Crime Vault

Remembering Lives

More Than a Name

True crime often focuses on offenders, investigations, and courtroom proceedings. Yet every case begins with a victim whose life was forever changed. Understanding who these individuals were helps restore the human side of criminal history and reminds us that every statistic represents a real person.

Crime Vault aims to present victims with dignity and respect, highlighting their lives rather than defining them solely by the crimes committed against them.

Victimology

Why Victims Matter in Investigations

Victimology is the study of victims, their backgrounds, lifestyles, relationships, and circumstances surrounding a crime. Investigators examine this information to better understand timelines, identify suspects, uncover motives, and reconstruct events.

Relationships

Who knew the victim and what connections may have existed?

Daily Routine

Where did they usually go and what patterns existed?

Last Known Events

What happened before the victim disappeared or was attacked?

Evidence

Personal belongings, digital records, and witness accounts often provide vital clues.

Victims

Remembering the Victims

Every victim has a story beyond the case itself. Their profiles provide a respectful overview of who they were, the circumstances surrounding their case, and the lasting impact left on families, communities, and criminal investigations.

Case 1

Lives Connected to This Case

Associated with the Theodore Robert Bundy case

1 / 6

25 documented people • 20 lives lost • 5 survivors

The people below are presented as individuals first. Their connection to this case is only one part of their story.

Remembering

Lynda Ann Healy

Age 21

Life: July 3, 1952 - February 1, 1974

Occupation: Student and Ski Report Broadcaster

Education: University of Washington - Psychology

Location: Seattle, Washington

Their Life

Lynda was a senior psychology student at the University of Washington. Alongside her studies, she worked part-time for Western Ski Promotions and broadcast ski-condition reports to radio stations throughout Washington and Oregon.

Connection to the Case

February 1, 1974

Lynda disappeared from her basement bedroom in Seattle's University District. Her remains were discovered at Taylor Mountain in March 1975, and Ted Bundy later confessed to her murder.

Remembering

Donna Gail Manson

Age 19

Life: June 9, 1954 - ?

Occupation: College Student

Education: The Evergreen State College

Location: Olympia, Washington

Their Life

Donna was a freshman at The Evergreen State College in Olympia. She had previously graduated from Auburn High School and attended Green River Community College before continuing her education at Evergreen.

Connection to the Case

March 12, 1974

Donna left her college residence intending to attend a jazz concert on campus but never arrived. Ted Bundy later confessed to killing her. Her remains have never been conclusively recovered.

Remembering

Susan Elaine Rancourt

Age 18

Life: October 12, 1955 - April 17, 1974

Occupation: College Student

Education: Central Washington State College - Biology

Location: Ellensburg, Washington

Their Life

Susan was an 18-year-old college student from Anchorage, Alaska, studying biology at Central Washington State College, now Central Washington University.

Interests

Biology

Connection to the Case

April 17, 1974

Susan disappeared from the Central Washington State College campus after an evening meeting. Her remains were later recovered at Taylor Mountain, and Ted Bundy confessed to her murder.

Remembering

Roberta Kathleen Parks

Age 20

Life: February 27, 1954 - May 6, 1974

Occupation: College Student

Education: Oregon State University

Location: Corvallis, Oregon

Their Life

Roberta Kathleen Parks, known to her family and friends as Kathy, was a student at Oregon State University. She was born in Lakewood, Ohio, and was the daughter of Charles and Katherine Parks.

Connection to the Case

May 6, 1974

Kathy disappeared from the Oregon State University campus after leaving her residence that evening. Her remains were later recovered at Taylor Mountain, and Ted Bundy confessed to her murder.

Remembering

Brenda Carol Ball

Age 22

Life: November 4, 1951 - June 1, 1974

Education: Mount Rainier High School; attended Highline Community College

Location: Burien, Washington

Their Life

Brenda was a graduate of Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines, Washington, and had also taken classes at Highline Community College.

Connection to the Case

June 1, 1974

Brenda was last seen after leaving the Flame Tavern in Burien. Her remains were discovered at Taylor Mountain in March 1975.

Remembering

Georgann Hawkins

Age 18

Life: August 20, 1955 - ?

Occupation: College Student

Education: University of Washington

Location: Seattle, Washington

Their Life

Georgann was a University of Washington freshman and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She had been an honors student, competitive swimmer and four-year cheerleader at Lakes High School. She was also selected as a princess in the Washington Daffodil Festival court. At university, she maintained strong grades and was considering a future in broadcast journalism.

Interests

Competitive swimming Cheerleading Broadcast journalism

Aspirations

Interested in becoming a broadcast journalist or television news anchor.

Connection to the Case

June 11, 1974

Georgann disappeared while walking the short distance between her boyfriend's fraternity house and her sorority house near the University of Washington. Ted Bundy later confessed to abducting and killing her. Her remains have never been conclusively identified.

Legacy & Remembrance

Her family has emphasized remembering Georgann for the person she was rather than allowing her murder to define her life.

Remembering

Janice Ann Ott

Age 23

Life: February 14, 1951 - July 14, 1974

Occupation: Probation Caseworker

Location: Issaquah, Washington

Their Life

Janice was a 23-year-old probation caseworker who worked with young people through the King County juvenile justice system. She was married and living in Issaquah at the time of her disappearance.

Connection to the Case

July 14, 1974

Janice disappeared from Lake Sammamish State Park after witnesses saw her leave with a man who introduced himself as Ted and asked for help with a sailboat. Her remains were discovered near Issaquah in September 1974. Bundy later confessed to her murder.

Remembering

Denise Marie Naslund

Age 18

Life: October 10, 1955 - July 14, 1974

Occupation: Student

Education: Studying computer programming

Location: Seattle, Washington

Their Life

Denise was an 18-year-old Seattle resident studying computer programming. She was balancing her studies with everyday life and was spending the summer afternoon at Lake Sammamish State Park with her boyfriend and friends.

Interests

Computer programming

Aspirations

Studying toward a career in computer programming.

Connection to the Case

July 14, 1974

Denise disappeared after leaving her group at Lake Sammamish State Park to walk toward the restroom area. Her remains were discovered near Issaquah in September 1974 alongside those of Janice Ott. Bundy later confessed to her murder.

Remembering

Nancy Wilcox

Age 16

Life: July 4, 1958 - ?

Occupation: High School Student

Education: Olympus High School

Location: Holladay, Utah

Their Life

Nancy was a 16-year-old student at Olympus High School in Holladay, Utah. Contemporary records and her school yearbook identify her as a student there, while the often-repeated claim that she was a cheerleader is not supported by the school yearbooks or her case file.

Connection to the Case

October 1, 1974

Nancy left her family home in Holladay during the evening and never returned. Her remains have never been recovered. Ted Bundy confessed to her killing shortly before his execution, although her missing-person case has continued to be treated as open by authorities.

Remembering

Melissa Anne Smith

Age 17

Life: July 4, 1957 - October 1974

Occupation: High School Student

Education: Hillcrest High School

Location: Midvale, Utah

Their Life

Melissa was a 17-year-old student from Midvale and the daughter of Midvale Police Chief Louis Smith. On the evening she disappeared, a friend who was upset after an argument called Melissa from work, and Melissa left home intending to meet and comfort her.

Connection to the Case

October 18, 1974

Melissa disappeared after leaving her home in Midvale. Her body was discovered by hunters nine days later in Summit County. Investigators attributed her murder to Ted Bundy, although he was never prosecuted for her death.

Remembering

Laura Ann Aime

Age 17

Occupation: High School Student

Location: Lehi, Utah

Their Life

Laura was a 17-year-old from Utah County. Her family remembered her as a free spirit who loved the outdoors and found joy in the world around her.

Interests

Outdoors

Connection to the Case

October 31, 1974

Laura disappeared after leaving a Halloween party in Lehi. Her body was discovered by hikers in American Fork Canyon later that November. Ted Bundy was long suspected and later confessed to her murder. In 2026, modern forensic testing conclusively matched DNA recovered in Laura's case to Bundy.

Legacy & Remembrance

Laura's case remained open for more than five decades. In April 2026, investigators announced that preserved evidence and modern DNA technology had conclusively identified Ted Bundy as her killer, finally allowing authorities to close the case.

Remembering

Debra Jean Kent

Age 17

Life: March 12, 1957 - ?

Occupation: High School Student

Education: Viewmont High School

Location: Bountiful, Utah

Their Life

Debra was a 17-year-old student at Viewmont High School in Bountiful. On the evening she disappeared, she was attending a school theatre production with her parents.

Connection to the Case

November 8, 1974

Debra left the school auditorium during the evening to collect her younger brothers from a nearby skating rink but never reached them. A handcuff key found outside the school was later found to fit the handcuffs used during Bundy's attempted abduction of Carol DaRonch earlier that day. Bundy confessed to Debra's murder shortly before his execution.

Legacy & Remembrance

Human remains recovered in Utah in 1989 included a kneecap that could not initially be identified. Later DNA testing identified it as belonging to Debra, resolving her missing-person case decades after her disappearance.

