List of serial killers in the United States

Encyclopedia

A serial killer is typically a person who murders three or more people, with the murders taking place over more than a month and including a significant period of time between them.[1][2] The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines serial killing as “a series of two or more murders, committed as separate events, usually, but not always, by one offender acting alone”.[2][3]

Identified serial killers[edit]

Name Years active Proven victims Possible victims Status Notes Source
Ables, Tony 1970–1990 4 4+ Sentenced to death; commuted to life imprisonment Murdered robbery victim in 1970, and at least three women until 1990 in St. Petersburg, Florida [4]
Ackroyd, John Arthur 1976–1992 1 3+ Died in prison Suspected in multiple murders along Oregon’s Highway 20 [5]
Adams, Edward J. 1920–1921 7 7 Killed by police during shootout Criminal who murdered seven people, including three policemen [6]
Alcala, Rodney 1971–1979 8 50–130 Sentenced to death Sometimes called “The Dating Game Killer” because of his 1978 appearance on the television show The Dating Game in the midst of his murder spree [7]
Allen, Howard 1974–1987 3 3 Died in prison Preyed on the elderly in Indiana [8][9]
Allen, Quincy 2002 4 4 Sentenced to death Murdered four people in North and South Carolina between July–August 2002 [10]
Anderson, Stephen Wayne 1973–1980 9 9 Executed 2002 Murdered nine people in Utah, Nevada, and California [11][12][13]
Angelo, Richard 1987 4 10 Sentenced to 50 years to life in prison Long Island nurse who poisoned patients in his care [14]
Archerd, William Dale 1947–1966 3 6 Died in prison First person convicted of using insulin as a murder weapon [15]
Archer-Gilligan, Amy 1910–1917 10 50 Died in Connecticut Hospital for the Insane Poisoned a husband and residents of her nursing home in Windsor, Connecticut [16]
Armstrong, John Eric 1992–1999 5 18 Sentenced to life imprisonment Navy sailor convicted for murdering prostitutes in Michigan and Illinois; confessed to more murders around the world [17]
Atkins, Benjamin 1991–1992 11 11 Died in prison Known as “The Woodward Corridor Killer”; operated in Detroit. [18]
Avila-Torrez, Jorge 2005–2009 3 3 Sentenced to death Murdered two underage girls in 2005 in Illinoisand a 20-year-old Navy Petty Officer in Virginiain 2009 [19]
Balaam, Anthony 1994–1996 4 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Trenton Strangler”; raped and murdered four women in Trenton, New Jersey [20]
Ball, Joe 1936–1938 2 20 Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Known as “The Alligator Man” [21]
Barber, Danny 1977–1979 4 4 Executed 1999 Murdered four people in Dallas County, Texasbetween 1977 and 1979 [22]
Barfield, Velma 1971–1978 1 6 Executed 1984 Barfield 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. [23]
Barnabet, Clementine 1911 35 35 Released in 1923 An axe murdering voodoo priestess who murdered African-American families at nighttime. [24]
Barone, Cesar 1991–1993 4 4+ Died in prison before execution Killed four women around the Portland area [25]
Baumeister, Herb 1980–1996 11 20 Committed suicide while a fugitive Responsible for murdering at least 11 victims who were found buried on his property in Westfield, Indiana [26]
Baxter, Patrick 1987–1990 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Raped and murdered one girl and two women in Westchester County, New York [27]
Beck, Martha 1947–1949 3 20 Executed 1951 Along with accomplice Raymond Fernandez, became known as “The Lonely Hearts Killers” [28]
Bender Family 1869–1872 11 11+ Unknown Family of serial killers who lived and operated in Labette County, Kansas
Berdella, Robert 1984–1987 6 6 Died in prison Known as “The Kansas City Butcher” and “The Collector” [29]
Berkowitz, David 1976–1977 6 6 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Son of Sam” [30]
Bianchi, Kenneth 1977–1978 12 12 Sentenced to life imprisonment Along with accomplice Angelo Buono Jr., known as “The Hillside Stranglers”. Murdered young women in Los Angeles and Washington [31]
Biegenwald, Richard 1958–1983 6 11 Died in prison Active in New Jersey, suspected in at least two other murders [32][unreliable source?]
Bird, Jake 1930–1947 2 46 Executed 1949 Sentenced to death for the murders of two people; confessed to 44 other murders [33]
Bishop, Arthur Gary 1979–1983 5 5 Executed 1988 Preyed on young boys in Utah between 1979 and 1983 [34]
Bittaker, Lawrence 1979 5 5 Died in prison awaiting execution With accomplice Roy Norris known as “The Tool Box Killers” [35]
Bittrolff, John 1993 2 4+ Sentenced to 25 years to life Suspect in Long Island serial killer case [36]
Bladel, Rudy 1963–1978 3 7 Died while incarcerated at Henry Ford Allegiance Health Known as “The Railway Killer”; his case was part of Michigan v. Jackson, which was later overruled by the Supreme Court [37]
Blair, Terry 1982–2004 7 9 Sentenced to life imprisonment Sentenced 25 years imprisonment for one murder, released on parole after serving 21 years and committed additional murders upon release [38]
Bolin, Oscar Ray 1986–1987 4 4+ Executed 2016 Murdered three women in Florida and a fourth woman in Texas [39]
Bonin, William 1979–1980 21 36+ Executed 1996 Known as “The Freeway Killer”; preyed on young men and boys in southern California with several accomplices [40]
Bounds, Dallen 1999 4 4+ Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Murdered acquaintances around South Carolina [41][42]
Bowles, Gary Ray 1994 6 25 Executed 2019 Targeted gay men in Florida, Georgia and Maryland [43]
Bradford, William 1984 2 28+ Died in prison awaiting execution Suspected of more murders due to his modus operandi of taking photographs of his victims [44][45]
Brandt, Charlie 1971–2004 3 6+ Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Shot his parents in 1971 when he was 13, killing his pregnant mother; stabbed his wife and niece to death in 2004 [46]
Brashers, Robert Eugene 1990–1998 3 3+ Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Known as “Mister Maroon” [47]
Bright, Larry 2003–2004 8 8+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Bonecrusher”; strangled black prostitutes at his house in Peoria, burning some of them afterwards [48]
Britt, Eugene 1995 7 10 Sentenced to life imprisonment Raped and murdered girls and women in Gary and Portage, Indiana [49]
Briley Brothers 1979 11 20 Executed 1984/1985 Three brothers and an accomplice responsible for 11 murders [50]
Brockelhurst, Lester 1937 3 3+ Executed 1938 Known as “The Crime Tourist”; together with Bernice Felton, killed at least three men in holdups in three states [51]
Brown, Debra Denise 1984 8 8 Sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment Accomplice of Alton Coleman [52]
Brown, Kenyel 2019–2020 6 6 Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Known as “The Metro Detroit Serial Killer” [53]
Browne, Robert Charles 1970–1995 2 2+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Missionary convicted for two murders; confessed to murdering 49 women [54]
Brudos, Jerry 1968–1969 4 4+ Died in prison Known as “The Lust Killer” and “The Shoe Fetish Slayer” [55]
Buell, Robert Anthony 1981–1983 2 3+ Executed 2002 Serial rapist who murdered children in Ohio [56]
Buenoano, Judy 1971–1983 3 3+ Executed 1998 Caught in 1983 after poisoning and car bombing a fiancée [57]
Bullock, David 1981–1982 6 6+ Sentenced to 150 years imprisonment Known as “The .38 Caliber Killer”; shot people at random around New York City to “amuse himself” [58]
Bunday, Thomas 1979–1981 5 6 Died in an intentional motorcycle crash Never arrested, as he was released after interrogation on a technicality [59]
Bundy, Carol M. 1980 7 7 Died in prison With accomplice Doug Clark, known as “The Sunset Strip Killers”” [60]
Bundy, Ted 1971–1978 28 30+ Executed 1989 Preyed on young women throughout the United States [61]
Buono Jr., Angelo 1977–1978 9 10 Died in prison Along with accomplice Kenneth Bianchi, known as “The Hillside Stranglers”. Murdered young women in Los Angeles [62]
Butler, Eugene 1900–1906 6 6 Died in North Dakota State Hospital Crimes discovered two years after his death [63]
Cannon, Patty 1802–1829 4 25+ Died in prison awaiting trial Gang leader who kidnapped slaves and free blacks to either sell or torture them [64]
Caputo, Ricardo 1971–1977 4 6 Died in prison Argentine-born man who killed three women in the U.S. and one in Mexico [65]
Carignan, Harvey 1949–1974 2 5+ Incarcerated 150 years Known as “The Want-Ad Killer”; escaped hanging for a 1949 killing on a technicality [66]
Carpenter, David 1979–1981 7 10+ Sentenced to death Known as “The Trailside Killer” [67]
Carr, Thomas D. 1860s–1869 1 15 Executed 1870 First legal execution in Belmont County, Ohio [68]
Carson, Michael Bear 1981–1983 3 12 Sentenced to 75 years to life Along with his wife, Suzan Carson, dubbed “The San Francisco Witch Killers”; considered suspects in nearly a dozen other deaths in the U.S. and Europe.[69] [9]
Carson, Suzan 1981–1983 3 12 Sentenced to 75 years to life Along with her husband, Michael Bear Carson, dubbed “The San Francisco Witch Killers”; considered suspects in nearly a dozen other deaths in the U.S. and Europe.[69] [70]
Catlin, Steven David 1976–1984 3 3 Sentenced to death Poisoned his mother and two wives with Paraquat [71]
Chandler, Oba 1989–1990 4 4+ Executed 2011 Murdered a three-person family and another woman in Florida; suspected of other murders since 1963 [citation needed]
Chase, Richard 1977–1978 6 6 Committed suicide awaiting execution Known as “The Vampire of Sacramento” [72]
Childers, James 2000s–2009 2 5+ Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Killed people around Clarksburg, West Virginiain personal disputes, burying most of the bodies on his family’s farm [73]
Christiansen, Thor Nis 1976–1979 4 4 Murdered in prison by unknown assailant Preyed on college-aged women in California [74][75]
Christopher, Joseph 1980–1981 12 12+ Died in prison Known as “The Midtown Slasher” [76]
Clarey, Richard 1984 3 3+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Neo-Nazi sympathiser who shot three men in robberies in two Michigan counties; confessed to numerous other murders [77]
Clark, Doug 1980 7 7 Sentenced to death With accomplice Carol M. Bundy, known as “The Sunset Strip Killers” [78]
Clark, Hadden 1986–1992 2 2+ Sentenced to 70 years Cannibal convicted of two murders; confessed to killing 12 [79]
Clark, Roland E. 1967 2 9 Died in prison Doctor who poisoned his assistants [32][unreliable source?]
