These 8 States Have the Most Recorded Serial Killers
In the United States, the number of known serial killers varies from state to state, with some states having more than others. Between 1979 and 2000, the country saw a rise in these crimes, with famous killers like Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, and Jeffrey Dahmer shocking the nation with their brutal acts. These years marked the peak of serial killings in America. While the reasons why some states seem to have more serial killers than others are complicated, it's clear that certain areas are linked to some of the most infamous criminals in history. Every state in America has had at least one serial killer, but some states are worse than others. Curious about your own state? Take a look at the list below to find out which eight states have the most serial killers.
#1 New York
Leading the pack with 18 recorded serial killers is the state of New York. Among the most notorious of the Empire State's killers is David Richard Berkowitz, also known as "The Son of Sam." Between 1976 and 1977, Berkowitz killed six people and injured 11 others in a terrifying shooting spree. He became known as "Son of Sam" after he sent a letter to the police using that name. The name was inspired by his neighbor's dog, which Berkowitz believed was possessed and telling him to commit the murders. His violent rampage ended when he was caught, and on May 18, 1978, he was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes.
Another New York State serial killer was Joseph Christopher of Buffalo, who killed at least 12 men and boys in the 1980s.
Second page of the first Son of Sam letter sent to the New York Police Department. Public domain.
#2 California
With 15 serial killers, California is home to some of the most famous serial killers in history. One of the most well-known is the Zodiac Killer, whose identity is still a mystery. Between 1968 and 1969, the Zodiac killed people in Southern California and sent mysterious letters to the police, claiming he had murdered 37 people. While only seven of these attacks have been confirmed, with five people dead and two survivors, the case is still open today.
California also saw killers like Kenneth Alesso Bianchi, known as "The Hillside Strangler," and Richard Ramirez, "The Night Stalker." These killers, along with others, make California infamous for its history of serial murders.
Wanted poster created by the San Francisco Police Department, October 1969. Photo by the San Francisco Police Department and courtesy of Independent. Public domain.
#3 Texas
Texas is home to eight serial killers. One of the most terrifying is Genene Jones, known as "The Angel of Death." In the early 1980s, she killed between 11 and 46 children while working as a pediatric nurse. She was sentenced to life in prison.
Other infamous killers from Texas include Ángel Maturino Reséndez, called the "Railroad Killer;" Dean Corll, known as the "Candy Man;" and Kenneth McDuff, the "Broomstick Killer." These killers, among others, make Texas a state with a dark history of serial crimes.
#4 Illinois
Illinois has had seven serial killers, and one of the most infamous is John Wayne Gacy, also known as "The Killer Clown." Gacy worked as a clown at children's birthday parties, earning his nickname. He killed at least 33 young men and boys, hiding most of their bodies in the crawl space under his house in the suburbs of Chicago. Gacy was executed by lethal injection on May 10, 1994.
Other well-known killers from Illinois include "The Chicago Rippers," a cult made up of Robin Gecht, Edward Spreitzer, and brothers Andrew and Thomas Korkoraleis.
John Wayne Gacy as Pogo the Clown, 1978. Photo by Martin Zielinski and courtesy of The Atlanta Constitution. Public domain.
#5 Ohio
Ohio has seven serial killers, the same number as Illinois, but has fewer victims of these serial killers. Ohio's most infamous serial killer is Shawn Grate, who murdered five young women between 2006 and 2016. In September 2016, a woman made a 911 call, whispering that she had been kidnapped and was only a few feet away from her sleeping captor. With the 911 operator trying to help her escape, she accidentally woke Grate up, and the race to find her before she became his next victim began. When the police arrived at his house, they found trash piled up to the ceiling and several decomposing bodies. Grate was arrested and is set to be executed in 2025.
One more note about killers in Ohio: Although Jeffrey Dahmer committed most of his murders in Wisconsin, he grew up in Ohio, and his first murder took place there.
#6 Indiana
Indiana is home to six serial killers. One of the most well-known serial killers from Indiana is Herb Baumeister. He was a successful businessman who lived with his wife and two children on a large 18-acre estate. In June 1996, the skeletal remains of 11 young men from the Indiana LGBTQ community were discovered on his property. Before he could be arrested, Baumeister took his own life. Although his wife denies knowing anything about his crimes, she has admitted that one of their children once found a skeleton in their backyard. Baumeister explained that it belonged to his late father, who was a doctor.
#7 Louisiana
Like Indiana, Louisiana has had six serial killers, but fewer deaths. Of Louisiana's killers, Samuel Little is probably the most notorious. Little is considered one of the most prolific killers in American history. He confessed to killing 93 people, and 60 of those murders have been confirmed. If his confession is accurate, he would be responsible for more than a quarter of all serial killings in Louisiana. Most of his victims were women who struggled with drug addiction or were sex workers, as Little believed these victims would leave the least evidence for the police to track. He died in prison at the age of 80 while serving four life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Mug shot of Samuel Little. Photo by the LAPD and courtesy of LAist. Public domain.
#8 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is ranked eighth on the list of states with serial killers with five. One of the most notorious serial killers from Pennsylvania is Harvey Miguel Robinson. What makes Robinson particularly shocking is that he is one of the youngest serial killers in U.S. history. Beginning when he was only 17 years old, he went on a violent killing spree, murdering three young women and seriously injuring two others. His victims were all young and lived in the same area, which made his crimes even more terrifying for the community. Robinson's arrest came after one of his surviving victims managed to escape from his grasp. After she got away, the police worked with her to set up a trap to catch him. They used her as bait, and when Robinson came after her again, they were ready. They shot him before he could flee to a nearby hospital, and he was arrested shortly after. He was later convicted for his crimes and is currently on death row in Pennsylvania, awaiting execution.
These states with the most serial killers have painful histories filled with the suffering of countless victims and their families. While some of these killers gained attention for the number of lives they took, it's crucial to remember that each victim was a person with their own story, dreams, and loved ones. The work of law enforcement to bring these killers to justice should also be noted. These tragedies serve as a reminder of the need for safety, awareness, and compassion in our society.
References: Map Shows States With the Most Recorded Serial Killers | The 8 States With the Most Serial Killers | A True Account of Murder: An Interview With Catherine Pelonero | Harvey Robinson