Remembering

Caryn Eileen Campbell

Age 23

Life: ? - January 12, 1975

Occupation: Registered Nurse

Location: Snowmass Village, Colorado

Their Life

Caryn was a registered nurse from Michigan. She travelled to Snowmass Village, Colorado, with her fiancé while he attended a medical convention.

Connection to the Case

January 12, 1975

Caryn disappeared while staying at the Wildwood Inn in Snowmass Village. She had gone from the hotel lobby toward her room and did not return. Her body was discovered several weeks later near the resort. Ted Bundy was formally charged with her murder in Colorado but escaped custody before the case could proceed to trial.

Legacy & Remembrance

The investigation into Caryn's murder became a major part of the Colorado case against Bundy and helped connect authorities in different states investigating similar disappearances and murders.

Remembering

Julie Lyle Cunningham

Age 26

Life: January 10, 1949 - ?

Occupation: Sporting Goods Employee and Part-Time Ski Instructor

Location: Vail, Colorado

Their Life

Julie was a 26-year-old resident of Vail, Colorado. She worked at a sporting goods shop and also worked part-time as a ski instructor. She had been working in the Vail area for approximately two years before her disappearance.

Interests

Skiing

Connection to the Case

March 15, 1975

Julie disappeared after leaving her apartment in Vail during the evening. Ted Bundy later confessed to abducting and killing her and provided investigators with a description of where he said he had left her remains. Despite searches, Julie's body has never been recovered.

Remembering

Denise Lynn Oliverson

Age 24

Life: August 10, 1950 - ?

Location: Grand Junction, Colorado

Their Life

Denise was a 24-year-old woman living in Grand Junction, Colorado. She was married and had family living in the area.

Interests

Cycling

Connection to the Case

April 6, 1975

Denise left her home on her bicycle intending to ride to her parents' house. She never arrived. The following day, searchers discovered her bicycle and shoes beneath the Fifth Street Bridge near railroad tracks. Bundy later told investigators that he had killed a woman in Grand Junction and disposed of her body in the Colorado River. Denise's remains have never been recovered.

Legacy & Remembrance

Her case remains listed by Colorado authorities, and the Grand Junction Police Department continues to request information concerning her disappearance and death.

Remembering

Lynette Dawn Culver

Age 12

Life: July 31, 1962 - ?

Occupation: Junior High School Student

Education: Alameda Junior High School

Location: Pocatello, Idaho

Their Life

Lynette was a 12-year-old student attending Alameda Junior High School in Pocatello, Idaho. She was in seventh grade and was remembered as a student who maintained good grades and had an active social life.

Connection to the Case

May 6, 1975

Lynette disappeared after leaving Alameda Junior High School during her lunch break. She was later seen boarding a bus at Hawthorne Junior High School but was never seen again. Shortly before his execution, Ted Bundy confessed to abducting and killing Lynette and claimed that he disposed of her body in a river. Her remains have never been recovered.

Legacy & Remembrance

Despite Bundy's confession, Lynette remains officially listed as missing and her case continues to be investigated by the Pocatello Police Department. Her family has continued to seek answers and closure.

Remembering

Susan Curtis

Age 15

Life: May 18, 1960 - ?

Occupation: High School Student

Education: Woods Cross High School

Location: Provo, Utah

Their Life

Susan was a 15-year-old student at Woods Cross High School. During her freshman year, she participated in the school track team and girls' baseball team.

Interests

Track Baseball

Connection to the Case

June 28, 1975

Susan disappeared while attending a youth conference at Brigham Young University in Provo. Ted Bundy confessed to her murder shortly before his execution and told investigators that he had buried her near Price, Utah. Searches based on his account did not locate her remains.

Legacy & Remembrance

Susan's remains have never been recovered, and her disappearance remains part of the unresolved legacy of Bundy's crimes.

Remembering

Margaret Elizabeth Bowman

Age 21

Life: ? - January 15, 1978

Occupation: College Student

Education: Florida State University

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Their Life

Margaret was a 21-year-old student at Florida State University and a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She lived at the Chi Omega sorority house near the university campus.

Connection to the Case

January 15, 1978

Margaret was killed during the attack on the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University. Lisa Levy was also killed, while Karen Chandler and Kathy Kleiner survived attacks inside the house that night.

Legacy & Remembrance

Margaret's murder became part of the Florida case that resulted in Ted Bundy's conviction and death sentence for the Chi Omega murders.

Remembering

Lisa Janet Levy

Age 20

Life: ? - January 15, 1978

Occupation: College Student

Education: Florida State University

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Their Life

Lisa was a 20-year-old student at Florida State University and a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She lived at the sorority house near the university campus.

Connection to the Case

January 15, 1978

Lisa was killed during the attack on the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University. Margaret Bowman was also killed, while Karen Chandler and Kathy Kleiner survived attacks inside the house.

Legacy & Remembrance

Forensic evidence from Lisa's murder, particularly a bite-mark comparison used during the trial, became a major part of the prosecution's case against Ted Bundy. The reliability of bite-mark analysis has since been heavily questioned within forensic science.

Remembering

Kimberly Diane Leach

Age 12

Life: October 28, 1965 - February 9, 1978

Occupation: Middle School Student

Education: Lake City Junior High School

Location: Lake City, Florida

Their Life

Kimberly was a 12-year-old seventh-grade student at Lake City Junior High School in Florida.

Connection to the Case

February 9, 1978

Kimberly disappeared from Lake City Junior High School during the school day. Her remains were discovered in April 1978 west of Lake City. Ted Bundy was later convicted of kidnapping and murdering her.

Legacy & Remembrance

Kimberly was the final murder victim for which Ted Bundy was convicted. His conviction in her case resulted in an additional death sentence.

Survivor

Karen Sparks

Age 18

Occupation: College Student and Dancer

Education: University of Washington

Location: Seattle, Washington

Their Life

Karen was an 18-year-old student at the University of Washington and a dancer. She lived in a basement apartment in Seattle's University District while attending university.

Interests

Dance

Connection to the Case

January 4, 1974

Karen was attacked while asleep in her apartment in Seattle's University District. She survived extremely serious injuries and is generally considered the first known surviving victim of Ted Bundy's documented attacks.

Legacy & Remembrance

Karen survived the attack and lived for decades largely outside the public spotlight. Her survival is an important part of the Bundy case and challenges accounts that focus only on those he killed.

Survivor

Carol DaRonch

Age 18

Occupation: Telephone Operator

Education: Murray High School graduate; later attended night school at the University of Utah

Location: Murray, Utah

Their Life

Carol was an 18-year-old Murray High School graduate working as a telephone operator. She later attended night classes at the University of Utah, studying business management.

Connection to the Case

November 8, 1974

Carol was approached at Fashion Place Mall by Bundy, who falsely presented himself as a police officer and persuaded her to accompany him. After he attempted to restrain her with handcuffs, Carol fought back, escaped from his car and obtained help.

Legacy & Remembrance

Carol identified Ted Bundy as her attacker and testified against him. Her evidence was crucial to his 1976 aggravated kidnapping conviction in Utah, one of the major legal developments that helped authorities keep Bundy in custody and investigate his connection to other crimes.

Survivor

Karen Chandler

Age 21

Occupation: College Student

Education: Florida State University

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Their Life

Karen was a Florida State University student and a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She shared a bedroom in the sorority house with Kathy Kleiner and later remembered her university years before the attack as a happy and relaxed period of her life.

Connection to the Case

January 15, 1978

Karen survived the attack on the Chi Omega sorority house. She and her roommate Kathy Kleiner were attacked after Bundy had killed Margaret Bowman and Lisa Levy in nearby rooms. Karen suffered extensive injuries but survived.

Legacy & Remembrance

Karen later spoke publicly about her experience, helping preserve the perspective of the women who survived the Chi Omega attack rather than allowing the story to remain centered solely on Bundy.

Survivor

Kathy Kleiner

Age 20

Life: December 29, 1957 – ?

Occupation: College Student

Education: Florida State University - Interior Design

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Their Life

Kathy was a 20-year-old Florida State University student studying interior design and a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She had previously participated in theatre while attending high school in Florida.

Interests

Theatre Interior design

Connection to the Case

January 15, 1978

Kathy survived the attack on the Chi Omega sorority house while sharing a room with Karen Chandler. Both women were seriously injured during the attack.

Legacy & Remembrance

Kathy later became an advocate and public speaker focused on survivors and victims. She has spoken extensively about resisting the glamorization of Ted Bundy and published the memoir "A Light in the Dark: Surviving More Than Ted Bundy," which places greater emphasis on the lives and experiences of the women affected by his crimes.

Survivor

Cheryl Thomas

Age 21

Occupation: College Student and Dancer

Education: Florida State University - Dance

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Their Life

Cheryl was a 21-year-old Florida State University dance student living in a residence several blocks from the Chi Omega sorority house.