Clement, Mary 1880–1885 4 4 Died in 1944 Luxembourgish immigrant who poisoned her family members with arsenic; released in 1886 [80]
Cline, Alfred Leonard 1930–1945 9 11 Died in prison Murdered his wives with poisoned buttermilk after persuading them to will their possessions to his name [81]
Coffman, Cynthia 1986 4 4 Sentenced to death Kidnapped four women by ATMs before accomplice strangled them [82]
Cole, Carroll 1947–1980 16 35 Executed 1985 Strangled fifteen women and one boy in California, Nevada and Texas [83][84][85][86]
Coleman, Alton 1984 8 8 Executed 2002 Multi-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 [52]
Colvin, Dellmus 1987–2005 7 7+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Truck driver who killed prostitutes in New Jersey and Ohio [87]
Conde, Rory Enrique 1994–1995 6 6 Sentenced to death Known as “The Tamiami Trail Strangler” [88]
Cook, Anthony 1973–1981 9 9+ Sentenced to 15 years to life imprisonment Committed crimes with his brother Nathaniel Cook [89]
Cook, Nathaniel 1973–1981 9 9+ Released in 2018 Committed crimes with his brother Anthony Cook [89]
Cooks, Jessie Lee 1973–1974 15 73+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Part of “The Death Angels” cult responsible for the Zebra murders [90]
Copeland, Faye 1986–1989 5 12 Died in prison awaiting execution Along with her husband, Ray Copeland, the oldest couple ever sentenced to death in the United States [91][92][93][94][95]
Copeland, Ray 1986–1989 5 12 Died in prison awaiting execution Along with his wife, Faye Copeland, the oldest couple ever sentenced to death in the United States [91][92][93][94][95]
Corll, Dean 1970–1973 28 28+ Killed by accomplice Elmer Wayne Henley Crimes referred to as “The Houston Mass Murders” [96]
Corona, Juan 1971 25 25+ Died in prison Majority of victims had been transient workers [97][98]
Corwin, Daniel Lee 1987 3 3 Executed 1998 Abducted and killed three women around Texas [99]
Costa, Tony 1968–1969 4 8 Committed suicide in prison Preyed on women in and around Truro, Massachusetts [100]
Cottingham, Richard 1967–1980 9 85–100 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known variously as “The Butcher of Times Square”, “The Torso Killer”, “The New York (City) Ripper”, and “The Times Square Torso Ripper” [101][102][103]
Cowan, Mary 1884–1894 6 6 Died in prison Known as “The Borgia of Maine”. Poisoned two husbands and four children [104]
Cox, Frederick Pete 1997 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered prostitutes in Orlando, Florida [105]
Cox, Scott William 1980s–1990 2 20+ Granted parole in 2013 Suspected in various murders across Oregon, Washington and possibly Canada [106]
Craine, Louis 1984–1987 4 5+ Died in prison Responsible for at least two of “The Southside Slayer” murders in South Los Angeles [107]
Crawford, Andre 1993–1999 11 11 Sentenced to life imprisonment Chicago transient who preyed on prostitutes and the destitute [108]
Creighton, Mary Frances 1920–1935 1 4 Executed 1936 Poisoned her lover’s wife; suspected of poisoning her mother in-law, father in-law, and younger brother [109]
Cullen, Charles 1988–2003 10 400+ Incarcerated 127 years A nurse in New Jersey and Pennsylvania [110]
Cunanan, Andrew 1997 5 5 Committed suicide while a fugitive Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace was among his victims [111]
Curry, James Richard 1982–1983 4 5 Committed suicide after being arrested One victim was Mary Silvani, whose identity was not discovered for 37 years [112]
Dahmer, Jeffrey 1978–1991 17 17 Murdered by inmate Christopher Scarver Milwaukee cannibal who retained various body parts of his victims [113]
DeAngelo, Joseph James 1979–1986 13 13+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Golden State Killer”, “The Visalia Ransacker”, “The East Area Rapist”, and “The Original Night Stalker”; murdered three people in Sacramento and 10 people in Southern California from 1975 through 1986; also linked to more than 50 rapes in the Sacramento area from 1976 to 1979 [114][115][116][117][118]
DeBardeleben, Mike 1965–1983 0 8 Died from pneumonia in prison 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 eight women [119]
Dieteman, Samuel 2005–2006 8 8 Sentenced to life imprisonment Accomplice Dale Hausner committed suicide in prison [120]
Dillon, Thomas 1989–1992 5 5+ Died in prison Shot men at random in southeastern Ohio [121]
Dodd, Westley Allan 1989 3 3 Executed 1993 Convicted sex offender who sexually assaulted and murdered three young boys in Vancouver, Washington in 1989 [122]
Dominique, Ronald 1997–2006 23 23+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Raped and murdered male victims in Louisiana [123]
Doss, Nannie 1927–1954 8 11 Died in prison Known as “The Giggling Granny” and “The Jolly Black Widow”; serial poisoner killed four husbands, two children, her two sisters, her mother, a grandson, and a mother-in-law [124]
Dowler, David 1983–1987 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Poisoned three acquaintances in Odessa, Texas [125]
Dugan, Brian 1983–1985 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Serial rapist active in and around Chicago, Illinois [126]
Duncan III, Joseph E. 1996–2005 5 7 Died in prison awaiting execution Raped at least 17 young boys and three young girls [127][128]
Durousseau, Paul 1997–2003 7 7+ Sentenced to death (overturned on January 31, 2017; awaiting resentencing) Murdered seven women in the Southeastern United States, included two who were pregnant; German authorities suspect Durousseau may have killed several local women when he was stationed there with the Army during the early 1990s [129]
Eaton, Dale Wayne 1988, 2001 (known)
c. 1983–1996 (suspected)		 2 11+ Sentenced to death (overturned – awaiting resentencing hearing) Eaton is also suspected of being behind the killings known as “The Great Basin Murders” [130]
Edwards, Andrew David 1987–1992 4 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered transients in alcohol-induced rages [131]
Edwards, Edward 1977–1996 5 15 Died in prison awaiting execution Sentenced to death for shooting his foster son in 1996 insurance murder [132][133]
Edwards, Mack Ray 1953–1970 3 18 Committed suicide awaiting execution Preyed on children in Los Angeles County, California [134][135]
Ellis, Walter E. 1986–2007 7 7 Died in prison Known as “The Milwaukee North Side Strangler” [136]
Erskine, Scott 1989–1993 3 3+ Died in prison awaiting execution Raped and murdered two young boys in California and a woman in Florida [137][138]
Espinosa, Felipe 1863 32 32 Killed by Tom Tobin Murdered various people across the Colorado Territory
Evans, Donald Leroy 1985–1991 3 70 Died in prison; murdered by a fellow death row inmate Suspected of another dozen murders but recanted his confessions to over 70 more [139]
