
The female poisoner escaped under the pretext of being sick and got a job as a housekeeper to a wealthy widower in Providence; however, she was caught again and lost her life to cancer in Wethersfield State Prison in 1878.
12. Dorothea Puente – The Death House Landlady
| Dorothea Puente The Death House Landlady | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dorothea Puente – The Death House Landlady |
| Born | January 9, 1929, in Redlands, California, U.S. |
| Died | March 27, 2011, at the Central California Women’s Facility, Chowchilla, California, U.S. |
| Convictions | First-degree murder with special circumstances (2 counts), Second-degree murder |
| Criminal Penalty | Life imprisonment without parole |
| Notoriety | Dubbed “Death House Landlady” by newspapers |
| Modus Operandi | Drugged victims with sleeping pills, suffocated them, and buried them in the backyard |
| Background | Tragic childhood, sexual abuse, and orphanage experience |
| Previous Convictions | Forgery, illegal cashing of checks, running a brothel |
| Boarding House | Ran a boarding house in Sacramento, California |
| Deceptive Persona | Presented herself as a caring and respectable matron |
| Contributions | Funding charities, scholarships, and radio programs |
| Discovery of Crimes | Suspicion arose from the odd activities and disappearance of a homeless alcoholic |
| Investigation | Uncovered multiple bodies buried on the property |
| Trial | Convicted of multiple murders, sentenced to life imprisonment |
Being dubbed “The Death House Landlady” by the newspapers, Dorothea Helen Puente preyed on various elderly and mentally-ill boarders staying at her boarding house. According to the investigation, Puente drugged her victims to the point of overdosing.
The insidious older woman would go on and cash her victims’ Social Security checks after murdering them and hiding their bodies away – an evil act.
13. Daniel Harold Rolling – The Gainesville Ripper
| Daniel Harold Rolling The Gainesville Ripper | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Harold Rolling – The Gainesville Ripper |
| Birthdate | May 26, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Death | October 25, 2006 (aged 52) Florida State Prison, Raiford, Florida, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Execution by lethal injection |
| Other Names | The Gainesville Ripper, Michael Kennedy Jr. |
| Conviction(s) | First degree murder (5 counts) |
| Criminal Penalty | Death |
| Details | Daniel Harold Rolling, known as the Gainesville Ripper, was an American serial killer responsible for a series of gruesome murders. He targeted college students in Gainesville, Florida over four days in August 1990, taking the lives of five individuals. Rolling confessed to raping some of his victims and was also connected to a triple homicide in Shreveport, Louisiana, and an attempted murder of his father. He was convicted on multiple counts of first-degree murder and received the death penalty. Rolling was executed by lethal injection in 2006. |
| Victims | 8 |
| Span of Crimes | 1989–1990 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | Louisiana and Florida |
| Date Apprehended | September 7, 1990 |
| Family Background | Rolling’s father, a Shreveport police officer, subjected him and his family to physical and emotional abuse. |
| Criminal History | Rolling had a troubled past, with previous arrests for robberies and voyeurism. |
| Murder Details | He targeted petite, white brunettes with brown eyes, similar to his mother’s appearance, and engaged in mutilation and posing of the victims’ bodies. |
| Capture and Evidence | Rolling was captured after being arrested for a separate robbery, and evidence such as his blood type, tools, and audio diaries linked him to the murders. |
| Motivation | Rolling expressed a desire to become a notorious serial killer and gain notoriety akin to infamous killers like Ted Bundy. |
| Trial and Execution | After pleading guilty to all charges, he was sentenced to death and executed in 2006. |
The unique thing about Rolling was that this serial killer exploded like a bomb – killing five students in only a month. The Gainesville Ripper performed his sinister acts violently, mutilating and even posing his victims after killing them.
Like many other serial killers, Rolling’s deranged mind seems to result from his troubled family life and childhood. This is backed by the fact that many of his victims were petite white brunettes with brown eyes, which resemble his mother greatly.
