On a weekly basis, small screen dramas such as Criminal Minds focus on the gruesome acts committed by an array of murderous psychopaths. Although serial killers have existed in most countries around the globe, a great many of them come from the United States. The Spokane serial killer, Robert Yates, worked as a correction officer at the Washington State Penitentiary before enrolling in the US army where he gained several medals for his service. [25], Dodd's profile was featured along with another convicted sexual predator imprisoned in Washington in the 1992 Frontline episode "Monsters Among Us".[26]. In May 1984, he was arrested for molesting a 10-year-old boy but received only a suspended sentence. He also kept the boys underwear as a memento. [23], On the day of the execution, many people gathered outside the prison, either supporting or protesting the execution. Extended winter nights for much of the year have a profound psychological impact on many people, although the most frequent symptom of seasonal affective disorder is severe depression. Throughout his life, he has been convicted of 49 murders that spanned a period of 20 years but confessed to more than 71 killings. Just days before Bundy was executed, he confessed to a total of 30 victims. Like other states on this list, a number of notorious serial killers caught the attention of the nation. Which State has Produced the Most Serial Killers? The Zodiac Killer murders, one of the most famous unsolved serial murder cases in American history, also took place in California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Robert Lee Yates 8. Gary Leon Ridgway, born Feb. 18, 1949, has been proven to be responsible for the deaths of 49 people but is suspected of killing at least 90. Even worse, he would occasionally return to the grave site to have sexual intercourse with the corpses. The rise of Nevada as a gambling destination could explain the jump in serial killings in the 1980s. : Cracking the Tina Faelz Cold Case. Here are the 10 states with the most total serial killer victims: California - 1,777 Texas - 984 Florida - 933 Illinois - 680 New York - 677 Ohio - 505 Pennsylvania - 462 Michigan - 425 Georgia - 409 Washington - 396 Serial Killers by State 2023 Serial Killer Victims Serial Killer Victims per 100,000 People Serial Killers by State 2023 Show Sources During the serial killer decade of the 1980s, the chilling criminals in the State of California committed roughly a fifth of the 2,670 serial murders nationwide. Ridgway's preferred killing method was strangulation. In fact, during his first marriage, he contracted an STD but still continued to interact with prostitutes without using protection and according to friends and family, had a very strange relationship with sex workers, often talking about how much he hated them but frequently using their services. This has been a fertile target for serial killers. They pinned the deaths on him. He was charged and executed for murdering a 10 & 11-year-old in Vancouver and a 4-year-old from Portland. BELLINGHAM, Wash. A suspected serial killer serving a life sentence in Oregon has been charged in the 1987 murder of a Bellingham woman after investigators used forensic DNA to tie him to the crime scene. One of the most famous serial killers of all time, Ted Bundy, was a former University of Washington student and Tacoma man who confessed to murdering at least 30 young women in Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Colorado, and Florida, although the definite overall count is unknown. A former Clark County Parks employee, this war veteran was sentenced to life in prison for raping and strangling a 19-year-old girl. Florida has been the location for several high-profile serial killings perpetrated by criminals such as Ted Bundy and Aileen Wuornos. Even though they reported him to the police, he never faced criminal charges. The data reveals a total of 277 known serial killings took place in Washington State, with 95 individual serial cases. David Handschuh/Associated Press Rodney Alcala - Convicted in killings in California and New York, Alcala is suspected in two Washington state killings. Things You Didn't Know About Serial Killer Linda Hazzard - Grunge.com Love Washington? Israel Keyes - Drawings, Family & Daughter - Biography The size and isolation of the Alaskan wilderness may also be an appealing factor. After attacking two Seattle women in 1973, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, or to join a sex offender rehab program at Western State Hospital near Tacoma, which he soon escaped from, and killed two more women. Look to the Lord, and you will find peace. CRIME WRITER'S RESOURCE; MURDER BLOG; WEBSITE; Thrillers & True Crime Books; Appearances/Events; Menu. Robert Lee Yates, a former prison guard and later a helicopter pilot for the United States Army, murdered 16 women between 1975-1988. Of course, for a serial murderer, the cover of darkness also provides a perfect opportunity to target a victim. Dodd ordered broiled salmon and fried potatoes for his last meal. Over a period of 15 years, he sexually abused as many as 175 children of both sexes. True stories about serial killers like Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, and Robert Pickton have also proved to be popular subject matter in the mass media and entertainment