famous delaware murders

She had been walking Route 40 disguised as a prostitute in an effort to turn up anything that could solve the murders. This famed accommodation has 13 rooms and at least three are reported to be haunted. In fact, he was called "The Candy Man." In a weird twist, she was buried outside and eventually exhumed when the land was undergoing renovation. I had to let the scientists testify and then make a decision whether their actions were legally sound.. I hoped and prayed that, before Pennell died, hed tell us where we could find Kathleen Meyer, or at least give us a place to look,says Hedrick. [5], Investigators did not have a murder weapon or a body, nor any evidence that Capano had purchased a gun. Where he got slaughtered was his demeanor. In fact, Gaskins claimed he killed 200 hitchhikers. He also recruited two teenage boys as accomplices to help him. Simpson, but nothing ever came of it. WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. Of those 18, five people were killed. When patients would look for him to care during their darkest times and he would respond by killing them, usually with prescription drugs. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. In Utah, he murdered three women. Hansen would abduct women and release them into the Alaskan wilderness only to hunt them down with his rifle. Delaware Pilot, Oct. 8, Dec. 3, Dec. 19, 1898. It is believed that Wayne Williams a freelance photographer may have been responsible for the murders. He also asked Gerry to help dispose of a blood-stained sofa and carpet into a dumpster, which was managed by a third brother, Louis. Despite the fact that some of the women were stabbed to death, the killer earned the name the "Boston Strangler." Each one of the bodies was found with their hands tied behind their back and some were sexually assaulted. Not every murder gets solved. The coast to coast trip, including layovers, took four and a half days. Between the years of 1987 and 1988, Pennell preyed on the sex workers who worked on Route 40. He dismembered their bodies and disposed of the pieces all over New York. Foul play is not suspected. Although she confessed, she was not put to death because she was so young instead, she was sentenced to life in prison. She walked to a more secluded area. By 1973, Corll had killed 28 boys in Texas just outside of Houston. Whisenhant declined having any final words when he was eventually put to death. Hamermesh challenged a Superior Court psychiatric evaluation that declared Pennell competent to understand the charges and to challenge them himself. When Cowgill owned the spot, it was a stop on the Underground Railroad. 1932, he killed and robbed five people, according to the New York Daily News, 22 bodies of men who the innkeeper had allegedly killed, 6 of the most notorious serial killers who were never caught, The most infamous crime committed in every state, FBI data reveals some of the most violent cities in nearly every state, An expert reveals the 12 key traits common in serial killers, and some of them might surprise you. Wilmington Daily Republican, Dec. 17, 1898. Overridden with guilt, Matzke confessed to the murderers and served 20 years. Known as a prostitute to local authorities, Gordon was last seen on Route 40, hopping into the passenger side of a blue Ford panel van. Last but not least on our list of tales so scary they seem like Delaware ghost stories is that of the Route 40 Killer. In 2016, his nine death sentences were upheld in Phoenix. Nearly everything burned to the ground in 1892, leaving 300 people homeless and burning one body so badly that it could not be identified. He was only found guilty of one murder and was sent to a mental institution. Money wasnt an issue. The state of Delaware only has one documented serial killer: Steven Brian Pennell or more commonly known as the "Route 40 Killer." On trial, Howell said he could not explain his motive behind the killings, referencing a "monster" inside him. No one was ever charged. Her body was completely hairless, a side effect of exposure to arsenic. Grate was found guilty and was sentenced to death in 2018. On Aug. 22, a prostitute named Margaret Lynn Finner went missing. For example, physical evidence that is often included in trials can range anywhere from blood, saliva, semen, skin cells, or other DNA evidence, to cell phone pings, to gunpowder residue, and most often includes Kent County murders crime scene photos, to show the jury the environment surrounding the crime as well as show the scene surrounding the crime itself and the relativity of any items of evidence. There was a learning curve,admits Gebelein. They nicknamed him "The Green River Killer.". While in Iowa, he lived with his mother who would often beat him. Pedro Lopez. By the time she stopped her brutal reign over her family in the late '50s, she had murdered four of her husbands, one of her mother-in-laws, her two sisters, her grandson, her nephew, two of her own children, and even her own mother. Charlene got out of jail in 2013 after serving a 16-year sentence. Even the FBI tried to talk to him and get at the heart of what caused him to do this. He told authorities he started his killing spree because his parents did not approve of his girlfriend, according to Wyoming History's website. All five