Starwind 4 0 Serial Killers (2024)

NameYears activeProven victimsPossible victimsStatusNotesRefEdward J. Adams1920–192177Killed by police during shootoutCriminal who murdered seven people, including three policemen^[4]Rodney Alcala1971–1979850–130Sentenced to deathSometimes called the 'Dating Game Killer' because of his 1978 appearance on the television show The Dating Game in the midst of his murder spree^[5]Howard Allen1974–198733Incarcerated for 60 yearsDeath Sentence Commuted^[6][7]Quincy Allen200244Sentenced to death^[8]Richard Angelo1987410Sentenced to 50 years to life in prisonLong Island male nurse who poisoned patients in his care.^[9]William Dale Archerd1947–196636Died in prisonFirst person convicted of using insulin as a murder weapon^[10]Benjamin Atkins1991–19921111Died in prisonAlso known as the 'Woodward Corridor Killer'^[11]Joe Ball1936–1938220Committed suicide to avoid apprehensionKnown as the 'Alligator Man'^[12]Danny Barber1978–198044Executed 1999^[13]Velma Barfield1971–197816Executed 1984Barfield was the first woman in the United States to be executed after the 1976 resumption of capital punishment and the first since 1962. She was also the first woman to be executed by lethal injection.^[14]Cesar Barone1991–199344+Died in prison before he could be executedKilled four women around the Portland area^[15]Herb Baumeister1980–19961120Committed suicide while a fugitiveResponsible for murdering at least 11 victims who were found buried on his property^[16]Martha Beck1947–1949320Executed 1951Along with accomplice Raymond Fernandez, became known as the 'Lonely Hearts Killers'^[17]Bender Family1869–18721111+UnknownFamily of serial killers who lived and operated in Labette County, KansasRobert Berdella1984–198766+Died in prison^[18]David Berkowitz1976–197766Sentenced to life imprisonmentAlso known as the 'Son of Sam'^[19]Kenneth Bianchi1977–19781212Sentenced to life imprisonmentAlong with accomplice Angelo Buono Jr., known as the 'Hillside Stranglers'^[20]Richard Biegenwald1958–1983611Died in prison^[21]Jake Bird1930–1947246Executed 1949Sentenced to death for the murders of two people; confessed to 44 other murders^[22]Arthur Gary Bishop1979–198355Executed 1988^[23]Lawrence Bittaker197955Sentenced to deathWith accomplice Roy Norris known as the 'Tool Box Killers'^[24]John Bittrolff199324+Sentenced to 25 years to lifeSuspect in Long Island serial killer case^[25]Terry Blair1982–200479Sentenced to life imprisonmentSentenced 25 years imprisonment for one murder, released on parole after serving 21 years and committed additional murders upon release^[26]Morris Bolber1930s–1938114114Sentenced to life imprisonmentRussian immigrant; member of the Philadelphia poison ring^[27]William Bonin1979–19802136+Executed 1996Known as the 'Freeway Killer'; was known to murder with several accomplices^[28]Dallen Bounds199944+Committed suicide to avoid apprehension^[29][30]Gary Ray Bowles1994625Executed 2019Targeted gay men in Florida, Georgia and Maryland^[31]William Bradford1984228+Died in prison awaiting executionSuspected of more murders due to his modus operandi of taking photographs of his victims^[32][33]Charlie Brandt1971–200436+Committed suicide to avoid apprehension^[34]Robert Eugene Brashers1990–199833+Committed suicide before he could be arrestedKnown as 'Mister Maroon'^[35]Briley Brothers19791120Executed 1984 & 1985Three brothers and an accomplice responsible for 11 murders^[36]Debra Denise Brown198488Accomplice of Alton Coleman; sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment^[37]Robert Charles Browne1970–199522+Sentenced to life imprisonmentMissionary convicted for two murders; confessed to murdering 49 women^[38]Jerry Brudos1968–196944+Died in prisonKnown as the 'Lust Killer' and 'Shoe Fetish Slayer'^[39]Robert Anthony Buell1981–198323+Executed 2002^[40]Judy Buenoano1971–198333+Executed 1998Caught in 1983 after poisoning and car bombing a fiancée^[41]Thomas Bunday1979–198156Died in an intentional motorcycle crashNever arrested, as he was released after interrogation on a technicality^[42]Carol M. Bundy198077Died in prisonWith accomplice Doug Clark, known as the 'Sunset Strip Killers'^[43]Ted Bundy1961–19782830+Executed 1989^[44]Angelo Buono Jr.1977–1978910Died in prisonAlong with accomplice Kenneth Bianchi, known as the 'Hillside Stranglers'^[45]Eugene Butler1900–190666Died in North Dakota State HospitalCrimes discovered two years after his death^[46]Patty Cannon1802–1829425+Died in prison awaiting trialGang leader who kidnapped slaves and free blacks to either sell or torture them^[47]Ricardo Caputo1971–197746Died in prison^[48]Harvey Carignan1949–197425+Incarcerated 150 yearsKnown as the 'Want-Ad Killer'; escaped hanging for a 1949 killing on a technicality^[49]David Carpenter1979–1981710+Sentenced to deathAlso known as the 'Trailside Killer'^[50]Thomas D. Carr1860s–1869115Executed 1870First legal execution in Belmont County, Ohio^[51]Michael Bear Carson1981–1983312Sentenced to 75 years to life^[7]Suzan Carson1981–1983312Sentenced to 75 years to life^[52]Steven David Catlin1976–198433Sentenced