industry. At least until the dreary Seattle rains kick in and everyone turns into a serial killer because of the lack of Vitamin D. Well, not really. Although there isnt information about his time in Germany, there is a long string of murders in Washington that provide people with a clear image of his adult life. Washington's serial killers - seattlepi.com Reports say the victim was buried on park property. William Gohl (February 6, 1873 - March 3, 1927) was a German-American alleged serial killer who, while working as a union official, allegedly murdered sailors passing through Aberdeen, Washington. In one case, the killer abducted young teenage girls hitchhiking in the Washington area. The following month, he enlisted in the US Navy, and was assigned to the submarine base in Bangor, Washington, where he began abusing children who lived on the base.[11]. ), Best Day-Trips To The Oregon Coast From Portland (5 Options). Partial remains of Rimer werent discovered until 2011, and up until that point, Riemer had been considered a suspect in the Tube Sock Murders. 15 Rare Photos From Washington That Will Take You Straight To The Past, 9 Things You Didnt Know About The History Of Washington, This Is What Washington Looked Like 100 Years AgoIt May Surprise You, The Best Things That Have Happened To Washington In The Last 50 Years, This One Street In Washington Has Every Type Of Restaurant You Can Imagine, See A Show At The Historic Theater In Washington Where Bing Crosby Once Worked, Open Since 1906 Cle Elum Bakery Has Been Serving Bread And Pastries In Washington Longer Than Any Other Bakery, Countless Celebrities Have Loved This Iconic Washington Nightclub For Decades. [14], The boyfriend of the boy's mother, William "Ray" Graves, came to the theatre lobby and was told that the boy had nearly been abducted. This time, he was arrested. Finally, the high numbers of tourists in many cases, desperate individuals down on their luck create a pool of ideal victims for anyone looking to commit a nefarious act. By the age of 9, Dodd had discovered that he was sexually attracted to other boys. Still on the loose and another student had someone try to break in at 4:30am the other night but her dog scared them away. Suspected or convicted serial killers in Washington - seattlepi.com In the fall of 1989, in Vancouver, Washington, a short, 29-year-old man named Westley Dodd raped and murdered three young boys. Gary started killing at the age of 18 and continued for the next two years before being apprehended. See FBI files . The first time Dodd was arrested was at the age of fifteen, but he was released the next day because of his age. ONeall is currently serving a 135-year sentence in Oregon for the 1987 kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old Portland girl, which followed a 28-year sentence for the 1987 murder of a 21-year-old Pierce County woman, according to The Seattle Times archives. In the category of serial killers still alive, we have Robert Lee Yates. [7], On September 4, 1989, Dodd went to Vancouver's David Douglas Park, with a fish fillet knife and shoelaces, and sought out young boys to kill. If this is true, he would be one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. At the age of 13, Dodd began exposing himself to children in his neighborhood. From 1989 to 2014, Louisiana averaged 13.7 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, more than double the national average of 6.6. Data suggests that the majority of the victims targeted by serial killers are members of vulnerable populations such as prostitutes and hitchhikers. Justin had gone home, so Dodd told Lee that he would drive him back to his house. Serial killings occur in Oregon at the rate of 7.36 serial murders per million residents. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Seven Questions for Keith Roysdon, author of The Westside Park Murders, Meet Cathy Pickens, author of True Crime Stories of Eastern North Carolina. Serial Killers by State, 2020 Edition - Sue Coletta Creeps me out that my man lived next door to him for so long. In the case of a crime, they must rely on Alaska State Troopers, who may take hours to respond to the call. This serial killer used his reputation as a decorated army veteran and family man to evade the law for years. A total of 51 serial murders took place in Alaska between 1900 and 2014, with more than half of those occurring between 1980 and 1990. It eventually came out that he committed necrophilia. Washington State is home to one of Americas most notorious serial killers: Ted Theodore Bundy whose name has become synonymous with sadism, depravity, and horror. A Washington Post study claims at least 75 Native American-Alaskan villages have no law enforcement at all. His first victims were two young boys that he tied to a tree, molested, and then stabbed to death. Gary Ridgway 1. Kondro was the lead suspect at the time, but it wasnt until Rudds body was found in an abandoned car that the police were able to link DNA samples to him. [9] At the age of 15, Dodd was arrested for indecent exposure, but police released him with a recommendation of juvenile counseling. Did Government Officials Cover Up a Lethal Ohio School Poisoning? A patrol officer nearby heard the shots and headed straight to the scene, but before the officer was able to tell him to drop