Interests

Dance

Connection to the Case

January 15, 1978

Shortly after the Chi Omega attack, Bundy entered Cheryl's residence while she was asleep and attacked her. Neighbors heard noises coming from her home and contacted police. Cheryl survived the attack despite suffering serious injuries.

Legacy & Remembrance

Cheryl later spoke publicly about surviving the attack. Her case helped investigators reconstruct Bundy's movements through Tallahassee during the early morning of January 15, 1978.

Case 2

Lives Connected to This Case

Associated with the Zodiac Killer case

2 / 6

7 documented people • 5 lives lost • 2 survivors

The people below are presented as individuals first. Their connection to this case is only one part of their story.

Remembering

David Arthur Faraday

Age 17

Life: October 2, 1951 - December 20, 1968

Occupation: High School Student

Education: Vallejo High School

Location: Benicia, California

Their Life

David was a 17-year-old senior at Vallejo High School. He was an Eagle Scout, participated in varsity wrestling, and was active in his church and school life.

Interests

Wrestling Scouting

Aspirations

Hoped to become a teacher.

Connection to the Case

December 20, 1968

David and Betty Lou Jensen were together near Lake Herman Road outside Benicia when they were attacked. David was shot at close range and died while being transported to the hospital. Their murders are recognized as the first confirmed attack attributed to the Zodiac Killer.

Legacy & Remembrance

David and Betty Lou became the first two confirmed victims associated with the Zodiac case, which remains unsolved decades later.

Remembering

Betty Lou Jensen

Age 16

Life: July 22, 1952 - December 20, 1968

Occupation: High School Student

Education: Hogan High School

Location: Benicia, California

Their Life

Betty Lou was a 16-year-old junior at Hogan High School. She was an honor student, a talented artist, and participated in church and youth activities, including the Pythian Sunshine Girls.

Interests

Art Church and youth activities

Aspirations

Hoped to earn an art scholarship and continue developing her artistic abilities.

Connection to the Case

December 20, 1968

Betty Lou was with David Faraday near Lake Herman Road outside Benicia when they were attacked. She was shot while attempting to get away from the vehicle. Their murders later became recognized as the Zodiac Killer's first confirmed attack.

Legacy & Remembrance

Betty Lou and David became the first two confirmed victims associated with the Zodiac case, which remains unsolved decades later.

Remembering

Darlene Elizabeth Ferrin

Age 22

Life: March 17, 1947 - July 5, 1969

Occupation: Waitress

Location: Vallejo, California

Their Life

Darlene was a 22-year-old wife and mother living in Vallejo. She worked as a waitress at a local restaurant and was remembered as a popular and sociable young woman with many friends.

Connection to the Case

July 4-5, 1969

Darlene and her friend Michael Mageau were sitting in her car at Blue Rock Springs Park when a man approached the vehicle and opened fire. Darlene was taken to the hospital but died from her injuries. Michael survived. Shortly afterward, a caller contacted Vallejo police and claimed responsibility for this attack as well as the Lake Herman Road murders.

Legacy & Remembrance

The telephone call made after the attack directly connected Darlene's murder with the earlier killings of David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen and became a major development in establishing the series of crimes attributed to the Zodiac Killer.

Remembering

Cecelia Ann Shepard

Age 22

Life: ? - September 29, 1969

Occupation: College Student

Education: University of California, Riverside - Music

Location: Lake Berryessa, California

Their Life

Cecelia was a 22-year-old fifth-year college student with a strong interest and talent in music. She had attended Pacific Union College and the La Sierra campus of Loma Linda University before continuing her studies as a music major at the University of California, Riverside. She was remembered by those close to her for her devotion to others and the happiness she brought to family and friends.

Interests

Music

Connection to the Case

September 27, 1969

Cecelia was visiting with her friend and former boyfriend Bryan Hartnell at Lake Berryessa when they were approached by a hooded attacker. Both were restrained and stabbed. Cecelia survived for approximately two days after the attack but died from her injuries on September 29. Bryan survived.

Legacy & Remembrance

The Lake Berryessa attack became one of the most distinctive crimes attributed to the Zodiac because the attacker wore a hood bearing the cross-circle symbol later associated with him. Cecelia's death remains one of the five confirmed murders attributed to the unidentified killer.

Remembering

Paul Lee Stine

Age 29

Life: December 18, 1939 - October 11, 1969

Occupation: Taxi Driver and Student

Education: San Francisco State College - Graduate studies in English

Location: San Francisco, California

Their Life

Paul was a 29-year-old graduate student studying English at San Francisco State College. He worked as a Yellow Cab taxi driver at night to support himself while pursuing his education and also worked part-time in insurance.

Aspirations

Was pursuing advanced studies in English while supporting himself through work.

Connection to the Case

October 11, 1969

Paul was working as a taxi driver when he picked up a passenger in San Francisco and drove to the Presidio Heights neighborhood. He was shot inside his taxi at Washington and Cherry Streets. Witnesses observed the attacker leaving the scene.

Legacy & Remembrance

Paul is the last confirmed murder victim attributed to the Zodiac Killer. After his murder, the Zodiac mailed a piece of Paul's shirt with a letter to the San Francisco Chronicle, providing direct evidence that the letter writer had access to the crime scene.

Survivor

Michael Renault Mageau

Age 19

Occupation: Laborer

Location: Vallejo, California

Their Life

Michael was a 19-year-old laborer living in Vallejo, California. He knew Darlene Ferrin, who worked at a local restaurant, and the two were together on the night of the Blue Rock Springs attack.

Connection to the Case

July 5, 1969

Michael was sitting in the passenger seat of Darlene Ferrin's car at Blue Rock Springs Park when a man approached the vehicle with a flashlight and opened fire. Michael was struck multiple times but survived. Darlene died from her injuries. Michael was able to provide police with a description of the attacker after the shooting.

Legacy & Remembrance

As a survivor of a confirmed Zodiac attack, Michael provided investigators with one of the few eyewitness accounts of the killer. His testimony became an important part of the investigation into the unidentified attacker.

Survivor

Bryan Calvin Hartnell

Age 20

Occupation: College Student

Education: Pacific Union College

Location: Lake Berryessa, California

Their Life

Bryan was a 20-year-old student at Pacific Union College. He and Cecelia Shepard had previously dated and remained friends. Bryan later pursued a legal career and became an attorney.

Aspirations

Planned to pursue a career in law.

Connection to the Case

September 27, 1969

Bryan and Cecelia Shepard were spending the afternoon at Lake Berryessa when they were approached by a hooded man carrying a gun. The attacker restrained them before stabbing both. Bryan survived, while Cecelia died from her injuries two days later. After the attack, Bryan was able to give investigators a detailed account of what had happened.

Legacy & Remembrance

Bryan's survival provided investigators with one of the most detailed firsthand accounts of a confirmed Zodiac attack, including information about the attacker's clothing, behavior and statements. He later became an attorney and has periodically spoken publicly about surviving the attack.

Case 3

Lives Connected to This Case

Associated with the Jack the Ripper case

3 / 6

5 documented people • 5 lives lost

The people below are presented as individuals first. Their connection to this case is only one part of their story.

Remembering

Mary Ann Nichols

Age 43

Life: August 26, 1845 - August 31, 1888

Occupation: Domestic Servant

Location: Whitechapel, London, England

Their Life

Mary Ann Nichols, commonly known as Polly, was born in London and was a mother of five. She had separated from her husband, William Nichols, and experienced severe poverty and unstable housing during the later years of her life. She spent periods in workhouses and common lodging houses and also worked in domestic service when employment was available.

Connection to the Case

August 31, 1888

Mary was found dead in Buck's Row, Whitechapel, during the early morning. Her murder is traditionally regarded as the first of the five canonical murders attributed to Jack the Ripper.

Legacy & Remembrance

Mary is remembered as the first of the canonical five. Her life also reflects the poverty, housing insecurity and limited social protections experienced by many women in Victorian London.

Remembering

Annie Chapman

Age 47

Life: September 1841 - September 8, 1888

Occupation: Crochet Worker and Flower Seller

Location: Spitalfields, London, England

Their Life

Annie was a widow and mother who had previously lived with her husband, John Chapman, a coachman in Windsor. After their separation and his death, her financial circumstances deteriorated. She supported herself when able through crochet work, making antimacassars, selling flowers and other small goods.

Interests

Crochet work

Connection to the Case

September 8, 1888

Annie was found dead in the backyard of 29 Hanbury Street in Spitalfields during the early morning. Her murder is traditionally regarded as the second of the five canonical murders attributed to Jack the Ripper.

Legacy & Remembrance

Testimony at Annie's inquest preserved unusually detailed information about how she tried to earn money and survive in the East End, providing a picture of her life beyond her association with the Whitechapel murders.

Remembering

Elizabeth Stride

Age 44

Life: November 27, 1843 - September 30, 1888

Occupation: Domestic Servant and Cleaner

Location: Whitechapel, London, England

Their Life

Elizabeth was born Elisabeth Gustafsdotter near Gothenburg, Sweden, and worked as a domestic servant before moving to London. She married carpenter John Thomas Stride, and the couple operated a coffee house in Poplar for a period. In later years she supported herself through cleaning, sewing and other irregular work while experiencing severe poverty.