to death^[53]Richard Chase1977–197866Committed suicide awaiting executionKnown as the 'Vampire of Sacramento'^[54]Thor Nis Christiansen1976–197944Murdered in prison by unknown assailant^[55][56]Joseph Christopher1980–19811212+Died in prisonKnown as the 'Midtown Slasher'^[57]Doug Clark198077Sentenced to deathWith accomplice Carol M. Bundy, known as the 'Sunset Strip Killers'^[58]Hadden Clark1986–199222+Sentenced to 70 yearsCannibal convicted of two murders; confessed to many more^[59]Ronald E. Clark196729Died in prison^[21]Mary Clement1880–188544Released in 1886Luxembourgish immigrant who poisoned her family members with arsenic^[60]Alfred Leonard Cline1930–1945911Died in prisonMurdered his wives with poisoned buttermilk after persuading them to will their possessions to his name.^[61]Cynthia Coffman198644Sentenced to deathKidnapped four women by ATMs before accomplice strangled them^[62]Carroll Cole1948–19801635Executed 1985^[63]Alton Coleman198488Executed 2002Multi-state killer who along with his accomplice murdered a man and injured another, murdered four women and three young girls, and raped a young girl^[37]Rory Enrique Conde1994–199566Sentenced to deathKnown as the 'Tamiami Trail Strangler'^[64]Anthony Cook1973–198199+Sentenced to life imprisonmentCommitted crimes with his brother Nathaniel Cook^[65]Nathaniel Cook1973–198199+Sentenced to life imprisonmentCommitted crimes with his brother Anthony Cook^[65]Jessie Lee Cooks1973–19741573+Sentenced to life imprisonmentPart of the 'Death Angels' cult responsible for the Zebra murders^[66]Faye Copeland1986–1989512Died in prison awaiting executionAlong with her husband, Ray Copeland, the oldest couple ever sentenced to death in the United States^{[67][68][69][70][71]}Ray Copeland1986–1989512Died in prison awaiting executionAlong with his wife, Faye Copeland, the oldest couple ever sentenced to death in the United States^{[67][68][69][70][71]}Dean Corll1970–19732828+Killed by accomplice Elmer Wayne HenleyCrimes referred to as the 'Houston Mass Murders'^[72]Juan Corona19712525+Sentenced to life imprisonment. Died in prison in 2019.Majority of victims had been transient workers^[73][74]Daniel Lee Corwin198733Executed 1998Abducted and killed three women around Texas^[75]Tony Costa1968–196948Committed Suicide in prison^[76]Richard Cottingham1967–1980685–100Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown variously as the 'Butcher of Times Square', the 'Torso Killer', the 'New York (city) Ripper', and the 'Times Square Torso Ripper'^[77][78][79]Juan Covington1998–200533Sentenced to life imprisonment^[80]Scott William Cox1980s–1990220+Granted parole in 2013^[81]Andre Crawford1993–19991111Sentenced to life imprisonment^[82]Mary Frances Creighton1920–193514Executed by electric chairPoisoned her lover's wife; suspected of poisoning her mother in-law, father in-law, and younger brother^[83]Charles Cullen1988–20031040+Incarcerated 127 yearsA nurse in New Jersey and Pennsylvania^[84]Andrew Cunanan199755Committed suicide while a fugitive^[85]James Richard Curry1982–198344+committed suicide in prisonKnown for being murderer of Mary Silvani.^[86]Jeffrey Dahmer1978–19911717Murdered by inmate Christopher ScarverMilwaukee cannibal who retained various body parts of his victims^[87]Mike DeBardeleben1965–198308Died from pneumonia in prisonAlso known as the 'Mall Passer'; convicted rapist and counterfeiter who kidnapped, raped, and tortured numerous women. Although never convicted of murder, Debardeleben is suspected to be behind the killings of at least 8 women.^[88]Samuel Dieteman2005–200688Sentenced to life imprisonmentAccomplice Dale Hausner committed suicide in prison^[89]Thomas Dillon1989–199255+Died While Incarcerated^[90]Westley Allan Dodd198933Executed 1993^[91]Ronald Dominique1997–2006823+Sentenced to life imprisonment^[92]Nannie Doss1927–1954811Died in prisonKnown as the 'Giggling Granny' and the 'Jolly Black Widow'^[93]Brian Dugan1983–198533Sentenced to life imprisonment^[94]Joseph E. Duncan III1996–200557Sentenced to life imprisonmentRaped at least 17 young boys and three young girls^[95][96]Paul Durousseau1997–200399+Sentenced to death (overturned on January 31, 2017; awaiting resentencing)German authorities suspect Durousseau may have killed several local women when he was stationed there with the Army during the early 1990s.^[97]Dale Wayne Eaton1988, 2001 (known)
c. 1983-1996 (suspected)211+Sentenced to death (overturned - awaiting resentencing hearing)Eaton perpetrated the 1988 kidnapping, rape, and murder of 18-year-old Lisa Kimmell, a crime that went unsolved for 14 years. In 2004, he was convicted of Kimmell's murder and sentenced to death. Eaton's death sentence was overturned in 2014 and he is currently awaiting a new sentencing hearing. Although he has not been charged, Eaton is also suspected of being behind the killings of numerous women between 1983 and 1996, known as the 'Great Basin Murders'.

In addition to Kimmell's murder, Eaton was also convicted for beating his cellmate to death in 2001 while incarcerated in federal prison on unrelated charges.

