1. John Wayne Gacy
John Wayne Gacy, also known as the “Killer Clown,” lured young men and boys into his home, where he would murder them, often dressing as his clown persona, “Pogo the Clown.” He buried most of his victims in the crawl space of his Chicago house, while others were discarded in nearby rivers. His dual life as a respected community member and a brutal killer makes his story particularly chilling, Colin McEvoy from Biography explains.
Gacy’s crimes were discovered in 1978, after a series of missing persons reports led to his arrest. The discovery of his victims and his twisted alter ego created a legacy of horror that still resonates today, as the idea of a clown being a murderer taps into deep fears. Gacy’s case highlighted the ability of some to hide in plain sight, deceiving even those closest to them.
2. Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy is one of the most infamous serial killers in American history, known for his charm and charisma, which he used to lure young women to their deaths, Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. explains in Psychology Today. His method involved pretending to be injured to gain the trust of his victims before abducting and murdering them. Bundy’s ability to escape prison twice and represent himself in court only added to his notoriety.
Bundy’s killing spree spanned several states, and his case captivated the nation due to his ability to blend into society despite his horrific actions. His trial and subsequent execution brought relief, but also left lingering questions about the nature of evil. Bundy’s legacy as a manipulative and calculating killer remains a key study in criminal psychology.
3. H.H. Holmes
H.H. Holmes, America’s first-known serial killer, constructed the infamous “Murder Castle” in Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair, John Bartlow Martin from Harper’s Magazine explains. The building was a labyrinth of hidden rooms, trapdoors, and soundproof chambers, designed specifically for torture and execution. His cunning and meticulous planning allowed him to prey on visitors to the fair without detection.
Holmes’ brutal crimes included the murder of dozens, though some estimates suggest the true number of victims may be higher. His case became one of America’s most notorious examples of a killer using architectural genius for horrific purposes. The dark mystery surrounding his activities continues to fascinate historians and criminologists today.
4. Jeffrey Dahmer
Jeffrey Dahmer, known as the “Milwaukee Cannibal,” is remembered for his gruesome acts of murder, necrophilia, and cannibalism, John Philip Jenkins explains in Britannica. He murdered 17 men and boys, often keeping body parts as trophies or engaging in horrific experiments. His crimes shocked the world, turning him into one of the most notorious figures in American criminal history.
Dahmer’s ability to blend into society, despite his disturbing actions, made his story all the more terrifying. His arrest in 1991 led to the discovery of his collection of skulls and other body parts, further confirming the depths of his depravity. The horror of his crimes, combined with his chillingly calm demeanor, left a lasting imprint on public consciousness.
5. Ed Gein
Ed Gein, the “Butcher of Plainfield,” became infamous not only for his murders but for his disturbing practice of exhuming bodies and using human remains to create household items, according to Kaleena Fraga from All That’s Interesting. His grotesque actions inspired some of the most famous horror films, such as Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. Gein’s gruesome collection included everything from furniture to clothing made from human skin.
Though he was found guilty of the murders of two women, his disturbing grave-robbing activities overshadowed his criminal history. Gein’s horrific practices blurred the line between reality and fiction, leaving a legacy of fear and fascination. His crimes continue to influence the genre of horror, forever cementing his place in American criminal folklore.
6. Gary Ridgway (The Green River Killer)
Gary Ridgway, known as “The Green River Killer,” terrorized the Seattle area for nearly two decades, murdering young women and dumping their bodies near the Green River. His calculated approach to killing and evading capture for so long made him one of the most notorious serial killers in U.S. history. Ridgway confessed to 71 murders, though some believe the true number may be even higher.
Ridgway’s ability to blend into society as a husband and father while committing such heinous acts led to one of the largest serial killer investigations in history. His case also sparked conversations about the vulnerability of sex workers, as many of his victims were marginalized women. The case wasn’t solved until advances in DNA technology led to his arrest in 2001.
7. Aileen Wuornos
Gary Ridgway, known as “The Green River Killer,” terrorized the Seattle area for nearly two decades, murdering young women and dumping their bodies near the Green River. His calculated approach to killing and evading capture for so long made him one of the most notorious serial killers in U.S. history. Ridgway confessed to 71 murders, though some believe the true number may be even higher.
Ridgway’s ability to blend into society as a husband and father while committing such heinous acts led to one of the largest serial killer investigations in history. His case also sparked conversations about the vulnerability of sex workers, as many of his victims were marginalized women. The case wasn’t solved until advances in DNA technology led to his arrest in 2001.
8. David Berkowitz (Son of Sam)
David Berkowitz, known as the “Son of Sam,” terrorized New York City in the late 1970s, claiming his actions were driven by a demon-possessed dog. He shot and killed six people, leaving behind taunting letters that fueled public fear and media frenzy. His bizarre explanations for his crimes only added to the mystery and panic surrounding the case.
Berkowitz’s arrest brought a sense of relief to the city, but his claims of demonic influence and paranoia raised broader questions about mental illness and responsibility. His case remains one of the most sensationalized serial killings in American history. Berkowitz’s use of the “Son of Sam” moniker also became a symbol of the fear and obsession that often accompanies high-profile criminal cases.