Connection to the Case

September 30, 1888

Elizabeth was found dead in Dutfield's Yard off Berner Street during the early morning. Her murder is traditionally included among the canonical five, although the absence of the extensive injuries seen in several of the other murders has contributed to continuing debate over whether she was killed by the same person.

Legacy & Remembrance

Historical records from the Swedish Church and her inquest preserve substantial information about Elizabeth's life and migration from Sweden to Britain, allowing her story to be reconstructed beyond her association with the Whitechapel murders.

Remembering

Catherine Eddowes

Age 46

Life: April 14, 1842 - September 30, 1888

Occupation: Hawker and Casual Worker

Location: Aldgate, London, England

Their Life

Catherine was born in Wolverhampton into a working-class family. During her adult life she spent many years with Thomas Conway and later John Kelly. She travelled and earned money through hawking and other casual work and was a mother. By 1888 she and Kelly were living in poverty in London.

Connection to the Case

September 30, 1888

Catherine was found dead in Mitre Square in the City of London less than an hour after Elizabeth Stride was discovered. The two murders became known together as the "Double Event" and Catherine's murder is traditionally regarded as the fourth canonical Jack the Ripper killing.

Legacy & Remembrance

Catherine's murder generated extensive police and inquest records and became central to the investigation of the Whitechapel murders. Her surviving historical record also documents the unstable work and housing conditions faced by poor women in Victorian London.

Remembering

Mary Jane Kelly

Age 25

Life: ? - November 9, 1888

Location: Spitalfields, London, England

Their Life

Much of Mary Jane Kelly's early life remains uncertain because surviving accounts largely depend on information she told people who knew her. She reportedly said that she was born in Ireland, grew up in Wales and married a coal miner when she was young. By the mid-1880s she was living in London, and in 1888 she lived in a small room at 13 Miller's Court in Spitalfields.

Connection to the Case

November 9, 1888

Mary was found dead inside her room at 13 Miller's Court. She was the only one of the canonical five killed indoors and is traditionally regarded as the final canonical victim attributed to Jack the Ripper.

Legacy & Remembrance

Mary's uncertain biography has led to extensive historical research attempting to establish her identity and early life. She remains the final victim in the traditional canonical sequence, although both her history and the exact boundaries of the Ripper murders continue to be debated.

Case 4

Lives Connected to This Case

Associated with the John Wayne Michael Gacy case

4 / 6

33 documented people • 33 lives lost

The people below are presented as individuals first. Their connection to this case is only one part of their story.

Remembering

Timothy Jack McCoy

Age 16

Life: ? - January 3, 1972

Occupation: Student

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Timothy was a teenager travelling through Chicago during the holiday period. He had arrived at the Greyhound bus terminal while travelling between Michigan and his home in Nebraska and had time before his connecting bus.

Connection to the Case

January 3, 1972

Timothy encountered John Wayne Gacy while travelling through Chicago and was killed at Gacy's home. His remains were buried beneath the house and were recovered by investigators in December 1978. At the time of recovery, his identity was unknown.

Legacy & Remembrance

Timothy was the earliest known murder victim attributed to Gacy. His remains were identified years after their recovery through dental records, restoring his name to a victim who had initially been known only by a recovery number.

Remembering

John Butkovich

Age 18

Life: ? - July 31, 1975

Occupation: Construction Worker

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

John was a young construction worker who had worked for PDM Contractors, John Wayne Gacy's construction business. He lived with his family in the Chicago area.

Connection to the Case

July 31, 1975

John disappeared after seeking wages that he believed Gacy owed him for construction work. His remains were later discovered beneath the concrete floor of Gacy's garage during the investigation of the property.

Legacy & Remembrance

John's family repeatedly sought answers after his disappearance and raised concerns about Gacy. His remains were among those identified soon after investigators searched Gacy's property in 1978.

Remembering

Darrell Julius Samson

Age 18

Life: ? - April 6, 1976

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Darrell was an 18-year-old young man from the Chicago area. Reliable surviving public records provide comparatively little information about his education, employment and personal interests.

Connection to the Case

April 6, 1976

Darrell disappeared on April 6, 1976. His remains were later recovered from beneath Gacy's home during the extensive search of the property following Gacy's arrest.

Legacy & Remembrance

Darrell was identified after investigators recovered the victims buried at Gacy's property, allowing his family to receive confirmation of what had happened to him.

Remembering

Randall Wayne Reffett

Age 15

Life: ? - May 14, 1976

Occupation: High School Student

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Randall was a 15-year-old high school student from the Chicago area. He was friends with 14-year-old Samuel Stapleton.

Connection to the Case

May 14, 1976

Randall disappeared on May 14, 1976 after leaving school. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home. Samuel Stapleton also disappeared on the same day and was found buried nearby.

Legacy & Remembrance

Randall and Samuel were among the youngest identified victims recovered from Gacy's property.

Remembering

Samuel G. Dodd Stapleton

Age 14

Life: ? - May 14, 1976

Occupation: Student

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Samuel, often called Sam, was a 14-year-old from the Chicago area and a friend of Randall Reffett. Publicly available historical records contain relatively little verified information about his personal life.

Connection to the Case

May 14, 1976

Samuel disappeared on May 14, 1976 while returning home after visiting his sister. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home, near those of his friend Randall Reffett.

Legacy & Remembrance

At 14, Samuel was one of the youngest identified victims recovered from Gacy's property. His identification restored his name to remains initially distinguished by investigators through recovery numbers.

Remembering

Michael Lawrence Bonnin

Age 17

Life: ? - June 3, 1976

Occupation: High School Student

Education: Waukegan High School

Location: Waukegan, Illinois

Their Life

Michael was a 17-year-old high school student from Waukegan, Illinois. Publicly available records preserve relatively little information about his personal interests and ambitions.

Connection to the Case

June 3, 1976

Michael disappeared while travelling from Waukegan toward Chicago. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath John Wayne Gacy's home and identified through dental records.

Legacy & Remembrance

Michael was among the identified young men and boys recovered from Gacy's property, allowing investigators to return his identity to his family after his disappearance.

Remembering

William Huey Carroll Jr.

Age 16

Life: ? - June 13, 1976

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

William was a 16-year-old from the Chicago area. Reliable public records contain comparatively little information about his education, employment, interests or ambitions.

Connection to the Case

June 13, 1976

William disappeared in June 1976. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home during the investigation of the property.

Legacy & Remembrance

William was identified among the victims recovered from Gacy's property, restoring his name to remains that investigators initially documented by their burial location.

Remembering

James Byron Haakenson

Age 16

Life: ? - August 5, 1976

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Their Life

James was a 16-year-old from Saint Paul, Minnesota. He left home in 1976 and travelled to Chicago. His family continued to wonder what had happened to him for decades after his disappearance.

Connection to the Case

August 5, 1976

James was killed after travelling to Chicago in August 1976. His remains were recovered from beneath Gacy's home in December 1978, but investigators were unable to identify him at the time.

Legacy & Remembrance

For decades James was known only as Body 24. In 2017, DNA testing identified the remains as James Byron Haakenson, giving his family an answer more than forty years after his disappearance.

Remembering

Rick Louis Johnston

Age 17

Life: ? - August 6, 1976

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Rick was a 17-year-old from the Chicago area. Relatively little verified biographical information about his education, work and personal interests survives in readily available public records.

Connection to the Case

August 6, 1976

Rick disappeared in August 1976. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home and identified during the investigation.

Remembering

Kenneth Ray Parker

Age 16

Life: ? - October 24, 1976

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Kenneth was a 16-year-old from the Chicago area and a friend of Michael Marino. The two teenagers disappeared together in October 1976.

Connection to the Case

October 24, 1976

Kenneth and his friend Michael Marino disappeared together on October 24, 1976. Kenneth's remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home and identified during the investigation.

Remembering

Michael M. Marino

Age 14

Life: ? - October 24, 1976

Occupation: Student

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Michael was a 14-year-old from the Chicago area and a friend of Kenneth Parker. The two teenagers were together when they disappeared in October 1976.

Connection to the Case

October 24, 1976

Michael and his friend Kenneth Parker disappeared together on October 24, 1976. Their remains were later recovered from a shared burial area in the crawl space beneath John Wayne Gacy's home and identified through dental and radiological records.

Legacy & Remembrance

Michael and Kenneth were identified in 1980, after Gacy's trial had already begun, restoring their names to remains that investigators had initially documented by recovery numbers.

Remembering

William George Bundy

Age 19

Life: ? - October 26, 1976

Occupation: Construction Worker

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

William was a 19-year-old from the Chicago area who occasionally worked for John Wayne Gacy's construction company, PDM Contractors.

Connection to the Case

October 26, 1976

William disappeared after telling his family that he was going to a party. His remains were recovered from beneath Gacy's home in 1978, but investigators were unable to identify him at the time.