13. Aileen Carol Wuornos – American Boogeywoman
| Aileen Carol Wuornos American Boogeywoman | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aileen Carol Wuornos – American Boogeywoman |
| Birthdate | February 29, 1956 |
| Birthplace | Rochester, Michigan, U.S. |
| Death Date | October 9, 2002 |
| Place of Death | Florida State Prison, Raiford, Florida, U.S. |
| Cause of Death | Execution by lethal injection |
| Resting Place | Cremated, ashes scattered in Fostoria, Tuscola County, Michigan |
| Spouse | Lewis Gratz Fell (annulled 1976) |
| Partner | Tyria Moore (1986–1991) |
| Children | 1 |
| Convictions | 6 counts of first-degree murder |
| Criminal Penalty | 6 death sentences |
| Victims | 7 |
| Span of Crimes | November 30, 1989 – November 19, 1990 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | Florida |
| Weapons | High Standard .22 Revolver |
| Date Apprehended | January 9, 1991 |
| Childhood | Abandoned by mother, adopted by grandparents, experienced abuse |
| Prostitution and Crime | Engaged in street prostitution, claimed self-defense for committed murders |
| Movie Portrayal | Charlize Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal in “Monster” |
| Trials and Sentencing | Convicted of multiple murders, sentenced to death |
Compared to other female serial killers who often use poison to end their victims, Aileen Carol Wuornos stood out as a daring individual. While she was working as a street prostitute during the period from 1989 to 1990, this woman had shot dead and robbed seven of her male clients.
The serial killer justified her actions by claiming that her victims either raped or tried to rape her, which makes her homicides an act of self-defense. However, in the end, Wuornos had to pay for her crimes by lethal injection.
14. Richard Francis Cottingham – The Times Square Killer
| Richard Francis Cottingham The Times Square Killer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Francis Cottingham – The Times Square Killer |
| Birthdate | November 25, 1946 |
| Birthplace | The Bronx, New York City, U.S. |
| Other Names | The New York Ripper, The Torso Killer, The Times Square Killer |
| Occupation | Computer operator |
| Spouse | Janet Cottingham (m. 1970; div. 1981) |
| Children | 3 |
| Criminal Penalty | Life imprisonment |
| Confirmed Victims | 18+ |
| Span of Crimes | 1967–1980 |
| Country | United States |
| Notable Convictions | Five murders in New Jersey and New York |
| Confessed Murders | At least 80 to 100 “perfect murders” across the United States |
| Method of Killing | Strangulation, mutilation, sexual assault, arson |
| Motive | Sexual sadism, control, power |
| Imprisonment | Multiple life sentences in New Jersey prisons |
Cottingham victims mainly comprised young women and girls in New York and New Jersey between 1967 and 1980. However, despite being active in such major cities, The Times Square Killer flew under the justice’s radar for several years.
It was not until May 22, 1980, that Cottingham was arrested for kidnapping, attempted murder, aggravated assault (and several more offenses) of a young woman.
After his arrest, the police eventually discovered his murderous crimes. In the end, it was estimated that Cottingham had murdered more than 12 people; he was also convicted of 8 murders.
15. Robert Andrew Berdella Jr. – Kansas City Butcher
| Robert Andrew Berdella Jr Kansas City Butcher | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Andrew Berdella Jr. – Kansas City Butcher |
| Birthdate | January 31, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Kansas City Butcher, The Collector |
| Motive | Sexual sadism, Possession, Control |
| Conviction(s) | First-degree murder (×2), Second-degree murder (×4), Selling amphetamines, Sodomy, Assault, Sexual assault |
| Criminal Penalty | Life imprisonment without parole (1988) |
| Details | American serial killer who kidnapped, raped, tortured, and murdered at least six young men after subjecting them to weeks of captivity |
| Victims | 6 |
| Span of Crimes | 1984–1987 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | Missouri |
| Date Apprehended | April 2, 1988 |
| Imprisoned at | Missouri State Penitentiary |
| Death | October 8, 1992 |
Robert Andrew Berdella‘s serial killer career involved kidnapping, raping, torturing, and murdering six young men. Berdella seems to relish the sensation of control over his victims, as he often subjected them to lengthy ordeals before killing them (up to six weeks of captivity).