^[98]Edward Edwards1977–1996515Died in prison awaiting executionSentenced to death for shooting his foster son in 1996 insurance murder^[99][100]Mack Ray Edwards1953–1970318Committed suicide awaiting execution^[101][102]Walter E. Ellis1986–200777Died in prisonKnown as the 'Milwaukee North Side Strangler'^[103]Scott Erskine1989–199333+Sentenced to death^[104][105]Felipe Espinosa18633232Killed by Tom TobinDonald Leroy Evans1985–1991370Died in prison; murdered by a fellow death row inmateSuspected of another dozen murders but recanted his confessions to over 70 more^[106]Gary Evans1985–199755Committed suicide to avoid apprehension^[107]Richard Evonitz1996–199733+Committed Suicide to avoid apprehension^[108]Larry Eyler1982–1984223Died in prison awaiting executionKnown as the 'Interstate Killer'^[109]Christine Falling1980–198266Sentenced to life imprisonmentEpileptic who strangled infants because of voices in her head^[110]Neal Falls?–2015?010+Killed by intended victimSuspected of killing up to 10 women before being killed in self defense.^[111]Maria Carina Favato1930s–1938114114Sentenced to life imprisonmentItalian immigrant; member of the Philadelphia poison ring^[27]Carl Feigenbaum1888–1894113+Executed 1896German sailor who murdered his landlord in 1894; allegedly responsible for murders in other countries, also suspect in the Jack the Ripper case.^[112]Raymond Fernandez1947–1949320Executed 1951Along with accomplice Martha Beck, became known as the 'Lonely Hearts Killers'^[17]Albert Fish1924–193238+Executed 1936Also known as the 'Werewolf of Wysteria'. A sad*st and pedophile who cannibalized several children.^[113]Lavinia Fisher?–1819?0NumerousExecuted 1820Along with her husband John was a member of a highway gang; allegedly killed travelers visiting her inn.^[114]Wayne Adam Ford1997–199844+Sentenced to death^[115][116]Bobby Jack Fowler1973–1996120Died in prisonConvicted of one murder, suspected of up to 20 more.^[117]Kendall Francois1996–1998810+Died in prison^[119]Joseph Paul Franklin1977–19801122Executed 2013Also attempted to assassinate Larry Flynt and Vernon Jordan^[120]Lonnie David Franklin Jr.1985–20071025+Sentenced to deathKnown as 'Grim Sleeper'; charged after DNA evidence linked him with ten murders in Los Angeles since 1985^[121]John Wayne Gacy1972–19783334Executed 1994Known as the 'Killer Clown'^[122][123]Gerald Gallego1978–19801010Died awaiting executionAccomplice Charlene Gallego released 1997^[124]Michael Gargiulo1993–2008310Awaiting capital murder trial^[125]Carlton Gary1977–197877+Executed 2018^[126]Donald Henry Gaskins1953–19829100+Executed 1991Convicted of nine murders; claimed to an author to have killed more than 100^[127]Robin Gecht1981–19821818Incarcerated for 120 yearsMember of the satanic cult and organized crime group known as Ripper Crew or Chicago Rippers^[128]Ed Gein1954–195727Died while incarcerated at Mendota Mental Health InstituteKnown as the 'Plainfield Ghoul'. Gein's life and crimes have inspired, at least in part, the novels/films, Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs, and the 1974 movie, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.^[130][131]Hubert Geralds1994–199555Sentenced to death; commuted to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Englewood Strangler'^[132]Janie Lou Gibbs1966–196755Died in prison^[133]Mose Gibson1908–192037+Executed 1920Guilt has been questioned^[134]William Clyde Gibson2002–201233+Sentenced to death^[135]Bertha Gifford1900–1928317Died in Missouri State Hospital #4Found not guilty by reason of insanity^[136]Kristen Gilbert1989–199644Sentenced to life imprisonmentInduced cardiac arrest in patients and would then respond to the coded emergency, often resuscitating the patients herself^[137]Amy Archer-Gilligan1910–19171050Died in Connecticut Hospital for the InsanePoisoned a husband and residents of her nursing home^[138]Sean Vincent Gillis1994–200488Sentenced to life imprisonment^[139][140]Lorenzo Gilyard1977–19931213Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Kansas City Strangler'^[141]Harvey Glatman1957–195834Executed 1959Known as the 'Lonely Hearts Killer'; lured women to pose for 'bondage photographs'Billy Glaze1986–1987320+Died in prisonGuilt has come into question by the discovery of DNA evidence excluding Glaze and implicating another man^[142]Billy Gohl1902–19102100+Died in prisonUnion official linked with the disappearances of over 40 sailors in Aberdeen, Washington in the early 20th century^[7]David Alan Gore1981–198366Executed 2012One of the pair known as the 'Killing Cousins'^[144]Mark Goudeau2005–200699Sentenced to deathKnown as the 'Baseline Killer'^[145]Gwendolyn Graham198756Accomplice of Cathy Wood; sentenced to life imprisonment^[146][147]Harrison Graham1986–198777Sentenced to life imprisonment^[148]Shawn Grate2005–201625Sentenced to death^[149][150]Dana Sue Gray199433Sentenced to life imprisonmentPreyed on elderly women, murdering three; caught after a fourth intended victim survived and identified her^[151]Marvin Gray1971–1992341Died in prisonMost dangerous prisoner in Colorado until his death; confessed to the murders of 41 people across 8 different states^[152]Ronald Gray1986–198744Sentenced to death^[153]Larry Green1973–19741573+Sentenced to life imprisonmentPart of the 'Death Angels' cult responsible for the Zebra murders^[66]Ricky Lee Green1985–1986412Executed 1997Bisexual drifter; his wife helped in two of the murders^[154]Samuel Green1817–182122+Executed 1822^[155]Vaughn Greenwood1964–19751111Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Skid Row Slasher'^[156]Belle Gunness1900–19082540UnknownNorwegian-born murder-for-profit killer who killed her suitors and children^[157]Anna Marie Hahn1933–193755Executed 1938German-born murder-for-profit killer who poisoned five elderly menLizzie Halliday1890s47Died in Matteawan State Hospital for the Criminally InsaneFirst woman sentenced to be executed by the electric chair^[158]William Henry Hance1977–197844Executed 1994Known as the 'Forces of Evil'Robert Hansen1971–19831721+Died in prisonKnown as the 'Butcher Baker'^[159]Harpe brothers1797–18043950+Murdered/executedBrothers