Legacy & Remembrance

William remained unidentified for more than three decades. After the Cook County Sheriff's Office reopened efforts to identify Gacy's unnamed victims, DNA provided by William's siblings led to his identification in 2011.

Remembering

Francis Wayne Alexander

Age 21

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Francis, who went by Wayne, was born in North Carolina and later lived in New York before moving to Chicago. He was briefly married before divorcing in 1975. His family lost contact with him during the 1970s without knowing what had happened to him.

Connection to the Case

Between early 1976 and early 1977

Francis was killed sometime between early 1976 and early 1977. His remains were recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home in December 1978 and designated Victim #5 because investigators could not establish his identity.

Legacy & Remembrance

Francis remained unidentified for more than four decades. In 2021, genetic genealogy produced a lead that investigators confirmed using DNA from his mother and half-brother, officially restoring his identity as Francis Wayne Alexander.

Remembering

Gregory John Godzik

Age 17

Life: ? - December 12, 1976

Occupation: Construction Worker

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Gregory was a 17-year-old from the Chicago area who had recently begun working for John Wayne Gacy's construction company, PDM Contractors.

Connection to the Case

December 12, 1976

Gregory disappeared after dropping a girl off following a date. When his family searched for answers, they contacted Gacy because Gregory had worked for him. Gregory's wallet was later discovered during the search of Gacy's home, and his remains were recovered from the crawl space.

Legacy & Remembrance

Gregory was identified among the victims recovered from Gacy's property in December 1978.

Remembering

John Alan Szyc

Age 19

Life: ? - January 20, 1977

Occupation: Construction Worker

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

John, known as Johnny to friends and family, was a 19-year-old from the Chicago area who worked for John Wayne Gacy's construction company, PDM Contractors.

Connection to the Case

January 20, 1977

John disappeared in January 1977. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home and identified during the investigation of the property.

Legacy & Remembrance

John was identified in December 1978 among the victims recovered from Gacy's home.

Remembering

Jon Steven Prestidge

Age 20

Life: ? - March 15, 1977

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Jon was a 20-year-old young man living in the Chicago area. Publicly available historical records contain relatively little verified information about his education, employment, interests or ambitions.

Connection to the Case

March 15, 1977

Jon disappeared in March 1977. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath John Wayne Gacy's home during the investigation of the property and were subsequently identified.

Remembering

Matthew Walter Bowman

Age 19

Life: ? - July 5, 1977

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Matthew was a 19-year-old from the Chicago area. Reliable publicly available records preserve relatively little information about his education, employment and personal interests.

Connection to the Case

July 5, 1977

Matthew disappeared in July 1977. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home and identified during the investigation.

Remembering

Robert Edward Gilroy Jr.

Age 18

Life: ? - September 15, 1977

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Robert was an 18-year-old from Chicago. He was known to enjoy horseback riding and lived with his family in the city before his disappearance.

Interests

Horseback riding

Connection to the Case

September 15, 1977

Robert disappeared on September 15, 1977. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home and identified during the investigation of the property.

Legacy & Remembrance

Robert was identified among the victims recovered from Gacy's property, providing his family with confirmation of what had happened after his disappearance.

Remembering

John Anthony Mowery

Age 19

Life: ? - September 25, 1977

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

John was a 19-year-old from the Chicago area. He had served in the United States Marine Corps before returning to Illinois.

Connection to the Case

September 25, 1977

John disappeared in September 1977 after spending time with friends. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home and identified during the investigation.

Legacy & Remembrance

John was identified among the victims recovered from Gacy's property in 1978.

Remembering

Russell Lloyd Nelson

Age 21

Life: ? - October 17, 1977

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Russell was a 21-year-old from Minnesota who travelled to Chicago with friends in October 1977. He was visiting the city when he disappeared.

Connection to the Case

October 17, 1977

Russell disappeared while visiting Chicago with friends. His companions lost contact with him during their trip and returned home without him. His remains were later recovered from beneath Gacy's home and identified during the investigation.

Legacy & Remembrance

Russell was identified among the victims recovered from Gacy's property, resolving the disappearance his family and friends had faced after his trip to Chicago.

Remembering

Robert David Winch

Age 16

Life: ? - November 10, 1977

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Robert was a 16-year-old originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was in Chicago when he disappeared in November 1977. Reliable public records contain relatively little information about his education, interests and ambitions.

Connection to the Case

November 10, 1977

Robert disappeared in Chicago on November 10, 1977. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath John Wayne Gacy's home and identified in 1979.

Legacy & Remembrance

Robert was identified among the young men and boys recovered from Gacy's property, restoring his name to remains that investigators had initially documented by recovery number.

Remembering

Tommy Joseph Boling

Age 20

Life: ? - November 18, 1977

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Tommy was a 20-year-old young man and a father. Publicly available historical accounts preserve relatively little verified information about his employment, education and personal interests.

Connection to the Case

November 18, 1977

Tommy disappeared in Chicago on November 18, 1977. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home and identified during the investigation.

Legacy & Remembrance

Tommy was identified among the victims recovered from Gacy's property, providing his family with confirmation of what had happened after his disappearance.

Remembering

David Paul Talsma

Age 19

Life: ? - December 9, 1977

Occupation: U.S. Marine

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

David was a 19-year-old United States Marine. On the day he disappeared, he told his mother that he planned to attend a rock concert in Hammond, Indiana.

Interests

Music

Connection to the Case

December 9, 1977

David disappeared on December 9, 1977. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home and identified during the investigation.

Legacy & Remembrance

David was identified in 1979, on what would have been his 21st birthday, returning his name to remains recovered from Gacy's property.

Remembering

William Wayne Kindred

Age 19

Life: ? - February 16, 1978

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

William was a 19-year-old from the Chicago area. Reliable public records provide relatively little information about his education, employment, interests or future plans.

Connection to the Case

February 16, 1978

William disappeared on February 16, 1978. His remains were later recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home and identified in 1979.

Legacy & Remembrance

William is generally regarded as the last known victim buried in the crawl space beneath Gacy's home. Later victims were disposed of elsewhere after there was no longer sufficient space beneath the house.

Remembering

Timothy David O'Rourke

Age 20

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Timothy was a 20-year-old young man in Chicago. Reliable surviving public records contain relatively little verified information about his education, work, interests and ambitions.

Connection to the Case

June 16-23, 1978

Timothy disappeared during June 1978. His body was recovered from the Des Plaines River on June 30, months before Gacy's arrest, but investigators initially had no reason to connect his death to Gacy. He was later identified through fingerprint records and a distinctive tattoo.

Legacy & Remembrance

After Gacy's arrest, investigators established Timothy as one of his victims. He was the first known victim Gacy disposed of in the Des Plaines River rather than burying on his property.

Remembering

Frank William Landingin

Age 19

Life: July 5, 1959 - November 1978

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Frank was a 19-year-old from Chicago. He was also known as Dale by some of the people who knew him. Reliable public records preserve relatively little information about his education, interests and ambitions.

Connection to the Case

November 1978

Frank disappeared in Chicago in November 1978. His body was later recovered from the Des Plaines River and identified as one of John Wayne Gacy's victims.

Legacy & Remembrance

Frank was one of the later known victims whose bodies were recovered from the Des Plaines River rather than from Gacy's property.

Remembering

James Mazzara

Age 21

Life: ? - November 1978

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

James was a young man from the Chicago area who remained close to his family. Accounts of his life describe him as an independent young man who regularly kept in contact with his family and returned home for important occasions.

Connection to the Case

November 24, 1978

James disappeared shortly after Thanksgiving in November 1978. His body was later recovered from the Des Plaines River and identified as one of Gacy's victims.

Legacy & Remembrance

James was among the final known victims before Gacy's arrest in December 1978. His body was recovered from the Des Plaines River after investigators began searching for victims outside Gacy's property.

Remembering

Robert Jerome Piest

Age 15

Life: ? - December 11, 1978

Occupation: Pharmacy Employee and High School Student

Education: Maine West High School

Location: Des Plaines, Illinois

Their Life

Robert was a 15-year-old high school student from Des Plaines and the youngest of three children. He worked part-time at Nisson Pharmacy and participated in gymnastics. He was known as a responsible student and employee and was with his family shortly before his disappearance.

Interests

Gymnastics

Aspirations

Was interested in earning additional money through a summer construction job.

Connection to the Case

December 11, 1978

Robert disappeared after finishing his shift at Nisson Pharmacy. His mother was waiting to take him home for her birthday celebration when Robert told her he was going to speak briefly with a contractor about a possible job. The contractor was John Wayne Gacy. Robert did not return, and his family reported him missing that night. The investigation into his disappearance quickly led police to Gacy.

Legacy & Remembrance

Robert's disappearance triggered the investigation that exposed Gacy's crimes and led investigators to the victims buried at his property. Robert's own body was recovered from the Des Plaines River in April 1979 and identified through dental records.