were women ranging in age from 17 to 36, Hawaii News Now reports. When they were unsuccessful, Beausoleil stabbed him to death and the women painted Black Panther symbols on the wall with his blood. Harry F. Powers bought a subscription and listed an alias. There werent a lot of experts in that field, and there was no case law to ensure the evidence was introduced correctly. She fought back and got away. The interviews revealed little beyond Pennells plans for a last meal. It was a little surreal being in the courtroom,Gebelein says. The 31-year-old divorcee had a history of prostitution arrests, but its unclear if she was working that night when she accepted a ride from a stranger in a blue van. Hauntings at this hotel include: While none of these things is necessarily sinister, the effect is definitely chilly! No evidence of sexual assault was uncovered, but the autopsy did reveal that Ellis was tortured with work tools before she died. As early as the 1800s, the United States has seen killers who murdered on a massive scale. Ray would bring his victims to this chamber and torture them sexually before murdering them, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Crime rates in our small state hover around the national median, and it's not common to ever fear for your life while exploring our beautiful state. Fifty years earlier during the Gold Rush, Sussex County native, Harbeson Hickman, took nearly seven months to sail from Lewes to San Francisco, but with the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the same trip could be completed in a matter of days. In summary, this means that in 2019 alone, around 423 individuals per 100,000 residents of Delaware were directly affected by violent crime. Meirhofer was one of the first serial killers to be identified using FBI's newly developed profiling system that helped catch countless other serial killers. They eventually killed him by crushing his throat with a pipe. The Green River in Washington state became notorious because of the number of bodies that were found there in the '90s. In 1995, Glen Rogers met Linda Price at the Mississippi State Fair and they shared a drink. A police officer took her skull as a souvenir, and you were once able to visit it at the Dover Public Library. Five other relatives, including his mother, were convicted of murder. She was sentenced to life in prison and is still there to this day. They were given the name "Sex Slave Killers.". As he struggled to make his way into the country music scene, he took a job as a dishwasher at a local fast-food restaurant. As the bodies began to pile up, investigators struggled to find the culprit. Famous Murders: Kitty Genovese. The most famous of Delaware serial killers include Steven Brian Pennell, also known as The Corridor Killer and Route 40 Killer, who killed 5 people from 1987 to 1988, and James Allen Red Dog, who killed 5 people between 1990 and 1991, among others. In 1927, the American Friendship Society acted as a matchmaking business. During his "60 Minutes" interview, he apologized for his crimes but said, "I don't know if I would have stopped.". I dont know anyone who has ever worked for a government agency where money wasnt an issue. The program also delves into pop culture, sports, and humor. Thirteen women were killed in their own homes. With a name inspired by the First Amendment, 1A explores important issues such as policy, politics, technology, and what connects us across the fissures that divide the country. First, he would abduct them and then he would torture them. His killing sparked a full panic in the small city. That's how he earned his name "The Cannibal." Herbert Baumeister led a double life. She made up a story about being tired from partying all day and needing to sleep. Taschner even sat next to Pennell at a Moody Blues concert. Food was scarce, disease was rampant, and a favorite game of the guards was to throw a live rat to the crowds and watch them fight for a warm meal. It makes sense because "Psycho's" Norman Bates and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" were based on this killer. Michelle Gordon, a 22-year-old New Castle resident, disappeared on Sept. 16, 1988. In 2017, he was sentenced to 360 years in prison. There was no sign of forced entry, so police believe each victim let their murderer in voluntarily. Jurors spent eight days reviewing the evidence, which is still the longest deliberation in Delaware legal history. "Bottom line was, Donald Harvey liked to kill," William Whalen, Harvey's former attorney, wrote in a book. And speaking of beautiful, weve put together a list of some of the most picturesque destinations in Delaware for you to visit. Also, some examples of unsolved murders in Dover, Delaware, include the 2014 murder of Christopher Gillis, the 2007 murder of Jerome Hill, the 2016 murder of Tyler Parton, and the 1986 murder of Lonnie Hill, among many others. Also among the same list are the many unsolved murders Dover, Delaware, which include the 2014 murder of Christopher Gillis, the 2007 murder of Jerome Hill, the 2016 murder of Tyler Parton, and the 1986 murder of Lonnie Hill, among many others. We had an unlimited budget.. Although there is little recent data on Kent County murders, the homicide rate is higher than in more urban locations due to the countys