The Kansas City Butcher then extensively dissected his victims’ bodies before getting rid of them in garbage bags later. Berdella later stated that he took inspiration from the movie The Collector for his murderous fantasies.
16. The Alphabet Murders – Or The Double Initial Murders
| The Alphabet Murders Or The Double Initial Murders | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Alphabet Murders – Or The Double Initial Murders |
| Other Names | The Double Initial murders |
| Victims | 3 |
| Span of Crimes | November 16, 1971 – November 26, 1973 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | New York |
| Date Apprehended | Unapprehended |
| Case Description | Unsolved series of child murders in Rochester, New York |
| Cause of Death | Manual or ligature strangulation |
| Investigation Efforts | Intense search, billboards, rewards, anonymous hotline |
| Notable Eyewitnesses | Accounts of child abductions and encounters with suspects |
| Public Response | Outrage, reward funds, media coverage |
| Forensic Evidence | Rape, semen samples, palm print, cat fur |
The Alphabet murders, or the Double Initial murders, is a series of child murders between 1971 and 1973 in Rochester, New York. This series of murders consisted of the murders of three little girls, whose ages ranged from 10 to 11.
Each victim suffered the fate of being sexually assaulted first and being strangled to death later. These murders are dubbed “The Alphabet Murders” because all victims’ names and surnames began with the same letter (Carmen Colón, Wanda Walkowicz, and Michelle Maenza).
17. David Berkowitz – The Son Of Sam
| David Berkowitz The Son Of Sam | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Berkowitz – The Son Of Sam |
| Birthdate | June 1, 1953 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Son of Sam, The .44 Caliber Killer, Mr. Monster |
| Motive | Resentment towards women |
| Conviction(s) | Second-degree murder (6 counts), attempted second-degree murder (7 counts) |
| Criminal Penalty | Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years |
| Victims | 6 killed, 11 wounded |
| State(s) | New York |
| Weapon | .44 Special caliber Bulldog revolver |
| Date Apprehended | August 10, 1977 |
| Imprisoned at | Shawangunk Correctional Facility |
| Military Service | United States Army |
| Religious Affiliation | Converted to evangelical Christianity |
| Education | Bronx Community College, Sullivan Community College |
| Occupation | Former letter sorter for the United States Postal Service |
| Childhood | Adopted by Pearl and Nathan Berkowitz in the Bronx |
| Family | Adoptive mother died when he was fourteen |
| Notoriety | Gained worldwide notoriety and celebrity status |
| Impact | New York State enacted “Son of Sam laws” to prevent criminals from profiting |
| Claims | Initially claimed to have followed orders of a demon; later admitted it was a hoax |
| Additional Crimes | Implicated in unsolved arsons in New York City |
| Relationship with Birth Mother | Reconnected with birth mother Betty |
| Modus Operandi | Targeted couples in parked cars, often attacking white women with long dark hair |
| Media Attention | Intense media coverage of his crimes |
In the 1970s, David Berkowitz was the serial murderer responsible for spreading fear across New York City. In letters to the police, he referred to himself provocatively as the “Son of Sam”.
David is suspected of killing about six people; nevertheless, the circumstances surrounding his crimes are very contentious. There are several documents and studies that point to the possibility that he was a member of a certain cult at one point.
He also murdered victims while uttering the name of the devil, Satan. It’s possible that David is in the business of manufacturing snuff pictures, which are films produced via actual physical violence and homicide.
After his arrest, Berkowitz said that he had been directed to perform the mass murder by the devil and a Labrador retriever that belonged to a neighbor called Sam.
18. Long Island Serial Killer – Also Referred To As The Gilgo Beach Killer
| LISKGilgo KillerGilgo Beach | Information |
|---|---|
| Other Names | LISKGilgo KillerGilgo Beach Killer Manorville ButcherCraigslist Ripper |
| Reward Amount | $25,000 |
| Capture Status | Not captured |
| Details | Unidentified suspected serial killer believed to have murdered between 10 and 18 people over nearly 26 years |
| Victims | Primarily sex workers who advertised on Craigslist |
| Span of Crimes | 1996–2011 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | New York |
| Location(s) | Long Island |
| Weapon | Knife (1 potential victim) |
The Long Island serial killer is the most recent unidentified serial killer. Their existence was made known to the police through the search for Shannan Gilbert, a missing 24-year-old sex worker.