Photo unavailable

Remembering

Unidentified Victim #28

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

This young man has not yet been identified. Forensic examination estimated that he was approximately 14 to 18 years old. His remains were recovered from Gacy's property, but investigators have not yet been able to restore his name.

Connection to the Case

Between January 3, 1972 and July 31, 1975

Victim #28 was recovered from a burial location on Gacy's property. Investigators believe he was killed sometime after Timothy McCoy in January 1972 and before John Butkovich in July 1975.

Legacy & Remembrance

Victim #28 remains one of five unidentified Gacy victims. The Cook County Sheriff's Office has obtained a DNA profile from his remains and continues seeking biological relatives who may help establish his identity.

Photo unavailable

Remembering

Unidentified Victim #26

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

This man has not yet been identified. Forensic examination estimated that he was approximately 23 to 30 years old, making him older than many of the other victims recovered from Gacy's property.

Connection to the Case

Between June 13 and August 6, 1976

Victim #26 was recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home. He was buried in the same grave as James Haakenson and Rick Johnston, leading investigators to believe the three were killed at or around the same period.

Legacy & Remembrance

Victim #26 remains one of five unidentified Gacy victims. A usable DNA profile has been obtained from his remains, and the Cook County Sheriff's Office continues efforts to identify him through comparison with possible biological relatives.

Photo unavailable

Remembering

Unidentified Victim #13

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

This young man has not yet been identified. Forensic examination estimated that he was approximately 17 to 22 years old. His remains were recovered from beneath John Wayne Gacy's home, but investigators have not yet been able to restore his name.

Connection to the Case

Between August 6 and October 24, 1976

Victim #13 was recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home. Based on the location of his burial and the established chronology of identified victims, investigators believe he was killed sometime between August and October 1976.

Legacy & Remembrance

Victim #13 remains one of five unidentified Gacy victims. The Cook County Sheriff's Office has obtained a DNA profile from his remains and continues efforts to identify him through comparison with possible biological relatives.

Photo unavailable

Remembering

Unidentified Victim #21

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

This young man has not yet been identified. Forensic examination estimated that he was approximately 15 to 24 years old. His remains were recovered from beneath Gacy's home during the investigation of the property.

Connection to the Case

Between March and July 1977

Victim #21 was recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home. Investigators place his death approximately between the disappearances of Jon Prestidge in March 1977 and Matthew Bowman in July 1977.

Legacy & Remembrance

Victim #21 remains one of five unidentified Gacy victims. DNA suitable for comparison has been developed from his remains, and investigators continue working to establish his identity.

Photo unavailable

Remembering

Unidentified Victim #10

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

This young man has not yet been identified. Forensic examination estimated that he was approximately 17 to 21 years old. His remains were recovered from beneath Gacy's home, and his identity has remained unknown since their discovery in 1978.

Connection to the Case

Between September and November 1977

Victim #10 was recovered from the crawl space beneath Gacy's home. His position within the burial sites and the known chronology place his death during the later part of 1977.

Legacy & Remembrance

Victim #10 remains one of five unidentified Gacy victims. The Cook County Sheriff's Office continues efforts to restore his identity using DNA comparison and information from families whose relatives disappeared during the period of Gacy's crimes.

Case 5

Lives Connected to This Case

Associated with the Jeffrey Dahmer case

5 / 6

17 documented people • 17 lives lost

The people below are presented as individuals first. Their connection to this case is only one part of their story.

Remembering

Steven Mark Hicks

Age 18

Life: June 22, 1959 - June 18, 1978

Education: Coventry High School

Location: Bath Township, Ohio

Their Life

Steven was an 18-year-old from Ohio who had recently graduated from high school. Friends and family remembered him as an outgoing young man who enjoyed music. In June 1978, he was hitchhiking to a rock concert at Chippewa Lake Park when he encountered Jeffrey Dahmer.

Interests

Music

Connection to the Case

June 18, 1978

Steven was hitchhiking toward Chippewa Lake Park when Dahmer offered him a ride. He was killed at Dahmer's family home in Bath Township. Steven was reported missing several days later, but what had happened to him remained unknown until Dahmer confessed in 1991.

Legacy & Remembrance

Steven is recognized as Dahmer's first known murder victim. After Dahmer's confession, investigators recovered skeletal remains from the Bath Township property and used forensic examination to help establish Steven's identity, finally providing answers more than thirteen years after his disappearance.

Remembering

Steven Walter Tuomi

Age 24

Life: December 19, 1962 - ?

Occupation: Restaurant Employee

Education: Ontonagon Area High School

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Steven was originally from Ontonagon, Michigan, where he graduated from Ontonagon Area High School in 1981. By 1987 he was living and working in Milwaukee. He was known as Steve to those around him.

Connection to the Case

September-November 1987

Steven disappeared in Milwaukee in 1987. Dahmer later confessed that he had killed Steven after the two went to the Ambassador Hotel. Steven's remains were never recovered, and investigators therefore could not independently confirm his identity through physical remains.

Legacy & Remembrance

Steven remained a missing person for years before Dahmer's 1991 confession connected his disappearance to the murders. His case remains unusual among Dahmer's known victims because no physical remains were recovered.

Remembering

James Edward Doxtator

Age 14

Life: March 1, 1973 - January 16, 1988

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

James was a 14-year-old boy living in the Milwaukee area. Reliable public records contain comparatively little information about his education, interests and ambitions, and those details should not be reconstructed from speculation.

Connection to the Case

January 16, 1988

James encountered Dahmer in Milwaukee and was taken to the West Allis home where Dahmer was living with his grandmother. Dahmer later confessed to killing James there. His remains were not recovered after Dahmer's arrest.

Legacy & Remembrance

James was formally added to the criminal case against Dahmer after investigators connected his disappearance with Dahmer's confession. FBI records identify him as 14 years old when he disappeared.

Remembering

Richard Guerrero

Age 22

Life: December 12, 1965 - March 24, 1988

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Richard was a 22-year-old from Milwaukee and was close to his family. On the day he disappeared, he left his family's home intending to visit a friend but never arrived. His family continued searching for him after his disappearance.

Connection to the Case

March 24, 1988

Richard disappeared in Milwaukee on March 24, 1988. Investigators later concluded that he encountered Dahmer that evening and went with him to the West Allis home of Dahmer's grandmother. Dahmer confessed to killing Richard there, although Richard's remains were never recovered.

Legacy & Remembrance

Richard's family searched for answers for years after his disappearance. Following Dahmer's arrest, investigators connected Richard to the case through missing-person records, photographs and Dahmer's confession.

Remembering

Anthony Lee Sears

Age 24

Life: January 28, 1965 - March 25, 1989

Occupation: Restaurant Manager

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Anthony was a 24-year-old Milwaukee man who had recently been promoted to manager at a Baker's Square restaurant. He enjoyed being photographed and hoped to pursue modeling. His mother recalled that he was proud of his promotion and had been expected home to celebrate Easter with his family.

Interests

Fashion Photography Modeling

Aspirations

Hoped to pursue modeling and was saving money with plans to eventually leave Milwaukee.

Connection to the Case

March 25, 1989

Anthony disappeared after going out in Milwaukee in March 1989. He encountered Dahmer and went with him to the West Allis home where Dahmer was living with his grandmother. After Dahmer's arrest in 1991, some of Anthony's remains were recovered and identified.

Legacy & Remembrance

Anthony's identification after Dahmer's arrest finally gave his family an answer more than two years after he disappeared. His family held a funeral for him in August 1991, allowing them to formally mourn and remember him.

Remembering

Raymond Lamont Smith

Age 32

Life: ? - May 20, 1990

Occupation: Sex Worker

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Raymond, who was also known as Ricky Beeks, was a 32-year-old man living in the Milwaukee area. Reliable public records contain relatively little verified information about his education, interests and ambitions.

Connection to the Case

May 20, 1990

Raymond encountered Jeffrey Dahmer in Milwaukee in May 1990 and went with him to Dahmer's apartment on North 25th Street. He became the first known victim killed after Dahmer moved into that apartment.

Legacy & Remembrance

Raymond was identified as one of Dahmer's victims following the 1991 investigation and confession. His murder marked the beginning of the series of killings committed at Dahmer's North 25th Street apartment.

Remembering

Edward Warren Smith

Age 27

Life: August 2, 1962 - ?

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Edward, often called Eddie, was a 27-year-old Milwaukee man. He was also known in his neighborhood as "Sheik" because he frequently wore a turban-style head covering.

Connection to the Case

June 14, 1990

Edward was last seen leaving the Phoenix Bar in Milwaukee on June 14, 1990. Investigators later connected his disappearance to Dahmer, who confessed to killing him. Edward's remains were never recovered.

Legacy & Remembrance

Edward's family searched for him after his disappearance. In 1991, his sister publicly described receiving a disturbing telephone call from a man claiming that Edward was dead. After Dahmer's arrest, investigators formally identified Edward as one of his victims despite the absence of recoverable remains.