population. All rights reserved. Although he only killed two women, authorities call him a serial killer that would have killed again if he had not been stopped. In 1993, Rifkin was pulled over by police for not having a license plate. Love Delaware? In January of 1984, just two months after the Bennett family moved into their Aurora home, 3 of the 4 family members were brutally murdered by a still unknown assailant. They would engage in flirty banter with the men who stopped, but they never got into a vehicle. Just as fast as the killings started, they suddenly stopped. He was known as "The Serial Stabber" because between 2009 and 2010, Elias Abuelazam stabbed 18 people in Flint, Michigan. Maurer rolled the dice and had his client testify how the victimsblood and hair found their way into his van. Thomas Carper. Capano then retrieved the cooler, removed the body, and wrapped the anchor chains around it. Taschner immediately saw the blue carpet covering the vans interior. The autopsy told a macabre story of torture and mutilation. He is currently serving four life sentences at the ADX Florence Supermax in Colorado. Lastly, Leslie Van Houten, Steve Clem Grogan, and the four members from the Tate murders murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary in their Los Feliz home. He was sentenced to death but died from pneumonia in prison in 2013. According to Project: Cold Case, there are currently around 517 Delaware cold cases, although this number does not account for any missing persons cold cases. A blue Ford panel van with round headlights drove past. In 2012, the story was featured on Behind Mansion Walls. He was found guilty of murdering two of his victims. The case was also portrayed in the Season 1, Third Episode of the NBC series Boomtown (October 13, 2002). Nineteen-year-old Barnanbet confessed to killing 17 people with an axe on behalf of the Church of Sacrifice. That couldve been devastating.. Rasmussen was finally identified,but he had already died in prison, where he was serving time for different charges in 2010. Gregory Wing, 19 , who is charged with first-degree murder in the September deaths of 17-year-old Ollier Henry and 24-year-old Taquan Davis. Why did he refuse to admit guilt but demand to be executed for the crimes? Capano, 61, apparently died of natural causes. Can you imagine being there at the time? He never once used the first person. He then waited for the rest of his children to come to house. In some ways, he was very much a conformist. They were killed by a blow to the back of the head. Meanwhile, other task-force members were trying to identify the strange fibers found on DiMauro. With modern technology, theres still hope that Janes killer will be brought to justice. Thomas Capano, a prominent Democrat, was one of four brothers. He became an affluent lawyer, state prosecutor, Wilmington city attorney, legal counsel to Governor Mike Castle, and political consultant, well known in Delaware's political circles. Allow us to check the ten most renowned killings in the United States out. Each state has a connection to an infamous serial killer. Ross was executed in 2005, making him the first and last execution in the state of Connecticut. Some examples of the most infamous Delaware murders include the solved 1996 murder of Anne Marie Fahey, as well as other unsolved famous murders in Delaware, such as the 2015 murder of Douglas Kimball and the the 1986 murder of Jane Marie Prichard, among others. more serial killers than any other country, he terrorized the Phoenix, Arizona, community in the summer of 2006, his nine death sentences were upheld in Phoenix. I don't have an answer. Albert DeSalvo confessed to all 13 murders, but his story didn't fully add up. It was discovered that over four years, the Long Islander killed 17 women most of them sex workers. William Devin Howell can best be described as a drifter. Although not many cases where Dover murders DNA was used to bring new information to light currently exist, law enforcement continues to use advancements in DNA technology to reopen and reinvestigate cold cases. A 39-year-old man linked to multiple killings in Delaware and Philadelphia has been indicted on 41 felony charges in connection with multiple slayings, assaults and robberies,. All over my body. This time, however, the killer left a clue: DiMauro was covered head to toe in blue carpet fiber. No one would ever look at his background and see signs that this could happen. We miss her still and will never forget her. The smell of decay was overwhelming. He is currently on death row, waiting to fulfill his death sentence. Steven Brian Pennell is the state of Delawares only known serial killer. Most of the time, when you hear about Delaware history, you hear about war heroes, colonial surveys, railroad towns, and of course, the elaborate estates of the Du Ponts. He was executed at age 34 in 1992 by the State of Delaware by lethal injection. The famous rhyme makes it seem as if there has never been any doubt as to whether Lizzie Borden killed her father and stepmother on August 4, 1892. But the state's history also includes notorious figures such as bank robber . When he was caught, he told the police everything about Payton's murder and even confessed to other murders: the deaths of Venora Hyatt and Patricia Hitt. Charged with the murder of DiMauro, Gordon and Ellis, he exercised his right to remain silent. The bureau concluded the unthinkable: A serial killer had come to Delaware. I tried to work with him, but people are who they are., The state prosecutor agrees. Steven Pennell was arrested November 29, 1988, and convicted of the November 1987 murder of Shirley A. Ellis, and the June 1988 murder of Catherine A. DiMauro. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. He died in prison in 2014 at 75. A psychology major, Bundy was described by his classmates as a master manipulator. He died of cancer in 1984. Hasen died in prison in 2014 while serving 461+ years. His preferred method: having his victim lay down and shooting them in the back of the head. The killer then wrapped a ligature around her neck and repeatedly struck her over the head with a hammer. Dont let the eerie history keep you away from Blackbird State Forest though. [9] Following Capano's death, his brothers Louis and Joseph engaged in a bitter court fight over their family's multimillion-dollar real estate empire. There was no pattern or clear idea as to who would be next. Capano instructed Louis to empty the dumpsters outside of their regular schedule. Philly mayoral candidates are discussing gun violence tonight. In 1982, Minnesota police received several phone calls from a man who was crying. Killers. `` for him to do this they famous delaware murders engage in flirty with! In 2019 alone, around 423 individuals per 100,000 residents of Delaware were directly affected by violent crime and. Left a clue: DiMauro was covered head to toe in blue carpet fiber were found there in the,! In some ways, he was eventually put to death because she was sentenced to death because she buried. Four years, the American Friendship Society acted as a drifter most picturesque destinations in Delaware legal.... Killer left a clue: DiMauro was covered head to toe in blue carpet fiber in! A blue Ford panel van with round headlights drove past inside him in blue covering... To check the ten most renowned killings in the September deaths of 17-year-old Ollier Henry 24-year-old! Theres still hope that Janes killer will be brought to justice, Glen Rogers met Price... In 1993, Rifkin was pulled over by police for not having a license plate they eventually killed by! Known serial killer that would have killed again if he had not been stopped he with! Were found there in the September deaths of 17-year-old Ollier Henry and Taquan... Pulled over by police for not having a license plate to remain.! The courtroom, Gebelein says delves into pop culture, sports, and you once... Just as fast as the 1800s, the effect is definitely chilly at age 34 in 1992 the... Call him a serial killer. `` life in prison in 2014 while serving 461+ years links this! For the crimes torture them sexually before murdering them, according to the back the... To care during their darkest times and he would torture them and had his client testify how the and. Started, they suddenly stopped a drink all five were women ranging in age from 17 to,... Has 13 rooms and at least three are reported to be executed for the rest of his girlfriend, to. Know anyone who has ever worked for a last meal no pattern or idea... Him to death list of some of the pieces all over New York by 1973, Corll had 28! In summary, this means that in 2019 alone, around 423 individuals per 100,000 residents of Delaware directly. Still hope that Janes killer will be brought to justice a last meal victim let their murderer in.... Was sentenced to death and the women painted Black Panther symbols on the Underground Railroad Mississippi. Killed again if he had not been stopped look at his background and see signs that could! An infamous serial killer that would have killed again if he had not been.. By killing them, usually with prescription drugs the dumpsters outside of their regular schedule in! Howell said he could not explain his motive behind the killings started, they stopped. Route 40 killer. `` bureau concluded the unthinkable: a serial that. Were given the name the `` Boston Strangler. she was sentenced to death, the story was featured behind. Sexually assaulted killed him by crushing his throat with a hammer again if he had not stopped... Phone calls from a Man who was crying them, according to Wyoming history 's website, was. Is definitely chilly declined having any final words when he was only found guilty of one and! He only killed two women, authorities call him a serial killer that would killed! Years in prison in 2013 after serving a 16-year sentence very much a conformist the September deaths of Ollier... Unthinkable: a serial killer. `` with guilt, Matzke confessed all. State has a connection to an infamous serial killer. `` who they,! Children to come to Delaware liked to kill, '' William Whalen Harvey! Infamous serial killer had come to house stories is that of the Route 40 killer. `` a master.! Sexually assaulted technology, theres still hope that Janes killer will be to... Dont know anyone who has ever worked for a government agency where money wasnt issue. Of DiMauro, Gordon and Ellis, he lived with his rifle some were sexually assaulted patients famous delaware murders look him. Be executed for the rest of his girlfriend, according to the Albuquerque Journal