or cousins; America's first known serial killers^[160]Donald Harvey1970–19873780Died in prison, killed by inmate James ElliottKnown as the 'Angel of Death'^[161]Charles Ray Hatcher1969–1982216Committed suicide in prisonConvicted of two child murders in 1978 and 1982, also stabbed to death a fellow inmate and another man 20 years apart^[162]Dale Hausner200688Committed suicide in prisonConvicted of killing people in random drive-by shootings^[163]Harry T. Hayward189414Executed 1895^[164]Linda Hazzard1908–1911113Served 2 yearsDied in 1938^[165]William Heirens1945–194633Died in prisonKnown as the 'Lipstick Killer'^[166]Boone Helm1850–18641111+Executed 1864Known as the 'Kentucky Cannibal'^[167][168]Elmer Wayne Henley1970–197366Sentenced to life imprisonmentCrimes referred to as the 'Houston Mass Murders'^[72][169]Francis Hermann1890–189628UnknownKnown as the 'Priestly Butcher'; English-born pastor who murdered female church-goers, ex-wives and two of his children^[170]Loren Herzog1984–1999319Committed suicide awaiting parole releaseAlong with accompliace Wesley Shermantine known as the 'Speed Freak Killers'^[171]J. Frank Hickey1883–191133Died in prisonKnown as the 'Postcard Killer'^[172]Audrey Marie Hilley1975–198014Died in prisonPoisoned her husband; suspected of poisoning her mother, mother-in-law and a child she was looking after^[173]Johann Otto Hoch1890–1905150+Executed 1906Known as the 'Stockyard Bluebeard'H. H. Holmes1891–1894927+Executed 1896Convicted of only one murder, but definitively tied to at least eight more. Confessed to a total of 27^[174][175]William Devin Howell200377Sentenced to life imprisonmentConvicted of killing 7 people in 2003. Believed to be the most prolific serial killer in Connecticut history.^[176][177]Waneta Hoyt1965–197155Died in prisonExonerated under New York law because she died before her appeal^[178]Michael Hughes1986–199377+Sentenced to deathKnown as the 'Southside Slayer'^[179]Leslie Irvin1954–195566+Died in prisonHis Supreme Court case set a precedent for fair trials of highly publicized defendants^[180]Phillip Carl Jablonski1978–199155Sentenced to deathKeith Hunter Jesperson1990–199588+Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Happy Face Killer'^[181]John Johnson1843–?300+300+Died 1900Known as 'Liver-Eating Johnson'; mountain man who allegedly ate the livers of Crows he'd slain^[182]Martha Ann Johnson1977–198234Sentenced to death; commuted to lifeGeorgia woman convicted of smothering to death three of her children between 1977 and 1982^[183]Matthew Steven Johnson2000–200135Sentenced to life imprisonment^[184]Milton Johnson1983–19841010+Sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonmentVictims included two deputy sheriffs^[52]Vincent Johnson1999–200055Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Brooklyn Strangler'^[185]Genene Jones1977–1982260+Sentenced to 99 years in prisonTexas pediatric nurse who poisoned infants in her care; was due to be released March 2018; however, prosecutors charged her with two additional murders^{[186][187][188][189]}Syd Jones1900s–19141313Executed 1915^[190]John Joubert1982–198333Executed 1996Known as the 'Nebraska Boy Snatcher'^[191]Francisco del Junco1995–199644Sentenced to life imprisonmentCuban immigrant who murdered and then burned the bodies of prostitutes in Miami^[192]Joseph Kallinger1974–197533Died in prisonCommitted these crimes with his 15-year-old son Michael^[193]Patrick Kearney1965–19772143Sentenced to life imprisonment^[194]Kelly Family18871112Killed by vigilantesFamily of serial killers who killed and robbed wealthy travellers in No Man's Land^[195]Edmund Kemper1964–1973610Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Co-Ed Killer'^[196]Israel Keyes1990s–2012311+Committed suicide while in custody3 confirmed victims; linked to 11 victims in 4 states^[197]Roger Kibbe1977–198777Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'I-5 Strangler'^[198]Scott Lee Kimball2003–200445+70-year sentenceFBI Informant; Proposed as a suspect in the West Mesa murders^[199]Sante Kimes1996–199823Died in prisonCriminal who's responsible for numerous crimes committed with her son, Kenneth Jr.^[200]Sharon Kinne1962–196433Escaped from prison 1969^[201]Anthony Kirkland1987–200956Sentenced to death^[202][203]Tillie Klimek1914–192157Died in prisonPolish-born Chicago poisonerAlfred Knapp1894–190255+Executed 1904Known as the 'Hamilton Strangler'^[204]Theresa Knorr1984–198523Sentenced to two life sentencesHer sons, William and Robert Jr., were accomplices^[205]Michelle Knotek1994–20032322 years in prisonTortured and abused boarders in her home with her husband^[206]Paul John Knowles19741835Killed by police attempting to escape from custodyKnown as the 'Casanova Killer'^[207][208]Todd Kohlhepp2003–201677Sentenced to life imprisonment^[209][210]Andrew Kokoraleis1981–19821818Executed 1999Member of the satanic cult and organized crime group known as Ripper Crew or Chicago Rippers^[128][211]Thomas Kokoraleis1981–19821818Released March 29, 2019Member of the satanic cult and organized crime group known as Ripper Crew or Chicago Rippers^[128]Randy Kraft1971–19831667Sentenced to deathKnown as the 'Scorecard Killer' and the 'Freeway Killer'^[212]Timothy Krajcir1977–198299Sentenced to life imprisonment^[213]Peter Kudzinowski1924–192833Executed 1929Richard Kuklinski1948–19865100–150Died in prisonMafia associate known as the 'Iceman'^[214]Sheila LaBarre2004–200624Sentenced to life imprisonment without paroleClaimed she was an angel sent by God to punish pedophiles^[215]Leonard Lake1983–19851125Committed suicide while in custodyAlong with accomplice Charles Ng, they are also known as the 'Operation Miranda Killers'. They collected women as sex slaves before killing them. They killed a number of men and children as well.