Remembering

Ernest Marquez Miller

Age 23

Life: May 5, 1967 - September 3, 1990

Occupation: Dance Student

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Ernest was a 23-year-old young man with an interest in dance and was described in case accounts as a dance student. He encountered Dahmer in Milwaukee in September 1990.

Interests

Dance

Connection to the Case

September 2-3, 1990

Ernest encountered Dahmer near a bookstore and accompanied him to his apartment after being offered money to pose for photographs. Ernest was killed there. His remains were later recovered during the 1991 investigation and identified through dental records.

Legacy & Remembrance

Ernest was formally identified among the victims recovered following Dahmer's arrest, allowing investigators to connect his disappearance with the crimes committed at the North 25th Street apartment.

Remembering

David Courtney Thomas

Age 22

Life: December 21, 1967 - September 24, 1990

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

David was a 22-year-old Milwaukee man. Reliable public records contain relatively little information about his work, education and personal interests, but his family maintained photographs that later became important in confirming his identity.

Connection to the Case

September 24, 1990

David disappeared in Milwaukee on September 24, 1990. Dahmer later admitted killing him at his apartment. No physical remains belonging to David were recovered, but investigators found photographs taken by Dahmer and David's sister identified her brother from one of the images.

Legacy & Remembrance

Although no remains were recovered, David was formally identified as one of Dahmer's victims through the investigation, Dahmer's confession and photographs found in the apartment. His family's identification played an important role in establishing his case.

Remembering

Curtis Durrell Straughter

Age 17

Life: April 16, 1973 - February 18, 1991

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Curtis was a 17-year-old living in Milwaukee. His grandmother, Katherine Straughter, was among the family members who provided investigators with information after his disappearance.

Connection to the Case

February 18, 1991

Curtis disappeared on February 18, 1991 after encountering Dahmer near Marquette University. He was taken to Dahmer's apartment and killed there. After Dahmer's arrest, investigators recovered remains that were identified as Curtis through comparison with his dental records.

Legacy & Remembrance

Curtis was one of the victims whose identity investigators were able to confirm through physical evidence recovered from Dahmer's apartment and existing dental records.

Remembering

Errol Lindsey

Age 19

Life: ? - April 7, 1991

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Errol was a 19-year-old from Milwaukee and was close to his family. Public records preserve relatively little information about his education, employment and personal interests.

Connection to the Case

April 7, 1991

Errol disappeared in Milwaukee on April 7, 1991. His family searched for him after he failed to return home. Following Jeffrey Dahmer's arrest, investigators recovered remains from his apartment that were identified as Errol through dental records.

Legacy & Remembrance

Errol's family became outspoken about the loss they experienced and the treatment of Dahmer's victims. His sister, Rita Isbell, later became one of the most publicly recognized family members to speak about the pain caused by the murders.

Remembering

Anthony "Tony" Hughes

Age 31

Life: August 26, 1959 - May 24, 1991

Occupation: Model

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Tony was a 31-year-old man who had moved to the Milwaukee area and hoped to develop a career in modeling. He was close to his family and maintained friendships within Milwaukee's social community.

Interests

Modeling

Aspirations

Hoped to pursue a career in modeling.

Connection to the Case

May 24, 1991

Tony disappeared in Milwaukee on May 24, 1991. He encountered Dahmer while out that evening and was offered money to pose for photographs. Following Dahmer's arrest, investigators recovered remains that were identified as Tony through dental records.

Legacy & Remembrance

Tony's family continued to speak publicly about him after his death, emphasizing the person he was beyond his association with Dahmer. His mother, Shirley Hughes, later spoke about the lasting grief experienced by families of the victims.

Remembering

Konerak Sinthasomphone

Age 14

Life: December 1, 1976 - May 27, 1991

Occupation: Student

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Konerak was a 14-year-old boy from a Laotian family living in Milwaukee. He spoke both English and Laotian and lived in the city with members of his family.

Connection to the Case

May 27, 1991

During the early morning of May 27, Konerak escaped from Dahmer's apartment in a severely impaired condition. Several women found him outside and called for help. Police responded, but Dahmer falsely claimed that Konerak was an adult and that the situation was a domestic dispute. Officers returned Konerak to Dahmer's apartment, where he was subsequently killed. His remains were recovered after Dahmer's arrest.

Legacy & Remembrance

The circumstances surrounding Konerak's death became one of the most heavily scrutinized aspects of the Dahmer case. The failure to protect him despite intervention by witnesses and police led to investigations, litigation and lasting criticism of the authorities' response.

Remembering

Matt Cleveland Turner

Age 20

Life: August 16, 1970 - June 30, 1991

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Matt was a 20-year-old young man from the Chicago area. Reliable public records contain comparatively little information about his education, employment and personal interests.

Connection to the Case

June 30, 1991

Matt encountered Dahmer in Chicago on June 30, 1991 and travelled with him to Milwaukee after being offered money to pose for photographs. He was killed at Dahmer's apartment. His remains were among those recovered by investigators after Dahmer's arrest in July.

Legacy & Remembrance

Matt was identified as one of Dahmer's victims through the investigation and physical evidence recovered from the apartment.

Remembering

Jeremiah Benjamin Weinberger

Age 23

Life: ? - July 1991

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Jeremiah was a 23-year-old living in Chicago. Friends knew him as an outgoing young man with an active social life, and his disappearance was noticed quickly by people who knew him.

Connection to the Case

July 5-7, 1991

Jeremiah met Dahmer at a bar in Chicago in early July 1991 and travelled with him to Milwaukee. He remained at Dahmer's apartment for approximately two days before he was killed. His remains were recovered following Dahmer's arrest later that month.

Legacy & Remembrance

Jeremiah was among the final victims killed before Dahmer's arrest. His disappearance was connected to the case when investigators identified remains and other evidence recovered from Dahmer's apartment.

Remembering

Oliver Joseph Lacy

Age 23

Life: June 23, 1968 - July 15, 1991

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Their Life

Oliver was a 23-year-old from Chicago. He was engaged and was the father of a two-year-old son. He had an interest in bodybuilding and was living in Chicago before his encounter with Jeffrey Dahmer in July 1991.

Interests

Bodybuilding

Connection to the Case

July 15, 1991

Oliver encountered Dahmer in Chicago and travelled with him by bus to Milwaukee after being offered money to pose for photographs. He was killed at Dahmer's apartment. Following Dahmer's arrest one week later, Oliver was among the first victims investigators were able to identify.

Legacy & Remembrance

Oliver was identified using personal identification found in Dahmer's apartment together with physical evidence recovered by investigators. His identification helped investigators begin establishing the identities of the people whose remains had been discovered in the apartment.

Remembering

Joseph Arthur Bradehoft

Age 25

Life: January 24, 1966 - July 19, 1991

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Their Life

Joseph was a 25-year-old father of three from Minnesota. In the summer of 1991, he had travelled to Milwaukee and was looking for work while staying in the area.

Aspirations

Was looking for employment in Milwaukee to help support himself and his family.

Connection to the Case

July 19, 1991

Joseph encountered Dahmer in Milwaukee in July 1991 and accompanied him to his apartment. He was killed there on July 19. His remains were still inside the apartment when police arrested Dahmer three days later.

Legacy & Remembrance

Joseph was the final known person murdered by Dahmer. Because his remains were recovered immediately after Dahmer's arrest, investigators were able to identify him during the initial investigation and return his identity to his family.

Case 6

Lives Connected to This Case

Associated with the Kenneth Bianchi & Angelo Buono Jr. case

6 / 6

12 documented people • 12 lives lost

The people below are presented as individuals first. Their connection to this case is only one part of their story.

Remembering

Yolanda Washington

Age 19

Life: ? - October 17, 1977

Occupation: Sex Worker

Location: Los Angeles, California

Their Life

Yolanda was a 19-year-old woman living in Los Angeles. Publicly available historical records contain very little reliable information about her childhood, education, interests or ambitions beyond details connected with the investigation.

Connection to the Case

October 17, 1977

Yolanda was last seen in Hollywood on October 17, 1977. Her body was discovered the following morning near Forest Lawn Drive, close to Griffith Park. Her death became the first confirmed murder attributed to Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono Jr. in the series later known as the Hillside Strangler murders.

Legacy & Remembrance

Yolanda is recognized as the first confirmed victim in the Hillside Strangler series. Her murder preceded the rapid succession of killings that led Los Angeles-area investigators to recognize that the deaths were connected.

Remembering

Judith Lynn Miller

Age 15

Life: ? - October 31, 1977

Occupation: High School Student

Location: Los Angeles, California

Their Life

Judith was a 15-year-old high school student living in the Los Angeles area. Reliable surviving public records provide comparatively little information about her school life, interests and future plans.

Connection to the Case

October 31, 1977

Judith was last seen in Hollywood on October 31, 1977. Her body was discovered later that day in the La Crescenta area. Her murder became the second confirmed killing attributed to Bianchi and Buono.