Evans, Franklin B. 1850–1872 2 5+ Executed 1874 Known as “The Northwood Murderer”; vagrant who murdered at least two young girls in New Hampshire, and possibly more in Maine and Massachusetts [140]
Evans, Gary 1985–1997 5 5 Committed suicide after escaping police custody Leader of a ring of jewelry and antique thieves who operated in and around Capital District, New York [141]
Evonitz, Richard 1996–1997 3 3+ Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Kidnapped, raped and murdered three girls in Spotsylvania County, Virginia and abducted and assaulted a 15-year-old girl in Richland County, South Carolina [142]
Eyler, Larry 1982–1984 21 24 Died in prison awaiting execution Known as “The Interstate Killer” [143]
Falling, Christine 1980–1982 6 6 Sentenced to life imprisonment Epileptic who strangled infants because of voices in her head [144]
Falls, Neal 1992–2015 0 10+ Killed by intended victim Suspected of killing up to 10 women before being killed in self defense. [145]
Fautenberry, John 1990–1991 5 6 Executed 2009 Befriended, murdered and robbed people across four states [146]
Fayne, Lorenzo 1989–1993 6 6 Sentenced to death; commuted to life imprisonment Raped and murdered a woman and five children in Wisconsin and Illinois [147]
Feigenbaum, Carl 1888–1894 1 13+ Executed 1896 German sailor who murdered his landlord in 1894; allegedly responsible for murders in other countries, also a suspect in the Jack the Rippercase [148]
Fernandez, Raymond 1947–1949 3 20 Executed 1951 Along with accomplice Martha Beck, became known as “The Lonely Hearts Killers” [28]
Fish, Albert 1924–1932 3 8+ Executed 1936 Known as “The Werewolf of Wysteria”; sadist and pedophile who cannibalized several children. [149]
Fisher, Lavinia ?–1819? 0 Numerous Executed 1820 Along with her husband John was a member of a highway gang; allegedly killed travelers visiting her inn [150]
Ford, Wayne Adam 1997–1998 4 4+ Sentenced to death Killed and mutilated four women in California [151][152]
Fowler, Bobby Jack 1973–1996 1 20 Died in prison Convicted of one murder, suspected of up to 20 more [153][154]
Francois, Kendall 1996–1998 8 10+ Died in prison Known as “The Poughkeepsie Killer” [155]
Franklin, Joseph Paul 1977–1980 11 22 Executed 2013 Also attempted to assassinate Larry Flynt and Vernon Jordan [156]
Franklin Jr., Lonnie David 1985–2007 10 25+ Died in prison awaiting execution Known as “The Grim Sleeper”; charged after DNA evidence linked him with ten murders in Los Angeles since 1985 [157]
Gacy, John Wayne 1972–1978 33 33+ Executed 1994 Known as “The Killer Clown” [158][159]
Gallego, Gerald 1978–1980 10 10 Died awaiting execution Accomplice Charlene Gallego released 1997 [160]
Gargiulo, Michael 1993–2008 3 10 Awaiting capital murder trial Known as “The Hollywood Ripper”” [161]
Gary, Carlton 1970–1978 7 7+ Executed 2018 Known as “The Stocking Strangler” [162]
Gaskins, Donald Henry 1953–1982 9 100+ Executed 1991 Convicted of nine murders; claimed to an author to have killed more than 100 [163]
Gaynor, Alfred 1995–1998 9 9 Sentenced to life imprisonment Raped and strangled drug-addicted women in Springfield, Massachusetts [164]
Gecht, Robin 1981–1982 18 18 Incarcerated for 120 years Member of the satanic cult and organized crime group known as “The Ripper Crew” or “The Chicago Rippers” “[165][166]
Gein, Ed 1954–1957 2 7 Died while incarcerated at Mendota Mental Health Institute Known 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. [167][168]
Geralds, Hubert 1994–1995 5 5 Sentenced to death; commuted to life imprisonment Known as “The Englewood Strangler” [169]
Gibbs, Janie Lou 1966–1967 5 5 Died in prison Killed her three sons, a grandson, and her husband, by arsenic poisoning [170]
Gibson, Mose 1908–1920 3 7+ Executed 1920 Guilt has been questioned [171]
Gibson, William Clyde 2002–2012 3 3+ Sentenced to death Sexually assaulted and murdered women across Indiana [172]
Gifford, Bertha 1900–1928 3 17 Died in Missouri State Hospital #4 Found not guilty by reason of insanity [173]
Gilbert, Kristen 1989–1996 4 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment Induced cardiac arrest in patients and would then respond to the coded emergency, often resuscitating the patients herself [174]
Giles, Bernard 1973 5 5 Sentenced to life imprisonment Abducted, raped and murdered female hitchhikers in orange groves near Titusville, Florida [175]
Gillis, Sean Vincent 1994–2004 8 8 Sentenced to life imprisonment Stalked, kidnapped, raped, murdered, and mutilated Louisiana women [176][177]
Gilyard, Lorenzo 1977–1993 12 13 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Kansas City Strangler” [178]
Glatman, Harvey 1957–1958 3 4 Executed 1959 Known as “The Lonely Hearts Killer”; lured women to pose for “bondage photographs”
Glaze, Billy 1986–1987 3 20+ Died in prison Guilt has come into question by the discovery of DNA evidence excluding Glaze and implicating another man [179][180]
Gohl, Billy 1902–1910 2 100+ Died in prison Union official linked with the disappearances of over 40 sailors in Aberdeen, Washington in the early 20th century [9][unreliable source?]
Gore, David Alan 1981–1983 6 6 Executed 2012 One of the pair known as “The Killing Cousins” [181]
Goudeau, Mark 2005–2006 9 9 Sentenced to death Known as “The Baseline Killer” [182]
Graham, Gwendolyn 1987 5 6 Sentenced to life imprisonment Accomplice of Cathy Wood [183][184]
Graham, Harrison 1986–1987 7 7 Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered seven women in Philadelphia [185]
Grant, Gary 1969–1971 4 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment Killed three children and a young woman in Renton, Washington [186]
Grate, Shawn 2006–2016 5 5 Sentenced to death Murdered women in rural Ohio [187][188][189][190]
Gray, Dana Sue 1994 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Preyed on elderly women, murdering three; caught after a fourth intended victim survived and identified her [191]
Gray, Marvin 1971–1992 3 41 Died in prison Most dangerous prisoner in Colorado until his death; confessed to the murders of 41 people across eight different states [192]
Gray, Ronald 1986–1987 4 4 Sentenced to death Soldier who raped and murdered women near Fort Bragg [193]
Green, Larry 1973–1974 15 73+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Part of “The Death Angels” cult responsible for the Zebra murders [90]
Green, Ricky Lee 1985–1986 4 12 Executed 1997 Bisexual drifter; his wife helped in two of the murders [194]
Green, Samuel 1817–1821 2 2+ Executed 1822 Known as “The Terror of New England” [195]
Greenwood, Vaughn 1964–1975 11 11 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Skid Row Slasher” [196][unreliable source?]