On December 11, 2010, officer John Mallia found a skeleton of Melissa Barthelme in a disintegrating burlap bag. This discovery led to a mass investigation by the police, which finally resulted in the discovery of 3 more bodies. In 2011, the remains of six more victims were found.
The police believed that there was a single perpetrator responsible for all these ten murders due to the common characteristics between the condition of the remains and forensic evidence. They were sure the killer came from Long Island, hence the title “The Long Island serial killer”. To this day, nobody knows who the Long Island serial killer really was.
19. The Zodiac Killer – The Most Infamous Murderer In American History
| The Zodiac Killer The Most Infamous Murderer In American History | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Zodiac Killer – The Most Infamous Murderer In American History |
| Criminal Status | Unidentified |
| Motive | Uncertain |
| Wanted Since | 1968 |
| Case Description | Operated in Northern California in the late 1960s |
| Notable Features | Most famous unsolved murder case in American history |
Zodiac Killer‘s case is considered one of the most famous unsolved murder cases. In the late 1960s, between 1968 and 1969, five victims were killed in the San Francisco Bay Area.
This mysterious serial killer mainly targeted young couples and lone male taxi drivers in the mix. During his active period, the Zodiac killer claimed the lives of five victims; two of his attempted victims survived his assault.
The killer was well-known for a series of taunting letters and cards sent to the regional newspapers. His writings’ content included ciphers and cryptograms, in which he cryptically stated that he was collecting enslaved people for life after death.
To this day, only two out of four ciphers of the Zodiac killer were solved; just like the arrogant killer’s identity, two remain unsolved.
20. Richard Ramirez – Night Stalker
| Richard Ramirez Night Stalker | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Ramirez – Night Stalker |
| Nickname(s) | The Night Stalker, The Walk-In Killer, The Valley Intruder |
| Birthdate | February 29, 1960 |
| Birthplace | El Paso, Texas, U.S. |
| Death | June 7, 2013 |
| Criminal Status | Died in prison while awaiting execution |
| Spouse | Doreen Lioy (married in 1996) |
| Convictions | First-degree murder (12 counts), Second-degree murder, Rape (11 counts), First-degree burglary (14 counts) |
| Criminal Penalty | 19 death sentences |
| Victims | 15+ |
| Crime Span | June 1984 – August 1985 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | California |
| Date Apprehended | August 31, 1985 |
| Childhood Influences | Abusive upbringing, exposure to gruesome interests from older cousin, learning military skills |
| Interests | Satanism, the occult |
| Drug Addiction | Frequent cocaine use to support addiction |
| Methods and Weapons | Handguns, knives, machete, tire iron, claw hammer; punching, pistol whipping, strangling, stomping, torture |
| Psychological Evaluation | Schizoid personality disorder, indifference to suffering, untreatable |
| Impact | Highly publicized home invasion and murder spree in Greater Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area |
| Remorse | No expression of remorse for crimes |
| Cause of Death | Complications from B-cell lymphoma |
Midway through the 1980s, Richard Ramirez killed at least thirteen people and became a notorious nighttime murderer in California, United States. On February 29, 1960, Ramirez was born, and he grew up in El Paso, Texas. Early on, Ramirez reportedly had severe brain injuries due to his father’s maltreatment.
Initially, it looked that Ramirez exclusively attacked individuals around Los Angeles, but it is now believed that he also killed numerous victims in the area. Numerous killings include aspects of Satanism, such as Ramirez carving a five-pointed star on the bodies of his victims or compelling them to make an oath of allegiance to this faith.
Ramirez was charged with 13 charges of murder upon his arrest. Moreover, he was responsible for several rapes, assaults, and thefts. In 2013, at the age of 53, Richard Ramirez passed away due to cancer complications.