his weapon, Huff placed the gun in his mouth and shot himself in the head. Known as one of the "most evil killers in history", Dodd's execution in January 1993 was the first legal hanging in the U.S. since 1965. He was executed via the electric chair in 1989. Why? While it might conjure up images of a bustling suburban metropolis, a large area of Washington is actually covered with dense forestry, which makes it the perfect location for a serial killer to hide a body or kill someone away from prying eyes. Washington 2017 2020. He would took them to a remote area where they would be stabbed. [1] Dodd claimed he was never abused or neglected as a child. Whether we want to learn about the details of their crimes, delve into the bleak question of their psychological makeup, determine how so many go unnoticed and uncaught, or puzzle at the strange cases of killers who become ghoulish media spectacles, we cant get enough of them. [10], In August 1981, at the age of 20, Dodd tried to abduct two girls, who reported him to the police. How many serial killers are from Washington state? Washington Washington state also rates high in serial killings. Serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, also known as the "Happy Face Killer," brutally murdered eight women between 1990 and 1995. . https://journeyz.co/wp-content/cache/breeze-minification/js/breeze_d6f2b5374d4034eccf68622444cf0976.js, The 30 Largest Concerts Ever Held in the World, 15 Best Travel Shows on Netflix Australia, The 18 Best Travel Watch Cases for a Rolex, The 30 Most Beautiful Treehouse Airbnbs in the United States, The 10 Best Fortnite Players in the World, 30 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois, and Their, The 30 Best Things to Do in Wichita Falls, Texas, The 18 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Oklahoma, 30 of the Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park, 28 Free, Inexpensive, and Fun Things to do in Clarksville,, The 100 Best Places to Travel in the World, The 27 Different Types of Cruise Ship Jobs, The 8 Most Famous Serial Killers from Washington. California also stands out in terms of the notoriety of its murderers and the individual cases associated with the killers. Ted Bundy, one of the most famous American serial predators of the 20thcentury, was sentenced to the death penalty for the murder of several women in the state in 1978. You May Also Like: Seattles Lost Serial Killer Gary Gene Grant. To date, this killer is still on the loose. [7] He graduated from Richland High School in 1979. Every year, serial killers claim hundreds of victims, with 30 - 50 serial killers active at all times in the United States, according to the FBI. Partial remains of Rimer werent discovered. Serial killers who lived in Northwest | The Seattle Times The northern state also holds the unfortunate distinction of having the nations highest rate of violent crime. Prosecutors were aware of Dodd's history of sexual offenses and recommended five years in prison. According to the Radford Serial Killer database, there have been around 75 serial killers in Washington State since 1900, including some of the most notorious murderers in known history. Here are the most notorious murderers throughout the Evergreen State's history. Billy Gohl. Yates most disturbing murder was that of Melody Murfin. He was fictionalized as a man who murdered a young boy in a way similar to Dodd's murder of Lee Iseli. While this number may seem high, it is nearly one-fifth the number that used to be active during the 1980s, when there were 254 active serial killers. He was then taken to the Clark County jail in Vancouver, where Jensen and Trimble continued their interrogation over the course of three days. Keith Hunter Jesperson - Crimes. Family & Letters - Biography According to a 2015 article in The Huffington Post, the US leads the world in serial killing cases with approximately 2,625 documented serial murderers. Dodd's car had broken down a short distance away from the theatre and he was attempting to start the motor. He would convince them to get into his car. Hours later, the vehicle was found abandoned in Eugene, OR. This serial killer started to commit terrible crimes from an early age. Experts suggest isolation and frequent interactions with strangers make them more susceptible. To start with, he killed two girls, dragging them into the woods before having sexual intercourse with their corpses. About one year later, Grant killed a seventeen-year-old girl in broad daylight and a day later, her naked body was found with clear signs of rape and strangulation. Aughe was reported missing on April 28, 1987, after a woman who was babysitting Aughes daughter said she never returned, according to court documents. Gary Ridgway - Early Life, Wives & Murders - Biography Even today, the mystery and horror surrounding serial killers remains extremely powerful for many people. Among the most well-known serial murderers who terrorized California's citizens include cult leader Charles Manson, the so-called "Night Stalker" Richard Ramirez, "Freeway Killer" William Bonin, Charles Ng, and the still unidentified "Zodiac Killer". Jack Owen Spillman - Wikipedia However, the serial killers that Washington state has had have been some of the most famous in the nation and you wont be surprised by a couple of the