Groves, Vincent 1978–1988 7 20+ Died in prison Raped and strangled prostitutes in Denver and the surrounding areas [197]
Gunness, Belle 1900–1908 25 40 Unknown Norwegian-born murder-for-profit killer who killed her suitors and children [198]
Hahn, Anna Marie 1933–1937 5 5 Executed 1938 German-born murder-for-profit killer who poisoned five elderly men
Halbower, Rodney 1976 2 5 Sentenced to life imprisonment Suspect in the Gypsy Hill killings [199]
Halliday, Lizzie 1890s 4 7 Died in Matteawan State Hospital for the Criminally Insane First woman sentenced to be executed by the electric chair [200]
Hance, William Henry 1977–1978 4 4 Executed 1994 Known as “The Forces of Evil”
Hansen, Robert 1971–1983 17 21+ Died in prison Known as “The Butcher Baker” [201]
Harpe Brothers 1797–1804 39 50+ Murdered/executed Brothers or cousins; America’s first known serial killers [202]
Harris, DeWayne Lee 1997–1998 3 3+ 94 years imprisonment Known as “The Seattle Jungle Killer”; strangled prostitutes in Seattle, dumping their bodies in an area known as ‘The Jungle’ [203]
Harvey, Donald 1970–1987 37 80 Killed by prison inmate James Elliott Known as “The Angel of Death” [204]
Hatcher, Charles Ray 1969–1982 2 16 Committed suicide in prison Convicted of two child murders in 1978 and 1982, also stabbed to death a fellow inmate and another man 20 years apart [205]
Hausner, Dale 2006 8 8 Committed suicide in prison Convicted of killing people in random drive-by shootings [206]
Hayward, Harry T. 1894 1 4 Executed 1895 Known as “The Minneapolis Svengali” [207]
Hazzard, Linda 1908–1911 1 13 Died in 1938 Served two years [208]
Heirens, William 1945–1946 3 3 Died in prison Known as “The Lipstick Killer”; Illinois teenager convicted of the murder of three Chicago women in the 1940s [209]
Helm, Boone 1850–1864 11 11+ Executed 1864 Known as “The Kentucky Cannibal” [210][211]
Henley, Elmer Wayne 1970–1973 6 6 Sentenced to life imprisonment Crimes referred to as “The Houston Mass Murders” [96][212]
Hermann, Francis 1890–1896 2 8 Unknown Known as “The Priestly Butcher”; English-born pastor who murdered female church-goers, ex-wives and two of his children [213]
Herzog, Loren 1984–1999 3 19 Committed suicide awaiting parole release Along with accompliace Wesley Shermantineknown as “The Speed Freak Killers” [214]
Hickey, J. Frank 1883–1911 3 3 Died in prison Known as “The Postcard Killer” [215]
Hill, Ivan 1979–1994 9 9+ Sentenced to death Known as “The 60 Freeway Killer”; responsible for at least one of the Southside Slayer murders [216]
Hilley, Audrey Marie 1975–1980 1 4 Died in prison Poisoned her husband; suspected of poisoning her mother, mother-in-law and a child she was looking after [217]
Hoch, Johann Otto 1890–1905 1 50+ Executed 1906 Known as “The Stockyard Bluebeard”
Hohenberger, Robert 1978 0 5 Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Former California police deputy linked to the kidnap-murders of teenagers in Morgan City, Louisiana [218]
Holmes, H. H. 1891–1894 9 27+ Executed 1896 Convicted of only one murder, but definitively tied to at least eight more; confessed to a total of 27 [219][220]
Howell, William Devin 2003 7 7 Sentenced to life imprisonment Convicted of killing seven people in 2003; believed to be the most prolific serial killer in Connecticut history [221][222]
Hoyt, Waneta 1965–1971 5 5 Died in prison Exonerated under New York law because she died before her appeal [223]
Hughes, Michael 1986–1993 7 7+ Sentenced to death Responsible for at least one of the Southside Slayer murders [224]
Hunter, Richard Louis 1986 4 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment Raped and strangled elderly women in Atlanta [225]
Irvin, Leslie 1954–1955 6 6+ Died in prison His Supreme Court case set a precedent for fair trials of highly publicized defendants [226]
Jablonski, Phillip Carl 1978–1991 5 5 Died in prison awaiting execution Murdered women in California and Utah
Jackson, Calvin 1973–1974 9 9 Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered and robbed women in Manhattan’s East Side, abusing their corpses post-mortem [227]
Jackson, Charles 1975–1982 8 8+ Died in prison Responsible for at least eight of the East Bay Slayer murders [228]
Jennings, Wilbur Lee 1981–1984 6 6+ Died in prison Known as “The Ditchbank Killer”; raped and murdered women in Fresno and Sacramento County, California, dumping their bodies in ditches afterwards [229]
Jesperson, Keith Hunter 1990–1995 8 8+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Happy Face Killer” [230]
Johnson, John 1843–? 0 300+ Died 1900 Known as “Liver-Eating Johnson”; mountain man who allegedly ate the livers of Crows he’d slain [231]
Johnson, Martha Ann 1977–1982 3 4 Sentenced to death; commuted to life Georgia woman convicted of smothering to death three of her children between 1977 and 1982 [232]
Johnson, Matthew Steven 2000–2001 3 5 Sentenced to life imprisonment Preyed on disenfranchised young women in Connecticut [233]
Johnson, Milton 1983–1984 10 10+ Sentenced to death; commuted to life imprisonment Victims included two deputy sheriffs [70]
Johnson, Vincent 1999–2000 5 5 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Brooklyn Strangler” [234]
Jones, Genene 1977–1982 2 60+ Sentenced to 99 years in prison Texas pediatric nurse who poisoned infants in her care; was due to be released March 2018; however, prosecutors charged her with two additional murders [235][236][237][238]
Jones, Jack Harold 1983–1995 3 3+ Executed 2017 Murdered at least three women in Florida and Arkansas; a serial rapist was wrongfully convicted for one murder [239]
Jones, Syd 1900s–1914 13 13 Executed 1915 Drifter who admitted to a dozen murders committed across the USA [240]
Joubert, John 1982–1983 3 3 Executed 1996 Known as “The Nebraska Boy Snatcher” [241]
Junco, Francisco del 1995–1996 4 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment Cuban immigrant who murdered and then burned the bodies of prostitutes in Miami [242]
Kadamovas, Jurijus 2001–2002 5 5 Sentenced to death Murdered five people in California with accomplice Iouri Mikhel. [243]
Kallinger, Joseph 1974–1975 3 3 Died in prison Committed these crimes with his 15-year-old son Michael [244]
Kearney, Patrick 1965–1977 21 43 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Trash Bag Killer” [245]
Keith, Leroy 1934–1956 3 3 Executed 1959 Shot three men during holdups in Ohio and New York [246]
Kelley, John William 1986–1988 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Convicted rapist who killed a young hitchhiker and a married couple in rural California [247]
Kelly Family 1887 11 12 Killed by vigilantes Family of serial killers who killed and robbed wealthy travellers in No Man’s Land [248]
Kemper, Edmund 1964–1973 10 10 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Co-Ed Killer”; murdered his grandparents at age 15; released at age 21, he then murdered seven young women, as well as his mother, in California [249]
Keyes, Israel 1990s–2012 3 11+ Committed suicide while in custody Three confirmed victims; linked to 11 victims in four states [250]
Kibbe, Roger 1977–1987 7 7 Killed in prison by fellow inmate Known as “The I-5 Strangler” [251]
Kimball, Scott Lee 2003–2004 4 5+ 70-year sentence FBI Informant; proposed as a suspect in the West Mesa murders [252]
Kimes, Sante 1996–1998 2 3 Died in prison Criminal who’s responsible for numerous crimes committed with her son, Kenneth Jr. [253]
Kinne, Sharon 1962–1964 3 3 Escaped from prison 1969 Her arrest warrant is one the longest outstanding in American history [254]
Kirkland, Anthony 1987–2009 5 6 Sentenced to death Preyed on young women in the Cincinnati area [255][256]
Klimek, Tillie 1914–1921 5 7 Died in prison Polish-born Chicago poisoner
Knapp, Alfred 1894–1902 5 5+ Executed 1904 Known as “The Hamilton Strangler” [257]
Knight, Thomas 1974–1980 4 4 Executed 2014 Murdered four people between 1974 and 1980 [258][259][260]
Knorr, Theresa 1984–1985 2 3 Sentenced to two life sentences Her sons, William and Robert Jr., were accomplices [261]
Knotek, Michelle 1994–2003 2 3 22 years in prison Tortured and abused boarders in her home with her husband [262]
Knowles, Paul John 1974 18 35 Killed by police attempting to escape from custody Known as “The Casanova Killer” [263][264]
Kohlhepp, Todd 2003–2016 7 7+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Responsible for several murders in South Carolina, including the “Superbike Murders” [265][266]
Kokoraleis, Andrew 1981–1982 18 18 Executed 1999 Member of the satanic cult and organized crime group known as “The Ripper Crew” or “The Chicago Rippers” [165][267]
Kokoraleis, Thomas 1981–1982 18 18 Released March 29, 2019 Member of the satanic cult and organized crime group known as “The Ripper Crew” or “The Chicago Rippers” [165][166]
Kondro, Joseph 1985–1996 2 3+ Died in prison Known as “The Longview Serial Killer”; kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered underage girls across Washington State [268]
Kraft, Randy 1971–1983 16 67 Sentenced to death Known as “The Scorecard Killer” [269]
Krajcir, Timothy 1977–1982 9 9 Sentenced to life imprisonment Confessed to killing five women in Missouri and four others in Illinois and Pennsylvania [270]
Kudzinowski, Peter 1924–1928 3 3 Executed 1929 Imprisoned for the murder of a friend. Murdered two children following his release.