^{[216][217][218][219][220]}Delphine LaLaurie1834??Died in Paris, FranceTortured and maimed her slaves^[221]Adam Leroy Lane200722+Sentenced to 50 years^{[222][223][224]}Derrick Todd Lee1992–200327+Died in prison awaiting executionKnown as the 'Baton Rouge Serial Killer'; convicted of two murders; linked by DNA evidence to five others^[225]Samuel Little1970–20056193Sentenced to life imprisonmentTransient who allegedly killed 93 women in 14 states^[226]Will Lockett1912–192044Executed 1920Guilt has been questioned^[227]Michael Lee Lockhart1987–198846+Executed 1997Received death sentences in three states; executed by the state of TexasBobby Joe Long19841010+Executed 2019Also known as the 'Classified Ad Rapist'^[228]Bill Longley1869–18783232Executed 1878Gunfighter who killed unarmed slaves and Mexicans^[229]Henry Lee Lucas1960–198311200+Died in prisonConfessed to approximately 3,000 murders, although most of his confessions are considered outlandish^[230]Michael Madison2012–201333Sentenced to death^[231]Orville Lynn Majors1993–19956130Died in prison^[232]Lee Boyd Malvo2002717Life imprisonment without parole (overturned on May 26, 2017; awaiting resentencing)With accomplice John Allen Muhammad, perpetrated the D.C. sniper attacks^[233]Richard Laurence Marquette1956–197533Sentenced to life imprisonmentFirst 11th person named on FBI 10 Most Wanted^[234]Lee Roy Martin1967–196844Died in prisonKnown as the 'Gaffney Strangler'^{[235][236][237]}Rhonda Belle Martin1926–195116Executed 1957Alabama woman who poisoned family membersDavid Mason1980–198256Executed 1993Killed four elderly neighbours in 1980 and his cellmate in 1982 while imprisoned on lesser charges; suspected of shooting dead his boyfriend^[238]Samuel Mason1797–18032020+Killed/Died from injuries received during a shoot-outRiver pirate associated with the Harpe brothers and other outlaws^[239]Jesse Matthew2009–201427Sentenced to life imprisonmentBelieved to have raped, murdered, and sexually assaulted multiple women in Virginia from 2002 to 2014^[240]David Edward Maust1974–200355Committed suicide in prisonConvicted of killing five teenage boys; one in Germany in 1974, another in 1981, and three he buried in his basem*nt^[241][242]Kimberly McCarthy1997–199813Executed 2013Crack addict who murdered a neighbour; suspect in two similar murders^[243]Kenneth McDuff1966–1992914+Executed 1998Known as the 'Broomstick Killer'; death sentence for 1966 triple-murder commuted; killed three days after 1989 parole^[244][245]Jerry Walter McFadden1973–198644Executed 1999^[246]David Meirhofer1967–197444Committed suicideFirst serial killer to be apprehended via usage of offender profiling^[247]Joe Metheny1976–1996510Died in prisonAlso known as the 'Cannibal'. Butchered his victims and served them at BBQ at his roadside stand.^[248]Henry Lee Moore1911–1912225Released 1956Suspect in the Villisca axe murders; sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his mother and grandmother with an axe, later commuted and released from prison^[249]Manuel Moore1973–19741573+Sentenced to life imprisonmentPart of the 'Death Angels' cult responsible for the Zebra murders^[66]Stephen Morin1969–1981448Executed 1985Suspected in over 30 unsolved violent crimes across the country^[250]Dontae Morris201057Sentenced to life imprisonment; later changed to the death sentenceMurdered three men in drug-related scandals, as well as two policemen who tried to arrest him; also suspected in the deaths of two other men.^[251]Frederick Mors1914–191588UnknownCommitted to Hudson River State Hospital, escaped in May 1916.^[7]Winston Moseley1963–196433Died in prisonNecrophile who sexually assaulted and murdered three women, including Kitty Genovese^[252]John Allen Muhammad2002717Executed 2009With accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo perpetrated the D.C. sniper attacks^[253]Herbert Mullin1972–19731113Sentenced to life imprisonmentEligible for parole in 2021^[254]Wayne Nance1974–198605+Killed by intended victim^[255][256]Joseph Naso1977–1994610Sentenced to deathAlso a suspect in the Alphabet murders case^[257]Alvin Neelley198222Died in prisonCommitted murders with wife Judith Neelley^[258]Judith Neelley198222Death sentence commuted to life imprisonmentCommitted murders with husband Alvin NeelleyEarle Nelson1926–19272222+Executed 1928Known as the 'Gorilla Man'^[259]Charles Ng1983–19851125Sentenced to deathAlong with accomplice Leonard Lake, they are also known as the 'Operation Miranda Killers'. They collected women as sex slaves before killing them. They killed a number of men and children as well.^{[260][217][218][219][220]}Robert Nixon1937–193835Executed 1939Nixon served, in part, as the basis of the character of Bigger Thomas in Richard Wright's 1940 social protest novel Native Son.Marie Noe1949–196888Sentenced to 20 years probation in 1998Murdered eight of her children; two others died of natural causes^[261]Roy Norris197955Sentenced to 45 years to lifeWith accomplice Lawrence Bittaker known as 'Tool Box Killers'^[24]Gordon Stewart Northcott1926–1928320Executed 1930His mother, Sarah Louise Northcott, was implicated as an accomplice.^[262]Diane O'Dell1982–198534Sentenced to life imprisonmentMurders of her illegitimate infants^[263]Carl Panzram1920–1929522Executed 1930murderer, rapist, and arsonist; convicted of two murders; confessed to 19 others^[264]Manuel Pardo198699Executed 2012Former police officer^[265]Gerald Parker1978–197866Sentenced to deathKnown as the 'Bedroom Basher'^[266]Louise Peete1913–194433+Executed 1947Convicted of murdering a man and woman decades apart; four other acquaintances died suspiciously and four husbands committed suicide^[267]Steven Brian Pennell1987–198825Executed 1992Known as the 'Route 40 Killer'^[268]Salvatore Perrone201233Incarcerated 75 years to lifeAlso known as 'the Son of Sal'^[269]Christopher Peterson199047Incarcerated 120 yearsAlso known as the 'Shotgun Killer'^[270]Herman Petrillo1930s–1938114114Executed 1941Italian immigrant; leader of the Philadelphia poison ring^[27]Paul Petrillo1930s–1938114114Executed 1941Italian immigrant; leader of the Philadelphia poison ring^[27]Thomas W. Piper1873–187522+Executed 1876Known as the 'Boston Belfry Murderer'^[271]Jesse Pomeroy187429Died in prisonKnown as the 'Boy Torturer'^[272]Harry Powers193155+Executed 1932Known as the 'West Virginia Bluebeard'^[273]Craig Price1987–198944IncarceratedConvicted as a minor; scheduled for release in May 2020^[274]Cleophus Prince