names on this list. Washington State is a relaxing place to live, with plenty of scenic natural parks and rugged mountain ranges. A psychiatrist who evaluated Dodd following one of his convictions said that he fit the legal criteria for a "sexual psychopath". All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, The US States With The Most Serial Killings, Countries That Have Produced The Most Serial Killers, The Most Famous Serial Killers In America And Their Twisted Crimes, 10 Of The Most Notorious Serial Killers In The World. He was convicted of 48 murders, but confessed to a, His victims were sex workers that he would hire, do the deed with and then, In 1979, they discovered evidence to charge Forrest with the murder of 19-year-old, Currently Active Washing State Serial Killers, The second couple, Mike Riemer and Diana Robertson, disappeared under similar circumstances in December of the same year. Six months later, Grant threatened two young boys playing outside of their house and forced them to get into his car. Alaska also has one of the highest rates of violent crimes in the country. Since 1900, serial killers have strangled 52 Oregon residents. Washington State Almost Released A Serial Killer Due To COVID-19 He was convicted of 48 murders, but confessed to a staggering 71, spanning from 1982 to 1998. But almost exactly one year later, Stickles killed again using the same method. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Ridgway strangled and dumped the bodies of mostly sex workers and vulnerable women in Washington and Oregon while he worked as a commercial truck painter. Serial killers often target sex workers, both in Alaska and elsewhere in America. His killing spree began in 1982 and although Ridgway confessed to the murders of 48 victims ranging in age from about 12 to 38, officials suspect that the ruthless killer is responsible for a total of 90 deaths. There is peace. What other criminals from Washington do you know of? In 1974, Forrest was arrested for the murder of an unnamed victim, for which he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to a mental institution. According to witness statements, the man went by the name Mike Johnson and had just started working at the restaurant when he met Aughe. [19], Dodd was executed at 12:05a.m. on January 5, 1993, at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. They define a serial killing as at least two murders committed on separate occasions. Serial Killers, Part 3: Ted Bundy's Campaign of Terror FBI However, some modern researchers dont believe that Gohl is guilty. He was in the military and was doing target practice at the time. His father eventually told an Oregon newspaper that he was aware of the behavior but largely ignored it, since he felt his son was otherwise a "well-behaved child who never had problems with drugs, drinking, or smoking. Despite Dodd's attempts to calm the boy, theatre employees became suspicious and followed Dodd out to the street. I was wrong. We sell limited edition hand drawn serial killer shirts and horror apparel. What famous serial killers are from Washington state? One of Alaskas most notorious serial killers was Robert Hansen who confessed to the murders of 17 women. Authorities used the fingerprint to identify ONeall as a person of interest. Hopefully, I havent dissuaded you from visiting the PNW but just gave you a bit of fodder to read on your drive or flight here. Westley Dodd Serial Killer Executed In Washington - My Crime Library This evidence would become key when convicting Dodds. Then, he would molest them, before stabbing the boys. . Robert Lee Yates Jr. targeted sex workers in Spokane, shooting them in the head after he solicited their services. The Seattle Times reported that Dodd described in a diary written during his imprisonment that his father was emotionally and physically abusive, that he was often neglected in favor of his younger siblings, and that he witnessed violent fights between his parents. Serial Killers by State - FBI Stats - How Many Live Near You? - Sue Coletta But an examination by a psychologist disproved this. Despite facing the death penalty, Forest was able to strike a plea deal for three consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole due to his cooperation with authorities and the lack of physical evidence tying him directly to the murders. Everything we do and see we try to share with you here. However, police believed that Forrest was responsible for several other unsolved murders throughout Washington State, including two which were originally thought to be the handiwork of Ted Bundy. The Serial Killer Database which chronicles crimes committed between 1900 and 2014 reveals that Alaska leads the US in the most serial killings. In 2015, the Bellingham Police Department received a report from the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory on evidence found at Aughes home. During the trial, Grant tried to claim that he was insane. Experts have suggested a number of theories to account for why Alaska produces and houses so many serial killers. Westley Allan Dodd 6. As he did, he would molest them. Bundy began his killing career in the early 1970s in Washington, mainly preying on young college women. Usually, these perpetrators need a "cool down" period before they move onto their next target.