Kunnecke, William 1898–1903 1 3 Unknown Escaped from prison in 1919 [271]
LaBarre, Sheila 2004–2006 2 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment without parole Claimed she was an angel sent by God to punish pedophiles [272]
Lake, Leonard 1983–1985 11 25 Committed suicide while in custody Along with accomplice Charles Ng, they are also known as “The Operation Miranda Killers” [273][274][275][276][277]
LaLaurie, Delphine 1834 ? ? Died in Paris, France Tortured and maimed her slaves [278]
Lane, Adam Leroy 2007 2 2+ Sentenced to 50 years Known as “The Highway Killer” [279][280][281]
Lassor, Raymond 1984 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment First criminal to be successfully prosecuted under the 1984 Rhode Island ‘Life Without Parole Statute’ [282]
Laudenberg, Adolph 1972–1975 4 6 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Santa Strangler” [283]
Lee, Derrick Todd 1992–2003 7 7+ Died in prison awaiting execution Known as “The Baton Rouge Serial Killer”; convicted of two murders; linked by DNA evidence to five others [284]
Lewingdon, Gary 1977–1978 10 10 Died in prison Together with brother Thaddeus Lewingdon, known as “The .22 Caliber Killers” [285][286]
Lewingdon, Thaddeus 1977–1978 9 9 Died in prison Together with brother Gary Lewingdon, known as “The .22 Caliber Killers” [285][287]
Lindahl, Bruce 1974–1981 2 12+ Died from accidental self-inflicted injuries Posthumously connected to various rape-murders in Chicago and surrounding area [288]
Lipscomb, Nathaniel 1958–1959 3 4 Executed 1961 Known as “The Dawn Strangler”; beat, raped and strangled three women in Baltimore [289]
Little, Jerry 1985–1988 4 4 Uncertain Raped and strangled women in St. Louis, Missouri [290]
Little, Samuel 1970–2005 61 93+ Died in prison Known as “The Choke-and-Stroke Killer”; transient who allegedly killed 93 women in 14 states [291][292]
Lockett, Will 1912–1920 4 4 Executed 1920 Guilt has been questioned [293]
Lockhart, Michael Lee 1987–1988 4 6+ Executed 1997 Received death sentences in three states; executed by the state of Texas
Long, Bobby Joe 1984 10 10+ Executed 2019 Known as “The Classified Ad Rapist” [294]
Long, Neal 1972–1975 4 7+ Died in a federal medical center Known as “The Shotgun Slayer”; racist who murdered black people in drive-by shootings in Dayton, Ohio [295]
Longley, Bill 1869–1878 32 32 Executed 1878 Gunfighter who killed unarmed slaves and Mexicans [296]
Lucas, Henry Lee 1960–1983 3 200+ Died in prison Convicted of 11 murders, confessed to approximately 3,000 murders, although most of his confessions are considered outlandish [297][298]
Madison, Michael 2012–2013 3 3 Sentenced to death Preyed on women in East Cleveland, Ohio [299]
Majors, Orville Lynn 1993–1995 6 130 Died in prison Licensed practical nurse who was convicted of murdering his patients in Clinton, Indiana [300]
Malvo, Lee Boyd 2002 7 17 Life imprisonment without parole (overturned on May 26, 2017; Supreme Court of the United States heard the case on October 16, 2019.[301] With accomplice John Allen Muhammad, perpetrated the D.C. sniper attacks [302]
Mansfield, Billy 1975–1980 5 5+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered women and girls in Florida and California, burying most of them in the family home in Weeki Wachee [303]
Marquette, Richard Laurence 1956–1975 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment First 11th person named on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List [304]
Martin, James David 1989–2005 3 3 66 years imprisonment Strangled three across three states, including his wife [305]
Martin, Lee Roy 1967–1968 4 4 Died in prison Known as “The Gaffney Strangler” [306][307][308]
Martin, Rhonda Belle 1926–1951 1 6 Executed 1957 Alabama woman who poisoned family members
Mason, David 1980–1982 5 6 Executed 1993 Killed four elderly neighbours in 1980 and his cellmate in 1982 while imprisoned on lesser charges; suspected of shooting dead his boyfriend [309]
Mason, Samuel 1797–1803 20 20+ Killed/Died from injuries received during a shoot-out River pirate associated with the Harpe brothersand other outlaws [310]
Matthew, Jesse 2009–2014 2 7 Sentenced to life imprisonment Believed to have raped, murdered, and sexually assaulted multiple women in Virginia from 2002 to 2014 [311]
Maust, David Edward 1974–2003 5 5 Committed suicide in prison Convicted of killing five teenage boys; one in Germany in 1974, another in 1981, and three he buried in his basement [312][313]
Mayrand, Edward 1983–1994 3 3 Died in prison Strangled to death three women around New England [314]
McCarthy, Kimberly 1997–1998 1 3 Executed 2013 Crack addict who murdered a neighbour; suspect in two similar murders [315]
McDuff, Kenneth 1966–1992 9 14+ Executed 1998 Known as “The Broomstick Killer”; death sentence for 1966 triple-murder commuted; killed three days after 1989 parole [316][317]
McFadden, Jerry Walter 1973–1986 4 4 Executed 1999 Known as “The Animal” [318]
McKnight, Anthony 1985 5 5 Died in prison awaiting execution Rapist who killed young girls and women in Oakland; responsible for some of the East Bay Slayer murders [319]
Meirhofer, David 1967–1974 4 4 Committed suicide First serial killer to be apprehended via usage of offender profiling [320]
Melanson, Roy 1974–1988 3 5+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Drifter connected to the rape-murders of at least three women in three states [321]
Metheny, Joe 1976–1996 5 10 Died in prison Raped and murdered women in Baltimore, allegedly cannibalizing his victims [322]
Mikhel, Iouri Gherman 2001–2002 5 5 Sentenced to death Murdered five people in California with accomplice Jurijus Kadamovas. [243]
Miller, Joseph Daniel 1986–1990 5 5+ Sentenced to death; commuted to life imprisonment Kidnapped, raped and strangled black women around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania [323]
Moore, Henry Lee 1911–1912 2 25 Unknown Suspect in the Villisca axe murders; sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his mother and grandmother with an axe, later commuted and released from prison in 1956 [324]
Moore, Manuel 1973–1974 15 73+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Part of “The Death Angels” cult responsible for the Zebra murders [90]
Morin, Stephen 1969–1981 4 48 Executed 1985 Suspected in over 30 unsolved violent crimes across the country [325]
Morris, Dontae 2010 5 7 Sentenced to life imprisonment; later changed to the death sentence Murdered 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. [326]
Mors, Frederick 1914–1915 8 8 Committed suicide while a fugitive Committed to Hudson River State Hospital; escaped in May 1916 [327]
Moseley, Winston 1963–1964 3 3 Died in prison Necrophile who sexually assaulted and murdered three women, including Kitty Genovese [328]
Mosley, Eddie 1973–1987 8 16+ Died in prison Raped and murdered numerous young girls and women in and around Fort Lauderdale, Florida [329]
Muhammad, John Allen 2002 7 17 Executed 2009 With accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo, perpetrated the D.C. sniper attacks [330]
Mullin, Herbert 1972–1973 11 13 Sentenced to life imprisonment Eligible for parole in 2021 [331]
Murphy, Donald 1979–1980 2 6+ 60 years imprisonment Murdered between two and at least six prostitutes in Detroit; another man was wrongfully suspected of three murders [332]
Nance, Wayne 1974–1986 0 5+ Killed by intended victim Known as “The Missoula Mauler” [333][334]
Nardello, Antonio 1884–1885 3 3 Executed 1886 Italian laborer who robbed and murdered other laborers in Maryland and Washington, D.C. [335]
Naso, Joseph 1977–1994 6 10 Sentenced to death Suspect in the Alphabet murders [336]
Neelley, Alvin 1982 2 2 Died in prison Committed murders with wife Judith Neelley [337]
Neelley, Judith 1982 2 2 Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment Committed murders with husband Alvin Neelley
Nelson, Earle 1926–1927 22 22+ Executed 1928 Known as “The Gorilla Man” [338]
Newman, Allan Patterson 1991–1992 4 4 Died in prison Murdered carjacking victims during a three-state crime spree [339]
Ng, Charles 1983–1985 11 25 Sentenced to death Along with accomplice Leonard Lake, they are also known as “The Operation Miranda Killers” [274][275][276][277][340]
Nixon, Robert 1937–1938 3 5 Executed 1939 Nixon served, in part, as the basis of the character of Bigger Thomas in Richard Wright’s 1940 social protest novel Native Son
Noe, Marie 1949–1968 8 8 Sentenced to 20 years probation in 1998 Murdered eight of her children; two others died of natural causes [341]
Norris, Roy 1979 5 5 Died in prison With accomplice Lawrence Bittaker known as “Tool Box Killers” [35]
Northcott, Gordon Stewart 1926–1928 3 20 Executed 1930 His mother, Sarah Louise Northcott, was implicated as an accomplice [342]
Ocampo, Itzcoatl 2011–2012 6 6 Committed suicide before trial Former marine suspected of killing six people around Orange County, California [343]