Jr.199066Sentenced to deathAlso known as the 'Clairemont Killer'^[275]Marion Albert Pruett198155Executed 1999Committed his crimes while in the United States Federal Witness Protection Program^[276]Pleasant Pruitt1888–190233Committed suicide to avoid apprehension^[277]Dorothea Puente1982–1988915Died in prisonConvicted of three killings; suspected of six others^[278]Terri Rachals1980–198669Sentenced to 17 years imprisonment; Released 2003Former nurse^[279]Dennis Rader1974–19911010Incarcerated–life imprisonmentAlso known as the 'BTK Killer'^[280]Richard Ramirez1984–19851314Died in prison awaiting executionKnown as the 'Night Stalker'^[281]Terry Peder Rasmussen1978–200266+Died in prisonKnown as the 'Chameleon Killer'; main suspect in the Bear Brook murders, as well as other murders^[282]David Parker Ray1950s–1999060Died in prisonConvicted of kidnapping and torture in 2001, but never convicted of murder^[283]Melvin Rees1957–195959+Died in prisonKnown as the 'Sex Beast'^[7]Jack Reeves1967–199444Sentenced to 99 years imprisonmentKilled his three wives after they planned to leave him; also killed a man while stationed in Italy^[284]Paul Dennis Reid199777Died in prison awaiting executionKnown as the 'Fast Food Killer'^[285]Ángel Maturino Reséndiz1986–19991016Executed 2006Also known as The Railroad Killer/The Railway Killer/The Railcar Killer^[286]Robert Ben Rhoades1975–1990350+Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Truck Stop Killer'^[287]Stephen Richards1876–187899Executed 1879Known as the 'Nebraska Fiend'^[288]Gary Ridgway1982–19984990+Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Green River Killer'^[289]Joel Rifkin1989–1993917+Incarcerated for 203 years to life^[290]Montie Rissell1976–197755Sentenced to life imprisonment^[52]James Dale Ritchie201655+Killed by police during apprehensionKnown as the 'Anchorage Serial Killer'^[291]Alonzo Robinson1926–193426Executed 1935Grave robber and cannibal convicted of a double murder; also suspected of murdering 4 women^[292]Harvey Miguel Robinson1992–199333Sentenced to deathTeenager who stalked, raped and killed^[293]John Edward Robinson1984–199938+Sentenced to deathSometimes referred to as 'the Internet's first serial killer'^[294]Sarah Jane Robinson1881–1886811Died in prisonKnown as the 'Boston Borgia'^[295]Robert Neal Rodriguez1984–199233Committed suicide while a fugitiveFormer police officer^[296]Dayton Leroy Rogers1983–198778+Sentenced to death^[297]Glen Edward Rogers1993–199545Sentenced to deathDeath sentence currently under appeal^[298]Danny Rolling1989–199088Executed 2006Pleaded guilty to murdering five students^[299]Michael Bruce Ross1981–198488+Executed 2005^[300]Robert Rozier1981–198647Serving 25 years to life on a conviction for check kiting under a third strike lawFormer NFL player; sentenced to 22 years for murder after agreeing to testify against Yahweh ben Yahweh's organization^[301]Edward H. Rulloff1844–187035Executed 1871Known as the 'Genius Killer'^[302][303]Olga Rutterschmidt1999–200522Sentenced to life imprisonment without paroleKilled vagrants with her partner-in-crime, Helen Golay^[304]Kimberly Clark Saenz2008510+Sentenced to life imprisonmentKilled five patients by injecting bleach into their dialysis lines.^[305]Efren Saldivar1988–1998650+Sentenced to life imprisonmentAltemio Sanchez1990–200633+Incarcerated, 75 years to lifeKnown as the 'Bike Path Rapist'; responsible for three murders and numerous rapes spanning a 25-year period in Buffalo, New York^{[306][307][308]}Anthony Santo190833Supposedly died while incarcerated at Taunton Lunatic AsylumJuvenile who murdered two cousins and a girl during 'mad spells'^[309]Gerard John Schaefer1969–1973234Murdered in prison by fellow inmate Vincent RiveraFormer police officer^[310]Charles Schmid196434Murdered in prison by unknown assailantsAlso known as the 'Pied Piper of Tucson'^[311]Helmuth Schmidt1913–191714+Committed suicide in prisonKnown as the 'American Bluebeard'^[312]Heriberto Seda1990–199333Sentenced to life imprisonmentNew York City copycat of the 'Zodiac Killer'^[313]Juan Segundo1986–199547+Sentenced to death^[314]Sean Sellers1985–198633Executed 1999One of 22 persons in the United States since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976 to be executed for a crime committed while under the age of 18, and the lone to have been executed for crime committed under the age of 17^[315]Tommy Lynn Sells1980–1999622+Executed 2014Confessed to murdering dozens of people, possibly in excess of 70, only six are confirmed^[316][317]Arthur Shawcross1972–19891214Died in prisonAlso known as the 'Genesee River Killer'^[318]Lydia Sherman1863–18771212Died in prison^[319]Wesley Shermantine1984–1999419Sentenced to deathAlong with accompliace Loren Herzog known as the 'Speed Freak Killers'^[320]Anthony Allen Shore1986–199544+Executed 2018Also known as the 'Tourniquet Killer';^[321]Robert Shulman1991–199655Died in prison^[323]Daniel Lee Siebert1979–19861013Died in prisonKilled nine people across America in three months^[324]Robert Joseph Silveria Jr.1981–1996914+Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Boxcar Killer', alleged member of Freight Train Riders of America^[326][327]J.C.X. Simon1973–19741573+Died in prisonPart of the 'Death Angels' cult responsible for the Zebra murders^[66]Charles T. Sinclair1980–19901313+Died in prisonKnown as the 'Coin Shop Killer'^[328]Lemuel Smith1958–198156Sentenced to death; commuted to life^[329]Morris Solomon Jr.1986–198767Sentenced to deathKnown as the 'Sacramento Slayer'^[330]Lyda Southard1915–192066Released in 1941Known as 'Flypaper Lyda'; serial poisoner who killed four husbands, a young daughter and a brother-in-law^[331]Anthony Sowell2007–20091111Sentenced to deathAlso known as the 'Cleveland Strangler' and the 'Imperial Avenue Murderer'^[332]Timothy Wilson Spencer1984–198855Executed 1994Known as the 'Southside Strangler'^[333]Jack Owen Spillman1994–199533Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Werewolf Butcher'^[334]Edward Spreitzer1981–19821818Sentenced to life imprisonmentMember of the satanic cult and organized crime group known as Ripper Crew or Chicago