9. Richard Ramirez (The Night Stalker)
Richard Ramirez, known as “The Night Stalker,” terrorized Los Angeles in the 1980s with a spree of brutal home invasions and murders. His crimes were marked by Satanic symbolism, including pentagrams drawn at crime scenes, which made his killings all the more chilling. Ramirez’s ability to evade capture for so long only increased the fear in the city.
His crimes included not only murder but also sexual assault, burglary, and burglary. Ramirez’s trial was a media spectacle, and his unsettling demeanor in the courtroom further fueled public fascination with his dark persona. His legacy as one of America’s most feared killers continues to be studied by criminologists and remains a haunting chapter in the history of U.S. crime.
10. Dennis Rader (BTK Killer)
Dennis Rader, known as the BTK killer for his brutal “Bind, Torture, Kill” method, led a double life as a family man and church leader while secretly murdering ten people over two decades. He sent taunting letters to the police, reveling in the terror he caused in Wichita, Kansas. His ability to blend into his community while committing horrific acts made his case all the more disturbing.
Rader evaded capture for over 30 years, even after he had stopped killing, until new forensic evidence led to his arrest in 2005. His calm demeanor and meticulous planning of his murders shocked investigators, as they realized how methodical and controlled he was. Rader’s chilling combination of normalcy and violence left a lasting impact on the public’s perception of serial killers.
11. Edmund Kemper
Edmund Kemper, known as the “Co-Ed Killer,” murdered ten people, including six young women, his mother, and his grandparents. His towering stature and calm, articulate demeanor made him particularly unnerving, as he was able to engage in normal conversation despite his brutal crimes. Kemper often volunteered information about his murders to law enforcement, which made him an unusually cooperative serial killer.
His detailed confessions provided insight into his psyche, and his self-awareness made his case even more disturbing. Despite his violent history, Kemper’s calm nature and intellectual approach to his killings set him apart from other serial killers. His case continues to fascinate those interested in criminal psychology.
12. Albert Fish
Albert Fish, the “Gray Man,” was a sadistic killer and cannibal who preyed on young children in the early 20th century. His crimes were made even more chilling by the letters he sent to the families of his victims, detailing the horrific acts he had committed. Fish’s disturbing behavior, including his cannibalistic tendencies, earned him a place in America’s most twisted criminal history.
Fish’s case highlighted the depths of human depravity, and his eerie writings remain some of the most unsettling documents in criminal history. He was ultimately convicted of the murder of a young girl, though he may have been responsible for other deaths as well. His infamous status as a child predator and cannibal still haunts those who study his case.
13. Joseph James DeAngelo (Golden State Killer)
Joseph James DeAngelo, known as the Golden State Killer, committed over 50 rapes and 12 murders in California during the 1970s and 1980s. His ability to evade capture for so many years made him one of the most elusive serial killers in history. His case remained unsolved until advances in DNA technology led to his arrest in 2018, making it a groundbreaking moment in the field of criminal justice.
DeAngelo’s crimes were shocking not only for their brutality but also for the sheer number of victims he left in his wake. His arrest brought closure to many victims’ families and highlighted the power of modern forensic techniques. The Golden State Killer case is now viewed as a turning point in the use of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases.
14. Randy Kraft (The Scorecard Killer)
Randy Kraft, dubbed “The Scorecard Killer,” was a highly organized serial killer who preyed on young men across California. He meticulously documented his victims, keeping a coded list of their names, which became known as the “scorecard.” Kraft’s methodical approach to killing and his disturbing need to keep track of his victims has left a lasting mystery in the criminal world.
He was arrested in 1983 after a traffic stop led police to connect him to multiple murders. The methodical nature of his killings and his unsettling calmness during his trial made him a notorious figure. Kraft’s legacy is marked by the chilling precision with which he executed his crimes, leaving investigators with an unsolved puzzle even after his conviction.
15. Samuel Little
Samuel Little holds the title of America’s most prolific serial killer, with a staggering 93 confessions to murders spanning several decades. His victims were mostly women who were marginalized by society, which led to their cases being overlooked by authorities. Little’s ability to evade detection for so long highlights the dangers of ignoring certain groups of victims in criminal investigations.
Little’s confessions were verified through DNA and other evidence, confirming him as one of the deadliest serial killers in U.S. history. His case serves as a haunting reminder of the importance of investigating every potential lead, regardless of a victim’s social status. Little’s disturbing legacy is a sobering reflection of how systemic issues can contribute to prolonged terror.
16. Henry Lee Lucas
Henry Lee Lucas became infamous for his false confessions, claiming to have killed hundreds of people across the U.S. While many of his confessions were later proven to be fabrications, he was still convicted of several murders. His bizarre partnership with fellow killer Ottis Toole only added to the strangeness of his criminal history.
Lucas’ claims of being a serial killer may have been exaggerated, but his involvement in at least a handful of murders cemented his place in criminal history. His case also highlighted the dangers of false confessions and the challenges they present to law enforcement. Lucas’ bizarre and unpredictable behavior continues to perplex those studying his case.