O’Dell, Diane 1982–1985 3 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered her illegitimate infants [344]
Pace, Lyndon Fitzgerald 1988–1989 4 5 Sentenced to death Robbed and murdered elderly women primarily in Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood. In 1990, he robbed the apartment of Coretta Scott King [345]
Panzram, Carl 1920–1929 5 22 Executed 1930 Murderer, rapist, and arsonist; convicted of two murders, but confessed to 19 others [346]
Pardo, Manuel 1986 9 9 Executed 2012 Former police officer [347]
Parker, Gerald 1978–1978 6 6 Sentenced to death Known as “The Bedroom Basher” [348]
Peete, Louise 1913–1944 3 3+ Executed 1947 Convicted of murdering a man and woman decades apart; four other acquaintances died suspiciously and four husbands committed suicide [349]
Pennell, Steven Brian 1987–1988 2 5 Executed 1992 Known as “The Route 40 Killer” [350]
Peterson, Christopher 1990 4 7 120 years imprisonment Known as “The Shotgun Killer” [351]
Pierce, William 1970–1971 9 9+ Died in prison One of his victims was the daughter of a South Carolina state senator [352]
Piper, Thomas W. 1873–1875 2 2+ Executed 1876 Known as “The Boston Belfry Murderer” [353]
Player, Michael 1986 10 10 Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Known as “The Skid Row Slayer” [354]
Pomeroy, Jesse 1874 2 9 Died in prison Known as “The Boy Torturer”. 14-year-old Massachusetts boy who killed two younger children. Youngest person in the history of Massachusetts to be convicted of murder [355]
Powers, Harry 1931 5 5+ Executed 1932 Known as “The West Virginia Bluebeard” [356]
Presley, Aeman 2014 4 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment Shot and killed people in DeKalb and Fulton Counties, Georgia during robberies [357]
Price, Craig 1987–1989 4 4 Incarcerated Convicted as a minor; given an additional 10–25 year sentence for assaulting a corrections officer in prison [358]
Priest, Martin 1980–1985 2 5 Sentenced to life imprisonment Convicted of murdering a young girl and one man in both Missouri and Kansas; acquitted, but still main suspect, in three other deaths [359]
Prieto, Alfredo 1988–1990 9 9 Executed 2015 Attacked mainly couples in Virginia and California, shooting them both after raping the women [360]
Prince Jr., Cleophus 1990 6 6 Sentenced to death Known as “The Clairemont Killer” [361]
Pruett, Marion Albert 1981 5 5 Executed 1999 Committed his crimes while in the United States Federal Witness Protection Program [362]
Pruitt, Pleasant 1888–1902 3 3 Committed suicide to avoid apprehension Murdered his three wives in Indiana [363]
Puente, Dorothea 1982–1988 9 15 Died in prison Convicted of three killings; suspected of six others [364]
Rader, Dennis 1974–1991 10 10 Incarcerated–life imprisonment Known as “The BTK Killer” [365]
Ramirez, Richard 1984–1985 14 14 Died in prison awaiting execution Known as “The Night Stalker” [366]
Rasmussen, Terry Peder 1978–2002 6 6+ Died in prison Known as “The Chameleon Killer”; main suspect in the Bear Brook murders, as well as other murders [367]
Ray, David Parker 1950s–1999 0 60 Died in prison Convicted of kidnapping and torture in 2001, but never convicted of murder [368]
Reed, Todd Alan 1999 3 5 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Forest Park Killer” [369]
Rees, Melvin 1957–1959 5 9+ Died in prison Known as “The Sex Beast” [9][unreliable source?]
Reeves, Jack 1967–1994 4 4 99 years imprisonment Killed his three wives after they planned to leave him; also killed a man while stationed in Italy [370]
Reid, Paul Dennis 1997 7 7 Died in prison awaiting execution Known as “The Fast Food Killer” [371]
Rembert, Robert 1997–2015 5 5+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Truck driver who killed people across Ohio [372]
Reséndiz, Ángel Maturino 1986–1999 10 16 Executed 2006 Known as “The Railroad/Railway/Railcar Killer” [373]
Rhoades, Robert Ben 1975–1990 3 50+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Truck Stop Killer” [374]
Richards, Stephen Dee 1876–1878 9 9 Executed 1879 Known as “The Nebraska Fiend” [375]
Ridgway, Gary 1982–1998 49 90+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Green River Killer” [376]
Rifkin, Joel 1989–1993 9 17+ Incarcerated for 203 years to life Mostly preyed on sex workers in New York City and Long Island [377]
Rissell, Montie 1976–1977 5 5 Sentenced to life imprisonment Raped and murdered women in Alexandria, Virginia [70]
Ritchie, James Dale 2016 5 5+ Killed by police during apprehension Known as “The Anchorage Serial Killer” [378]
Rivera, Reinaldo 1999–2000 4 4 Sentenced to death Abducted, raped and killed women in the Augusta metropolitan area [379]
Robinson, Alonzo 1926–1934 2 6 Executed 1935 Grave robber and cannibal convicted of a double murder; also suspected of murdering four women [380]
Robinson, Harvey Miguel 1992–1993 3 3 Sentenced to death Teenager who stalked, raped and killed [381]
Robinson, John Edward 1984–1999 8 8+ Sentenced to death Sometimes referred to as “The Internet’s first serial killer” [382]
Robinson, Sarah Jane 1881–1886 8 11 Died in prison Known as “The Boston Borgia” [383]
Rodriguez, Robert Neal 1984–1992 3 3 Committed suicide while a fugitive Former police officer [384]
Rogers, Dayton Leroy 1983–1987 7 8+ Sentenced to death Known as “The Molalla Forest Killer” [385]
Rogers, Glen Edward 1993–1995 4 5 Sentenced to death Death sentence currently under appeal [386]
Rolling, Danny 1989–1990 8 8 Executed 2006 Pleaded guilty to murdering five students in Gainesville, Florida [387]
Ross, Michael Bruce 1981–1984 8 8+ Executed 2005 Known as “The Roadside Strangler” [388]
Rozier, Robert 1981–1986 4 7 Serving 25 years to life on a conviction for check kiting under a third strike law Former NFL player; sentenced to 22 years for murder after agreeing to testify against Yahweh ben Yahweh’s organization [389]
Rulloff, Edward H. 1844–1870 3 5 Executed 1871 Known as “The Genius Killer” [390][391]
Runge, Paul 1995–1997 7 8+ Sentenced to death; commuted to life imprisonment Sexually assaulted and murdered women and one girl in Cook and DuPage counties in Illinois [392]
Russell, George Waterfield 1990 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Charmer”; raped and murdered women in Seatte suburbs, mutilating and having sex with the corpses afterwards [393]
Rutterschmidt, Olga 1999–2005 2 2 Sentenced to life imprisonment without parole Killed vagrants with her partner-in-crime, Helen Golay [394]
Saenz, Kimberly Clark 2008 5 10+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Killed five patients by injecting bleach into their dialysis lines .[395]
Saldivar, Efren 1988–1998 6 50+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Respiratory therapist who murdered his patients at Adventist Health Glendale
Sanchez, Altemio 1990–2006 3 3+ Incarcerated 75 years to life Known as “The Bike Path Rapist”; responsible for three murders and numerous rapes spanning a 25-year period in Buffalo, New York [396][397][398]
Santo, Anthony 1908 3 3 Supposedly died while incarcerated at Taunton Lunatic Asylum Juvenile who murdered two cousins and a girl during “mad spells” [399]
Schaefer, Gerard John 1969–1973 2 34 Murdered in prison by fellow inmate Vincent Rivera Imprisoned in 1973 for the murders of two women while he was a sheriff’s deputy in Martin County, Florida [400]
Schmid, Charles 1964 3 4 Murdered in prison by unknown assailants Known as “The Pied Piper of Tucson” [401]
Schmidt, Helmuth 1913–1917 1 4+ Committed suicide in prison Known as “The American Bluebeard” [402]
Seda, Heriberto 1990–1993 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment New York City copycat of the Zodiac Killer; selected his victims based on their astrological signs [403]
Segundo, Juan 1986–1995 4 4+ Sentenced to death Raped and killed young girls and women in the Fort Worth area [404]
Sellers, Sean 1985–1986 3 3 Executed 1999 One 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 [405]
Sells, Tommy Lynn 1980–1999 6 22+ Executed 2014 Confessed to murdering dozens of people, possibly in excess of 70, only six are confirmed [406][407]
Selz, Ralph Jerome Von Braun 1930–1935 1 5 Unknown Known as “The Laughing Killer” [408][409]
Severance, Charles 2003–2014 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered elderly residents in Alexandria out of hatred for the rich [410]
Shaw, Sebastian 1991–1992 3 13 Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered victims selected at random in Portland, Oregon; confessed to additional murders, including one in California [411]
Shawcross, Arthur 1972–1989 12 14 Died in prison Known as “The Genesee River Killer” [412]
Sherman, Lydia 1863–1877 12 12 Died in prison Known as “The Derby Poisoner” [413]
Shermantine, Wesley 1984–1999 4 19 Sentenced to death Along with accompliace Loren Herzog, known as “The Speed Freak Killers” [414]