Rippers^[128]Roger Dale Stafford1974–1978934Executed 1995His wife implicated in 34 different murders in seven different states^[335]Gerald Stano1969–19802241+Executed 1998Guilt has been questioned^[336]Cary Stayner199944Sentenced to death^[337][338]Paul Michael Stephani1980–198233Died in prisonKnown as the 'Weepy-Voiced Killer'^[339][340]William Suff1974–19921222Sentenced to deathKnown as the 'Riverside Prostitute Killer'^[341]Michael Swango1981–1997460Sentenced to life imprisonmentPhysician and surgeon^[342]James Swann199344Found not guilty by reason of insanity and confined to Saint Elizabeths HospitalKnown as the 'Shotgun Stalker'^[343]Joseph 'Mad Dog' Taborsky1950–195777Executed 1960^[344]Georgia Tann1924–19501919+Died of uterine cancer before she could be arrestedChild trafficker who sold kidnapped children to the black market^[345]Charles E. Terry1951–196314+Died in prisonSuspected of committing some of the Boston Strangler murders^[346]John Floyd Thomas Jr.1972–1986715+Sentenced to life imprisonmentKnown as the 'Southland Strangler' and the 'Westside Rapist'^{[347][348][349]}William Paul Thompson1983–198436Executed 1989^[350]Marybeth Tinning1972–198529Sentenced to 20 years to life^[351]Ottis Toole1976–198366+Died in prisonAccomplice of Henry Lee Lucas^[352]Jane Toppan1895–19011231+Found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed for life to the Taunton State Hospital^[353]Maury Travis2000–2002217+Committed suicide awaiting trial^[354]Chester Turner1987–19981516Sentenced to deathConvicted of murdering ten women and a viable unborn baby in South Los Angeles^[355]Andrew Urdiales1986–199688Committed suicide in prison^[356]Elizabeth Van Valkenburgh1833–184522Executed 1846Self-confessed poisoner who killed her alcoholic husbands^[357]Darren Deon Vann2013–201477+Sentenced to life imprisonmentIndiana murderer who killed seven women; five of which which were found in abandoned structures in the city of Gary^{[358][359][360]}Louise Vermilya1893–191199Charges dismissedRalph Jerome Von Braun Selz1930–193515disappeared after parole in 1970known as 'The Laughing Killer'^[361][362]Henry Louis Wallace1990–19941111Sentenced to deathKnown as the 'Taco Bell Strangler'^[363]Edward Walton1896–190855Executed 1908^[364]Faryion Wardrip1984–198655Sentenced to deathDeath sentence currently under appeal^[365]Carl Eugene Watts1974–198222100Died in prisonKnown as the 'Sunday Morning Slasher'^[366]Karl F. Werner1969–197133Sentenced to life imprisonmentNathaniel White1991–199266Sentenced to 150 years to life in prisonConfessed to beating and stabbing six women to death while on parole^[367]Sarah Whiteling188833Executed 1889Known as the 'Wholesale Poisoner'^[368]Christopher Wilder1984815Killed by police during apprehensionAlso known as the 'Beauty Queen Killer'^[369]Scott Williams1997–200633Sentenced to life imprisonment^[370]Wayne Williams1979–1981223Sentenced to life imprisonmentHas maintained his innocence from the beginning and conviction is considered controversial^[371]Shirley Winters1980–200627Sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years^[372]Martha Wise1924–192533Died in prisonPoisoned 17 members of her own family^[373]Cathy Wood198756Incarcerated 20–40 yearsEligible for parole since 2005^[146][147]Isaac L. Wood185533Executed 1858Poisoned his wife, brother and sister-in-law for monetary purposes^[374]Randall Woodfield1979–19811844Sentenced to life imprisonment plus 165 yearsKnown as the 'I-5 Killer' and the 'I-5 Bandit'^[375]Douglas Wright1969–199177+Executed 1996First criminal executed by lethal injection in Oregon^[376]Aileen Wuornos1989–199077Executed 2002Also known as the 'Damsel of Death'. She shot seven men to death in Florida between 1989 and 1990^[377]Robert Lee Yates1975–19981318+Sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment^[378]Robert Zarinsky1958–1974210Died in prison^[379]

NameYears activeProven victimsPossible victimsRegion where activeNotesRefAlphabet murders1971–197333NYAlso known as the 'Double Initial Murders'; murders of three young girls in the Rochester, New York area in the early 1970s; Conv^[380]Ann Arbor Hospital Murders19751010MIPoisonings of 10 patients at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in 1975^[381]Atlanta Ripper19111515–21GAMystery murderer(s) of 15 Atlanta women in 1911^[382]Axeman of New Orleans1918–191966–7LAResponsible for the deaths of 6–7 people in New Orleans and the surrounding areas from 1918–1919^[383]Boston Strangler1962–19641313MA1960s deaths of 13 women (five young, eight older), mostly with their own stockings as ligature. Albert DeSalvo confessed to the murders, but was never indicted; DNA evidence tested in 2013 suggested his guilt in one of the cases^[384]Charlie Chop-off1972–197466NYMurders of five boys in Manhattan in 1972 and 1973. A mental patient confessed to one slashing death. Four stabbings also involving mutilation remain unsolved^[385]Chillicothe, Ohio Killer2014-201557OHMurders of five to seven women, five bodies discovered, two not yet found.^[386]Cincinnati Strangler1965–196677OHRaped and strangled seven mostly elderly women in Cincinnati, Ohio between 1965 and 1966; Cab driver Posteal Laskey, Jr. is commonly believed to be culprit^[387]Cleveland Torso Murderer19341340+OHAlso known as the 'Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run'; responsible for 12–13 murders in the Cleveland, Ohio area in the 1930s^[388]Colonial Parkway Killer1986–198988VABelieved to have murdered at least eight people in Virginia between 1986 and 1989; left three couples dead and one couple missing and presumed dead^[389][390]Connecticut River Valley Killer1978–198777+MA, CT, NYStabbed at least six women to death in New England in the 1980s, severely injured one^[391]Cumminsville Murders1904–191055OHSeries of brutal murders and mutilations of women in the Cincinnati neighborhood of South Cumminsville^[392]Dayton Strangler1900–190966OHMurdered five women and one man in Dayton, Ohio in the early 20th-century; one man was wrongfully convicted for the murders^[393]Daytona Beach killer2005–200745FLMurdered four, possibly five, women in Daytona Beach, Florida between 2005 and 2007^[394][395]Denver Strangler1894–190335COStrangled three prostitutes in Denver in 10 weeks; also thought to be responsible in two more murders^[396]The Doodler1974–19751414CASketched then stabbed to death 14 gay men in San Francisco, California in the 1970s^[397]Eastbound Strangler200644NJMurdered 4 women near Atlantic City, New Jersey in 2006.