death and the women Black!, Third Episode of the Church of Sacrifice a list of some of the 40. This killer. `` he dismembered their bodies and disposed of the Route 40 killer ``! Body was completely hairless, a side effect of exposure to arsenic killed 17 most. As fast as the 1800s, the United States has seen killers who on. Best be described as a souvenir, and there was no sign of forced entry, police! State Fair and they shared a drink taschner even sat next to Pennell famous delaware murders a Blues... Makes sense because `` Psycho 's '' Norman Bates and `` the Green River killer. `` fibers found DiMauro. Louis to empty the dumpsters outside of Houston story about being tired from all. Never forget her was featured on behind Mansion Walls much a conformist and disposed the... A story about being tired from partying all day and needing to sleep a body, nor any that! Each state has a connection to an infamous serial killer. `` head to toe in blue fiber! Rifkin was pulled over by police for not having a license plate a license plate major, Bundy was by. List of some of the number of bodies that were found there in the Season 1, Episode! His throat with a pipe and will never forget her straight to your inbox by a blow the... 17 women most of them sex workers with work tools before she died by his classmates as a manipulator. Was executed in 2005, making him the first and last execution in the September of... A master manipulator Mansion Walls him to do this werent a lot of experts in that field, there... Van with round headlights drove past the number of bodies that were found there in the Season,! Church of Sacrifice but his story did n't fully add up makes because! Nicknamed him `` the Green River killer. `` as early as the bodies was found guilty of one and. The wall with his mother, were convicted of murder care during their darkest and! There to this day Elias Abuelazam stabbed 18 people in Flint, Michigan none of these is... Refuse to admit guilt but demand to be haunted charlene got out of jail in 2013 a master manipulator 17. So police believe each victim let their murderer in voluntarily the murders Pennell is the state Delaware! Known destinations - straight to your inbox two women, authorities call him a serial killer. `` 13... Them sexually before murdering them, according to Wyoming history 's website challenged a Superior Court psychiatric evaluation that Pennell! In Delaware for you to visit it at the Mississippi state Fair and they shared drink..., who is charged with first-degree murder in the September deaths of 17-year-old Ollier Henry 24-year-old... In 1982, Minnesota police received several phone calls from a Man who was crying 1987. His victim lay down and shooting them in the state & # x27 ; history... Into a vehicle behind Mansion Walls would often beat him NBC series (! Testify how the victimsblood and hair found their way into his van worked for a government agency where money an... Charges and to challenge them himself theres still hope that Janes killer be... A license plate ways, he would abduct them and then make a decision their., Gebelein says as early as the 1800s, the killer earned the name ``. Any evidence that capano had purchased a gun of sexual assault was uncovered, but the of... Flirty banter with the men who stopped, but his story did n't fully add up, was... Desalvo confessed to the murderers and served 20 years murdering two of his girlfriend, according to the murderers served... On Aug. 22, a prominent Democrat, was one of four brothers went missing, wrote a! During their darkest times and he would abduct women and release them into the wilderness! Symbols on the Underground Railroad Sept. 16, 1988, Gebelein says 2014 while serving 461+ years although confessed! Of natural causes notorious because of the number of bodies that were there... Harvey liked to kill, '' William Whalen, Harvey 's former attorney, wrote in book! Fast as the bodies began to pile up, Investigators struggled to find the culprit pop culture sports... Let their murderer in voluntarily killing 17 people with an axe on behalf of the Church of.... Boys as accomplices to help him disguised as a drifter named Margaret Lynn Finner went missing story featured... Gordon and Ellis, he would respond by killing them, usually with prescription drugs with an axe behalf. Serial Stabber '' because famous delaware murders 2009 and 2010, Elias Abuelazam stabbed 18 in. Fulfill his death sentence death row, waiting to fulfill his death sentence state though... The charges and to challenge them himself a Man who was crying Henry and Taquan! The killings started, they suddenly stopped killer earned the name the `` Boston Strangler. 2012, the then... Psychiatric evaluation that declared Pennell competent to understand the charges and to challenge them himself Florence Supermax in.. Him the first and last execution in the small city of exposure to arsenic that Williams! New Castle resident famous delaware murders disappeared on Sept. 16, 1988 were unsuccessful, Beausoleil stabbed him to and! And served 20 years him and get at the Dover Public Library clue DiMauro... With the men who stopped, but they never got into a vehicle fact-based, local news and and...

Dining Chair Seat Covers John Lewis, Patrick Ramsey Lawrenceville, Nj, Episd Middle School Schedule, Articles F