Shore, Anthony Allen 1986–1995 4 4+ Executed 2018 Known as “The Tourniquet Killer” [415][416]
Shulman, Robert 1991–1996 5 5 Died in prison Preyed on sex workers in New York [417]
Siebert, Daniel Lee 1979–1986 10 13 Died in prison Killed nine people across America in three months; responsible for at least one of the Southside Slayer murders [418][unreliable source?][419]
Silveria Jr., Robert Joseph 1981–1996 9 14+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Boxcar Killer”; alleged member of Freight Train Riders of America [420][421]
Simon, J.C.X. 1973–1974 15 73+ Died in prison Part of “The Death Angels” cult responsible for the Zebra murders [90]
Sinclair, Charles T. 1980–1990 13 13+ Died in prison Known as “The Coin Shop Killer” [422]
Smith, Lemuel 1958–1981 5 6 Sentenced to death; commuted to life First convict to kill an on-duty female corrections officer [423]
Smith, Mark Alan 1969–1970 4 12+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Convicted of killing at least four women in Illinois and Arkansas; claimed in his book to have murdered eight women while stationed in Germany [424]
Solomon Jr., Morris 1986–1987 6 7 Sentenced to death Known as “The Sacramento Slayer” [425]
Southard, Lyda 1915–1920 6 6 Released in 1941 Known as “Flypaper Lyda”; serial poisoner who killed four husbands, a young daughter and a brother-in-law [426]
Sowell, Anthony 2007–2009 11 11 Died in prison awaiting execution Known as “The Cleveland Strangler” and “The Imperial Avenue Murderer” [427]
Spencer, Timothy Wilson 1984–1988 5 5 Executed 1994 Known as “The Southside Strangler” [428]
Spillman, Jack Owen 1994–1995 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Werewolf Butcher” [429]
Spreitzer, Edward 1981–1982 18 18 Sentenced to life imprisonment Member of the satanic cult and organized crime group known as “The Ripper Crew” or “The Chicago Rippers” “[165][166]
Stafford, Roger Dale 1974–1978 9 34 Executed 1995 His wife implicated in 34 different murders in seven different states [430]
Stano, Gerald 1969–1980 22 41+ Executed 1998 Guilt has been questioned [431]
Stayner, Cary 1999 4 4 Sentenced to death Brother of kidnap victim Steven Stayner [432][433]
Stephani, Paul Michael 1980–1982 3 3 Died in prison Known as “The Weepy-Voiced Killer” due to a series of telephone calls he made to police, anonymously reporting his crimes in a remorseful and high-pitched voice; active in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area [434][435]
Stickles, Martin 1899–1900 3 3 Executed 1901 Known as “The Kelso Killer”; murdered three people during robberies in Cowlitz County, Washington [436]
Stokes, Winford 1969–1978 3 3 Executed 1990 Career criminal and prison escapee who murdered people in St. Louis [437]
Strong, Preston 2005–2007 7 7 Sentenced to death Was sentenced to life in prison for the 2007 murder of a doctor during a home robbery; was later found guilty of the murder of a family of six during a robbery from 2005 [438]
Suff, William 1974–1992 12 22 Sentenced to death Known as “The Riverside Prostitute Killer” [439]
Sumpter, Michael 1969–1973 3 3 Died in 2001 Raped and murdered women in the Boston area, including Jane Britton
Swango, Michael 1981–1997 4 60 Sentenced to life imprisonment Physician and surgeon [440]
Swann, James 1993 4 4 Found not guilty by reason of insanity and confined to Saint Elizabeths Hospital Known as “The Shotgun Stalker” [441]
Taborsky, Joseph “Mad Dog” 1950–1957 7 7 Executed 1960 Only convict to be sentenced to death twice for different crimes [442]
Tann, Georgia 1924–1950 19 19+ Died of uterine cancerbefore she could be arrested Child trafficker who sold kidnapped children to the black market [443]
Terry, Charles E. 1951–1963 1 4+ Died in prison Suspected of committing some of the Boston Strangler murders [444]
Tholmer, Brandon 1981–1983 12 34 Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The West Side Rapist”; preyed on elderly women in Westside, Los Angeles County [445]
Thomas Jr., John Floyd 1972–1986 7 15+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Known as “The Southland Strangler” and “The Westside Rapist” [446][447][448]
Thompson, William Paul 1983–1984 3 6 Executed 1989 Career criminal who killed people in California and Nevada; confessed to three additional murders in other states [449]
Tinning, Marybeth 1972–1985 2 9 Sentenced to 20 years to life, released August 21, 2018 New York woman who murdered her children [450]
Toole, Ottis 1976–1983 6 6+ Died in prison Accomplice of Henry Lee Lucas; claimed to have murdered Adam Walsh [451]
Toppan, Jane 1895–1901 12 31+ Found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed for life to the Taunton State Hospital Known as “Jolly Jane”; nurse who poisoned both patients and family members [452]
Travis, Maury 2000–2002 2 17+ Committed suicide awaiting trial Suspected of kidnapping, torturing and killing women at his home in Ferguson, Missouri [453]
Turner, Chester 1987–1998 15 16 Sentenced to death Convicted of murdering ten women and a viable unborn baby in South Los Angeles [454]
Urdiales, Andrew 1986–1996 8 8 Committed suicide in prison Murdered woman in Indiana, Illinois and California [455]
Valkenburgh, Elizabeth Van 1833–1845 2 2 Executed 1846 Self-confessed poisoner who killed her alcoholic husbands [456]
Vann, Darren Deon 2013–2014 7 7+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Indiana murderer who killed seven women; five of which were found in abandoned structures in the city of Gary [457][458][459]
Vermilya, Louise 1893–1911 9 9 Died in 1913 Charges dismissed
Walker, Anthony Guy 1975–1986 6 6+ Sentenced to life imprisonment Career criminal who murdered mainly across Lenawee County, Michigan [460]
Wallace, Henry Louis 1990–1994 11 11 Sentenced to death Known as “The Taco Bell Strangler” [461]
Walton, Edward 1896–1908 5 5 Executed 1908 Confessed to murdering five people across five states [462]
Ward, Ronald James 2000 4 4+ Died in prison Murdered at least three women and one man in three states, in the span of four months [463]
Wardrip, Faryion 1984–1986 5 5 Sentenced to death Death sentence currently under appeal [464]
Warren, Edward Delon 1976–1979 3 3 Died in prison Murdered a couple in Brookings, Oregon; later linked via DNA to an unsolved murder in Portland [465]
Watson, Alexander Wayne 1986–1994 4 4 Sentenced to life imprisonment Raped, stabbed and strangled women in two Maryland counties [466]
Watts, Carl Eugene 1974–1982 22 100 Died in prison Known as “The Sunday Morning Slasher” [467]
Werner, Karl F. 1969–1971 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered teenage girls in Santa Clara County, California
White, Nathaniel 1991–1992 6 6 Sentenced to 150 years to life in prison Confessed to beating and stabbing six women to death in Hudson Valley, New York while on parole [468]
Whiteling, Sarah 1888 3 3 Executed 1889 Known as “The Wholesale Poisoner” [469]
Whitten, Hattie 1900–1902 3 3 Committed suicide before trial Maine woman who poisoned her husband and two children [470]
Wilder, Christopher 1984 8 15 Killed by police during apprehension Known as “The Beauty Queen Killer”; Australian man who abducted and murdered women across the USA [471]
Williams, Scott 1997–2006 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Killed women in Charlotte and Monroe, North Carolina [472]
Williams, Wayne 1979–1981 2 23 Sentenced to life imprisonment Has maintained his innocence from the beginning and conviction is considered controversial [473]
Williamson, Thomas Andrew 1868–1890 4 4 Executed 1891 Murdered four people in Illinois and Missouri, including his wife [474]
Wimberly, Anthony 1984–1985 3 3 Sentenced to life imprisonment Murdered three women in Oakland during a crime spree [475]
Winters, Shirley 1980–2006 2 7 Sentenced to eight to 25 years Arsonist who smothered her children; suspected of killing siblings since childhood [476]
Wise, Martha 1924–1925 3 3 Died in prison Poisoned 17 members of her own family [477]
Wood, Cathy 1987 5 6 Incarcerated 20–40 years Eligible for parole since 2005 [183][184]
Wood, Isaac L. 1855 3 3 Executed 1858 Poisoned his wife, brother and sister-in-law for monetary purposes [478]
Woodfield, Randall 1979–1981 18 44 Sentenced to life imprisonment plus 165 years Known as “The I-5 Killer” and “The I-5 Bandit” [479]
Wright, Douglas 1969–1991 5 5+ Executed 1996 First criminal executed by lethal injection in Oregon [480]
Wuornos, Aileen 1989–1990 7 7 Executed 2002 Known as the “Damsel of Death”; shot seven men to death in Florida between 1989 and 1990 [481]
Yates, Robert Lee 1975–1998 13 18+ Sentenced to death, commuted to life imprisonment Targeted women in and around Spokane, Washington [482]
Zarinsky, Robert 1958–1974 3 10 Died in prison Preyed on teenage girls in New Jersey [483]

Unidentified serial killers[edit]

This is a list of unidentified serial killers who committed crimes within the United States.

