1. John Wayne Gacy
John Wayne Gacy, known as the “Killer Clown,” gained infamy for dressing up as “Pogo the Clown” at children’s parties. He was eventually found guilty of murdering 33 young men and boys, burying most of them in the crawl space of his Chicago home. The idea of a clown turning into a murderer is part of what makes his story so disturbing.
2. H.H. Holmes
H.H. Holmes, America’s first-known serial killer, constructed a “Murder Castle” during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. This maze of rooms, complete with soundproof walls and trapdoors, was designed for torture and murder. Holmes’ diabolical ingenuity captivated and horrified the public.
3. Jeffrey Dahmer
Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes were particularly grisly—he not only killed 17 men and boys but also practiced necrophilia and cannibalism. He gained worldwide attention for his horrifying actions and is one of the main reasons people think of Milwaukee when discussing American serial killers.
4. Ed Gein
Ed Gein, the “Butcher of Plainfield,” wasn’t just a murderer but also a grave robber who used human remains to make furniture and clothing. His twisted nature inspired iconic horror films like Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Silence of the Lambs, cementing his place in American horror history.
5. Gary Ridgway (The Green River Killer)
For nearly 20 years, Gary Ridgway preyed on young women in the Seattle area, eventually confessing to 71 murders. Known as “The Green River Killer,” he specifically targeted vulnerable women, which led to a massive investigation and one of the largest DNA-related criminal cases of the time.
6. Albert Fish
Albert Fish, also known as the “Gray Man,” was a child predator and cannibal in the early 20th century. His twisted letters to the families of his victims revealed his gruesome tastes and are some of the most disturbing documents in crime history.
7. Aileen Wuornos
Aileen Wuornos is one of the few female serial killers on record, killing seven men while working as a prostitute. She claimed self-defense, arguing that the men assaulted her, though her methods were inconsistent. Her life became a complex story about abuse, poverty, and mental illness, later depicted in the film Monster.
8. David Berkowitz (Son of Sam)
David Berkowitz terrorized New York City in the late 1970s, claiming he was driven by a demon-possessed dog. Known as the “Son of Sam,” his killing spree prompted widespread panic and a massive manhunt. His case raised questions about mental health and the societal fascination with “messages from killers.”
9. Richard Ramirez (The Night Stalker)
Known as “The Night Stalker,” Richard Ramirez terrorized Los Angeles by breaking into homes and brutally murdering residents. His crimes were shockingly brutal, and his Satanic symbolism left behind at crime scenes made his killings even more terrifying.
10. Dennis Rader (BTK Killer)
Dennis Rader, or “Bind, Torture, Kill,” led a double life as a family man and church leader while secretly killing 10 people over two decades. His taunting letters to the police left the Wichita community on edge, and his ability to evade capture for so long stunned investigators.
11. Edmund Kemper
Edmund Kemper, known as “The Co-Ed Killer,” murdered several young women in California in the 1970s, along with his mother and grandparents. His towering presence and calm demeanor made him all the more unnerving, especially when he volunteered information to the police.
12. Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy terrorized multiple states across the U.S., making him one of the most infamous killers. Known for his charm, Bundy lured young women into his car under the guise of needing help, then brutally murdered them. His ability to escape prison twice and represent himself in court only added to his notoriety.
13. Joseph James DeAngelo (Golden State Killer)
The Golden State Killer, also known as Joseph James DeAngelo, terrorized California with over 50 rapes and a dozen murders from the 1970s to 1980s. After years of evading capture, DNA evidence finally led to his arrest in 2018, making his case a landmark for genetic genealogy in crime-solving.
14. Randy Kraft (The Scorecard Killer)
Randy Kraft, dubbed “The Scorecard Killer,” preyed on young men in California, often keeping track of his victims through a coded list. His gruesome acts and organized methods of documentation left a haunting legacy that still perplexes investigators today.
15. Samuel Little
With a staggering 93 confessions, Samuel Little holds the title of America’s most prolific serial killer. His victims, mostly vulnerable women, were often ignored by authorities, leading to his evasion for decades. His case reveals the importance of prioritizing investigations regardless of a victim’s social status.
16. Henry Lee Lucas
Henry Lee Lucas claimed to have killed hundreds of people, though many of his confessions were exaggerated. While the true number is disputed, he was still responsible for numerous murders. His bizarre partnership with fellow killer Ottis Toole only adds to his strange legacy.