^[398][399]Edgecombe County Serial Killer2000s910NCMurders of nine women and disappearance of another since 2005 around Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Antwan Pittman has been convicted in one case^[400]February 9 Killer2006–200822UTSuspected serial killer who murdered 2 women on the same date, two years apart^[401]Flat-Tire murders197555+FLKilled 5 women in 1975^[402]Frankford Slasher1985–199089PA, NJAllegedly responsible for nine murders in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Leonard Christopher was convicted of one murder; another murder was committed in same style while he was incarcerated; believed to still be at large^[403][404]Freeway Phantom1971–197267DCRaped and strangled six young women and girls in Washington, D.C. in the early 1970s, dumping their bodies by freeways^[405]Golden State Killer1979–19861213+CAAlso known as the 'East Area Rapist', Golden State Killer' and the 'Original Nightstalker'; murdered 10 people in Southern California from 1979 through 1986; also linked to more than 50 rapes in the Sacramento area from 1976 to 1979. Suspect arrested on April 24, 2018.^[406][407]Gypsy Hill killings197655+CAKnown as the 'San Mateo slasher'; five unsolved killings, of young women in San Mateo County, California during early 1976; in 2014, the FBI named Rodney Halbower as a person of interest in the Gypsy Hill killings; as of 2018, he has been convicted in two of the murders^[408][409]Honolulu Strangler1985–198655HIRaped and strangled five young women in Hawaii in 1985 and 1986^[410][411]I-45 Killer198004+TXStrangled four known victims in 1980 and sexually assaulted some. Three of the four women have never been identified.^[412]I-70 Killer1992–1994?68+IN, MO, KS
TX (suspected)Killed and robbed six store clerks around the Midwestern United States^[413]Jeff Davis 82005–200988LAThe bodies of eight women were found in swamps and canals surrounding Jennings, Louisiana. Originally thought to be a serial killer, but multiple suspects may be involved^[414][415]Long Island serial killer1996–20101017NYSuspected of killing eight women, a man and a child since 1996 and dumping their bodies along remote beaches in Suffolk and Nassau County, New York. The killer has been referred to as the Gilgo Beach killer because of the location where the first bodies were found^{[416][417][418]}The Man from the Train1900–1912040+USAProbably one Paul Mueller. Killed whole families in their sleep, from the east coast to the west and many places between, arriving and departing by train. Existence (and probable but not proven identity) discovered over 100 years after the murders, by analysis of contemporary records, showing a markedly common modus operandi for many previously unconnected crimes.^{[419][420][421][422]}Maryvale serial shooter2015–201699AZAttacked at night from a car using a handgun, killing seven people and injuring two between August 2015 and July 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona^[423][424]New Bedford Highway Killer1988–1989911MAMurders of nine women and disappearance of two others between 1988 and 1989^[425]Oakland County Child Killer1976–197744+MIAlso known as the 'Babysitter'; responsible for the murders of four or more children in Oakland County, Michigan in 1976 and 1977^[426]Ohio Prostitute Killer1981–2004710OHAn individual believed to have murdered prostitutes and exotic dancers. His first victim is suspected to be Marcia King, who was identified in 2018.^{[427][428][429]}Phantom Killer194655TXBelieved to have committed the Texarkana Moonlight Murders in Texas between February 23 and May 4, 1946^[430]Redhead murders1978–1992811TN, AR, KY, MS, PA, WVSeries of unsolved homicides believed to have been committed by an unidentified serial killer in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, also known as the 'Bible Belt Strangler.'^[431][432]Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Murders1972–197377+CAA series of at least seven unsolved homicides involving female hitchhikers that took place in Sonoma County and Santa Rosa of the North Bay area of California in 1972 and 1973^[433]Seminole Heights serial killer201744FLShot and killed four people, seemingly at random, in the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa, Florida. On November 28, 2017, police arrested Howell Emanuel Donaldson III in connection with the killings.^[434]Servant Girl Annihilator1884–188588TXAlso known as the 'Austin Axe Murderer'; responsible for at least seven murders in Austin, Texas between 1884 and 1885^[435]Smiley face murder theory1990s–2000s040+USATheoretical serial killer(s) thought by some sources to have drowned college-aged young men across the northern part of the country since 1997; most experts suggest that the deaths were accidental^[436]Texas Killing Fields1970s–2000s130+TXSince the early 1970s, roughly 30 bodies have been extracted from the fields, mainly consisting of young girls. May have been the work of multiple killers. Convicted murderer Edward Harold Bell, 72 years old in November 2011, claimed in a letter to police in 1998 to have murdered 11 girls in Galveston County. Kevin Edison Smith was sentenced to life imprisonment for one of the murders in 2012.Tube Sock Killings198546WAUnsolved murders which occurred in the remote community of Mineral in Washington^[437]West Mesa murders2003–20091111+NMRemains of 11 women, who disappeared between 2003 and 2005, found buried in desert in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2009 and attributed to a bone collector^[438]Zodiac Killer1968–1974537CA
NV (possible)Targeted young couples. Remains unsolved but open in the California jurisdictions the 5 certain Zodiac murders occurred. Potentially 37 total victims claimed but unverified.^[439]