Name Years active Proven victims Possible victims Region where active Notes Ref
Alphabet murders 1971–1973 3 3 NY Also known as the “Double Initial Murders”; murders of three young girls in the Rochester, New York area in the early 1970s [484]
Ann Arbor Hospital Murders 1975 10 10 MI Poisonings of 10 patients at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in 1975. Two nurses, Filipina Narciso and Leonora Perez, were convicted but a new trial was ordered because of prosecutorial misconduct. The prosecution chose to drop the charges rather than retry. [485][486]
Atlanta Ripper 1911 15 15–21 GA Mystery murderer(s) of 15 Atlanta women in 1911 [487]
Axeman of New Orleans 1918–1919 6 6 LA Responsible for the deaths of six or seven people in New Orleans and the surrounding areas from 1918 to 1919 [488]
Bigfoot Killer 1975 7 7 MI Raped and murdered sex workers in Detroit; nicknamed derived from the suspect’s large hands and feet [489]
Boston Strangler 1962–1964 13 13 MA 1960s 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 [490]
Charlie Chop-off 1972–1974 4 4 NY Murders of five boys in Manhattan in 1972 and 1973. A mental patient confessed to one slashing death. Four stabbings also involving mutilation remain unsolved [491]
Chicago Strangler 2001–2021 55 75+ IL Raped and strangled predominantly African-American prostitutes and other vulnerable women in Chicago; could possibly be multiple serial killers [492]
Cincinnati Strangler 1965–1966 7 7 OH Raped and strangled seven mostly elderly women in Cincinnati, Ohio between 1965 and 1966; Cab driver Posteal Laskey, Jr. is commonly believed to be culprit [493]
Cleveland Torso Murderer 1934 13 40+ OH Also known as the “Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run”; responsible for 12–13 murders in the Cleveland, Ohio area in the 1930s [494]
Colonial Parkway Killer 1986–1989 8 8 VA Believed to have murdered at least eight people in Virginia between 1986 and 1989; left three couples dead and one couple missing and presumed dead [495][496]
Connecticut River Valley Killer 1978–1987 7 7+ MA, NH, VT Stabbed at least six women to death in New England in the 1980s, severely injured one [497]
Cumminsville murders 1904–1910 5 5 OH Series of brutal murders and mutilations of women in the Cincinnati neighborhood of South Cumminsville [498]
Dayton Strangler 1900–1909 6 6 OH Murdered five women and one man in Dayton, Ohio in the early 20th-century; one man was wrongfully convicted for the murders [499]
Daytona Beach killer 2005–2016 4 7+ FL Murdered four, possibly five, women in Daytona Beach, Florida between 2005 and 2007; Robert Hayes has been linked to three of the killings and is currently awaiting trial [500][501][502]
Denver Prostitute Killer 1975–1995 17 27 CO Abducted, raped and strangled young girls and women around Denver and its various suburbs [503]
Denver Strangler 1894–1903 3 5 CO Strangled three prostitutes in Denver in 10 weeks; also thought to be responsible in two more murders [504]
The Doodler 1974–1975 14 14 CA Sketched then stabbed to death 14 gay men in San Francisco, California in the 1970s [505]
Dr. No 1981–2004 9 9+ OH, IL, NY, PA Suspected of raping and strangling prostitutes alongside the Interstate 71; his first suspected victim is Marcia King, who was identified in 2018. Samuel Legg III, a trucker, has been arrested and charged but thus far (as of 2020) is incompetent to stand trial. He is receiving psychiatric treatment while they try to restore competency. [506][507]
Eastbound Strangler 2006 4 4 NJ Murdered four women near Atlantic City, New Jersey in 2006. [508][509]
Edgecombe County Serial Killer 2000s 9 10 NC Murders of nine women and disappearance of another since 2005 around Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Antwan Pittman has been convicted in one case [510]
Flat-Tire murders 1975 5 5+ FL Killed five women in 1975 [511]
Flint Serial Slasher 2009–2010 5 5 MI, OH, VA Stabbing attacks against mostly small-framed African-American men, with the main area being Flint, Michigan; an Israeli national, Elias Abuelazam, has been convicted in one of the murders and remains the prime suspect in the other four [512]
Frankford Slasher 1985–1990 8 9 PA Allegedly 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 [513][514]
Freeway Phantom 1971–1972 6 6 DC Raped and strangled six young women and girls in Washington, D.C. in the early 1970s, dumping their bodies by freeways [515]
Gypsy Hill killings 1976 5 5+ CA Known 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 [516][517]
Hog Trail Murders 1993–1996 6 12 FL Mutilated bodies of young men found in Charlotte County, Florida; thought to be linked to Daniel Conahan, who was charged and convicted of one of the murders. [518]
Honolulu Strangler 1985–1986 5 5 HI Raped and strangled five young women in Hawaii in 1985 and 1986 [519][520]
I-45 Killer 1980 0 4+ TX Strangled four known victims in 1980 and sexually assaulted some. Three of the four women have never been identified. [521]
I-70 Killer 1992–1994 6 8 IN, MO, KS
TX (suspected)		 Killed and robbed six store clerks around the Midwestern United States [522]
Jeff Davis 8 2005–2009 8 8 LA The 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 [523][524]
Long Island serial killer 1996–2010 10 17 NY Suspected 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 [525][526][527]
The Man from the Train 1900–1912 0 40+ USA Probably 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. [528][529][530][531]
Maryvale serial shooter 2015–2016 9 9 AZ Attacked at night from a car using a handgun, killing seven people and injuring two between August 2015 and July 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona; Aaron Saucedo was arrested for all murders in 2017 and is awaiting trial [532][533]
Michigan Murders 1967–1969 1 7 MI Raped, stabbed, and strangled young women between the ages of 13 and 21 in the Washtenaw County area of Michigan. John Norman Collins was convicted of the last murder in the series and strongly suspected to be responsible for all seven murders attributed to the same perpetrator. [534]
New Bedford Highway Killer 1988–1989 9 11 MA Murders of nine women and disappearance of two others between 1988 and 1989 [535]
Oakland County Child Killer 1976–1977 4 4+ MI Also known as the “Babysitter”; responsible for the murders of four or more children in Oakland County, Michigan in 1976 and 1977 [536]
Phantom Killer 1946 5 5 TX Believed to have committed the Texarkana Moonlight Murders in Texas between February 23 and May 4, 1946 [537]
Redhead murders 1978–1992 8 11 TN, AR, KY, MS, PA, WV Series 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” [538][539]
Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Murders 1972–1973 7 7+ CA A 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 [540]
Seminole Heights serial killer 2017 4 4 FL Shot 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. Donaldson is set for pre-trial hearing on August 20, 2020. [541][542]
Servant Girl Annihilator 1884–1885 8 8 TX Also known as the “Austin Axe Murderer”; responsible for at least seven murders in Austin, Texas between 1884 and 1885 [543]
Skid Row Stabber 1978–1979 11 11 CA Murdered homeless men in Los Angeles’ Skid Rowneighborhood; Bobby Joe Maxwell was falsely convicted of two of the murders and accused of the rest, and died while in a coma prior to being exonerated [544]
Smiley face murder theory 1990s–2000s 0 40+ USA Theoretical 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 [545]
Texas Killing Fields 1970s–2000s 1 30+ TX Since 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 Killings 1985 4 6 WA Unsolved murders which occurred in the remote community of Mineral in Washington [546]
West Mesa murders 2003–2009 11 11+ NM Remains 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 [547]
Zodiac Killer 1968–1974 5 37 CA
NV (possible)		 Targeted young couples. Remains unsolved but open in the California jurisdictions the five certain Zodiac murders occurred. Potentially 37 total victims claimed but unverified. [548]