Legacy & Remembrance

Judith was one of the youngest victims in the Hillside Strangler case. Her murder, following Yolanda Washington's death only two weeks earlier, became part of the emerging pattern investigators were attempting to understand.

Remembering

Lissa Teresa Kastin

Age 21

Life: ? - November 5, 1977

Occupation: Waitress

Location: Los Angeles, California

Their Life

Lissa was a 21-year-old woman living in the Los Angeles area who worked as a waitress. Public historical accounts contain relatively little verified information about her personal interests, education and ambitions.

Connection to the Case

November 5, 1977

Lissa disappeared in Los Angeles on November 5, 1977. Her body was discovered the following day in the Chevy Chase Canyon area of Glendale. Her death was the third confirmed murder attributed to Bianchi and Buono.

Legacy & Remembrance

After Lissa's death, investigators increasingly recognized similarities between the recent killings and began to understand that they were confronting a connected series of murders.

Remembering

Evelyn Jane King

Age 28

Life: ? - November 9, 1977

Occupation: Actress

Location: Los Angeles, California

Their Life

Evelyn, who commonly went by Jane, was a 28-year-old woman pursuing acting in Los Angeles. She was the oldest of the ten confirmed Los Angeles victims attributed to Bianchi and Buono.

Interests

Acting

Aspirations

Was pursuing work as an actress in Los Angeles.

Connection to the Case

November 9, 1977

Jane disappeared on November 9, 1977 while waiting for a bus. Her body was not discovered until November 23, when she was found near the Los Feliz Boulevard off-ramp of the Golden State Freeway. Investigators connected her death to the developing Hillside Strangler case.

Legacy & Remembrance

Jane's identification added another victim to the growing series of killings that had created widespread concern across Los Angeles. Her case also demonstrates why discovery dates and actual disappearance dates must be kept separate when documenting the murders.

Remembering

Dolores Ann "Dolly" Cepeda

Age 12

Life: ? - November 13, 1977

Occupation: Student

Location: Los Angeles, California

Their Life

Dolores, known as Dolly, was a 12-year-old girl living in Los Angeles. She was close friends with 14-year-old Sonja Johnson, and the two girls were together on the afternoon they disappeared.

Connection to the Case

November 13, 1977

Dolly and her friend Sonja Johnson disappeared together on November 13, 1977 after travelling by bus from Eagle Rock Plaza. They were last seen approaching a car occupied by two men. Their bodies were discovered together on a hillside near Dodger Stadium on November 20.

Legacy & Remembrance

At only 12 years old, Dolly was the youngest confirmed victim of Bianchi and Buono. The disappearances and deaths of Dolly and Sonja drew significant public attention to the Hillside Strangler investigation and intensified fear across Los Angeles.

Remembering

Sonja Johnson

Age 14

Life: ? - November 13, 1977

Occupation: Student

Education: St. Ignatius School

Location: Los Angeles, California

Their Life

Sonja was a 14-year-old student living in Los Angeles. She attended St. Ignatius School and was close friends with 12-year-old Dolores "Dolly" Cepeda. The two girls were together on the afternoon they disappeared.

Connection to the Case

November 13, 1977

Sonja and Dolly disappeared together after travelling by bus from Eagle Rock Plaza on November 13, 1977. Witnesses reported seeing the girls approach a large car occupied by two men. Their bodies were discovered together on a hillside near Dodger Stadium one week later.

Legacy & Remembrance

Sonja and Dolly were among the youngest victims in the Hillside Strangler case. Their disappearances and deaths intensified public concern about the series and became important to investigators' growing belief that more than one offender may have been involved.

Remembering

Kristina Weckler

Age 20

Life: ? - November 20, 1977

Occupation: College Student

Education: Art Center College of Design

Location: Glendale, California

Their Life

Kristina was a 20-year-old honors student studying at the Art Center College of Design. Contemporary accounts described her as a serious and caring young woman. She lived in an apartment complex in Glendale while pursuing her studies.

Interests

Art Design

Aspirations

Was pursuing an education in art and design.

Connection to the Case

November 20, 1977

Kristina disappeared from the Glendale area in November 1977. Her body was discovered on November 20 on a hillside near Glendale. Investigators connected her death to the developing Hillside Strangler series.

Legacy & Remembrance

Kristina's life as a dedicated art student is documented through investigative records and accounts from those who examined her belongings and spoke with people who knew her. Her murder became one of the cases later used to establish the connection between Bianchi and the Los Angeles killings.

Remembering

Lauren Rae Wagner

Age 18

Life: ? - November 29, 1977

Occupation: College Student

Location: San Fernando Valley, California

Their Life

Lauren was an 18-year-old college student who lived with her parents in the San Fernando Valley. She was studying business and was expected home by her family on the night she disappeared.

Connection to the Case

November 29, 1977

Lauren disappeared while returning home during the night of November 28-29. Her car was later found parked across the street from her family's home with a door left open. A neighbor reported witnessing two men abducting her. Lauren was found dead later on November 29 in the Mount Washington area of Los Angeles.

Legacy & Remembrance

The eyewitness account of Lauren's abduction became particularly important because it supported investigators' growing suspicion that two men, rather than a single "Hillside Strangler," were responsible for the murders.

Remembering

Kimberly Diane Martin

Age 17

Life: ? - December 1977

Occupation: Escort

Location: Los Angeles, California

Their Life

Kimberly was a 17-year-old living in the Los Angeles area. Historical records provide comparatively little reliable information about her education, interests and ambitions outside the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Connection to the Case

December 13-14, 1977

Kimberly was working through an escort service when she was sent to meet a client at an apartment on Tamarind Avenue in Hollywood. The address was connected to Kenneth Bianchi. Her body was discovered the following day in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles.

Legacy & Remembrance

The Tamarind Avenue address later became an important investigative connection to Bianchi. After his arrest in Washington, Los Angeles investigators recognized that he had previously lived at the address connected with Kimberly's disappearance.

Remembering

Cindy Lee Hudspeth

Age 20

Life: ? - February 16, 1978

Occupation: Savings and Loan Clerk and Bible School Teacher

Location: Glendale, California

Their Life

Cindy was a 20-year-old woman from Glendale who worked as a clerk at a savings and loan office and taught at a Bible school. Contemporary reporting stated that she had become frightened by the continuing Hillside Strangler murders and had considered moving back into her mother's home for safety.

Connection to the Case

February 16, 1978

Cindy encountered Angelo Buono while arranging upholstery work for her car. She was killed on February 16, 1978. The following day, her car was discovered after it had been pushed down a hillside off Angeles Crest Highway, with Cindy inside the vehicle.

Legacy & Remembrance

Cindy was the final confirmed Los Angeles victim of Bianchi and Buono. After her death in February 1978, the Hillside Strangler killings in Los Angeles stopped. Her case was later among the murders for which Buono was convicted.

Remembering

Karen Lauretta Mandic

Age 22

Life: ? - January 11, 1979

Occupation: Security Guard

Education: Western Washington University

Location: Bellingham, Washington

Their Life

Karen was a 22-year-old student at Western Washington University in Bellingham. She also worked as a security guard and was friends with her coworker Diane Wilder.

Connection to the Case

January 11, 1979

Karen and her friend Diane Wilder were killed in Bellingham, Washington, on January 11, 1979. These murders were committed by Kenneth Bianchi alone after he had moved away from Los Angeles and ended his partnership with Angelo Buono Jr. Karen's car was later found with both women inside, and the investigation quickly focused on Bianchi.

Legacy & Remembrance

The investigation into Karen and Diane's murders led to Bianchi's arrest. Evidence gathered afterward ultimately connected him to the earlier Hillside Strangler murders in Los Angeles and exposed his partnership with Angelo Buono Jr.

Remembering

Diane Ann Wilder

Age 27

Life: ? - January 11, 1979

Occupation: Security Guard

Location: Bellingham, Washington

Their Life

Diane was a 27-year-old woman living in Bellingham, Washington. She worked as a security guard and was friends and coworkers with 22-year-old Karen Mandic.

Connection to the Case

January 11, 1979

Diane and Karen Mandic were killed in Bellingham on January 11, 1979. Kenneth Bianchi committed both murders without Angelo Buono Jr. After the women failed to return from their assignment, Karen's car was located with both victims inside and investigators began examining Bianchi's connection to them.

Legacy & Remembrance

Diane and Karen's murders brought Bianchi under police investigation and led to his arrest. The subsequent investigation helped authorities connect Bianchi to the unsolved Hillside Strangler murders in Los Angeles and eventually identify Angelo Buono Jr. as his accomplice in that earlier series.

Quick Facts

Victim ≠ Evidence

Every piece of evidence represents a real person whose life extended far beyond a criminal investigation.

Victimology Solves Cases

Understanding a victim's routine and relationships frequently helps investigators identify suspects.

Families Continue Living

The effects of violent crime often continue for decades through grief, advocacy, and remembrance.

Every Story Matters

Crime history is incomplete without acknowledging the lives of those who were harmed.

"A person's life should never be remembered only by the crime committed against them."