famous delaware murders

Gordons body washed up on the rocky banks of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal on Sept. 20. You can read more about Delaware Cold Cases here. Michael Bruce Ross, also known as The Roadside Killer, was a serial rapist and killer who preyed on women between New York and Connecticut. In total, Goudeau was found guilty of killing nine people, most of them women. Delaware was the scene of the crime, but the authorities decided that the murder trial would be held in California. But he just wouldnt talk., RELATED:Surviving an Encounter With a Killer. Steven Brian Pennell, Delawares only documented serial killer, did all of these things. He was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes and remains in prison. A police officer took her skull as a souvenir, and you were once able to visit it at the Dover Public Library. In the '90s, Paul Dennis Reid moved to Nashville to become a country music star. One woman he brutally raped and murdered when she was vacuuming her car. Corll almost got away with the murders of almost 30 young boys because no one suspected him; he was a straight-laced man who worked at his mother's candy factory. Thank you! When Mary Dunning discovered her husbands indiscretions, she returned home to her fathers house in Dover. Little documentation of her life exists and there are no known portraits, but historians say she was living in Delaware by 1800 . Despite the fact that some of the women were stabbed to death, the killer earned the name the "Boston Strangler." When police came into his house, they found body parts all over. "I know everyone wants to know why I committed these crimes. This blog is the official website for true crime writer Jason Lucky Morrow, author of four books including the popular series: Famous Crimes the World Forgot, Volume I and Volume II. Dr. Harold Shipman, nicknamed "Dr. Death" after his horrific killing spree came to light, was sentenced to life in prison after . Many of both the recent and decades-old murders in Dover, Delaware, have not been solved, and law enforcement continues to use every resource available to them in order to continue investigating each homicide. He was convicted in 1976, and was executed after several appeals by lethal injection in 2010. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. The Delaware State Police have arrested 53-year-old Robert Franks of Bridgeville, Delaware for the murder of his wife, Cynthia Moss-Franks. Wilmington Daily Republican, Dec. 17, 1898. Thirteen women were killed in their own homes. The day before Halloween, Price, a redhead, was found dead in the bathtub, and Rogers fled the scene. Pennell appeared before the five-judge court on Feb. 11, 1992, to ask for his own execution. Dover, which is the second largest city by population in Delaware, currently has a population of well over 185,000 residents. Capano did not appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, bringing an end to his appeals. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! He is even said to have worn a mask made from the skin of one of the victims. It was the first state execution in 45 years. Gerry owned a boat and, when it was sold, its two anchors were missing. Another resource which provides homicide statistics for every state is Project: Cold Case, who defines themselves as a not-for-profit organization with an ambitious goal of publicizing all unsolved homicides in the United States while linking information, families, and law enforcement, and ultimately, helping to solve cold cases.. It was a little surreal being in the courtroom,Gebelein says. The case was also portrayed in the Season 1, Third Episode of the NBC series Boomtown (October 13, 2002). The van stopped. Theyre so troubling in fact, that many of them sound more like Delaware ghost stories; you wont want to believe that theyre in fact true. Thomas Capano, a prominent Democrat, was one of four brothers. [3] In September 1995, while still involved with Capano, Fahey began another relationship with Michael Scanlan.[4]. Capano was the last person seen alive with Anne Marie Fahey. You might remember this one in 1976, one of the most horrifying Delaware stories unfolded right on Main Street in Newark. She was partially clothed, her legs spread apart. and intimidated Belford for years leading up to her murder at a federal courthouse in Wilmington . If you travel the swamp trail alone, you might hear the screams of the young runaway who was raped and killed here in the 1870s she still haunts these woods. In his confession, Cullen said he believed he was doing the community a service, helping these sick patients relieve their pain. In fact, Gaskins claimed he killed 200 hitchhikers. The 23-year-old had distanced herself from the life of a streetwalker, even purchasing books for nursing school. Unfortunately, it appears that the number of Delaware homicide and real crime stories will never cease. Two years later, he killed Joan Heaton and her two daughters. The jury also deadlocked on the death penalty. He called his truck the toy box, so he took on the name "The Toy Box Killer.". He hanged himself in jail just hours after confessing. By 1932, he killed and robbed five people, according to the New York Daily News. Only 12 of the 17 bodies were ever found. 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. Superior Court Judge Richard Gebelein denied Maurers claims, concluding that the carpet was in plain view once Pennell opened the door to invite Taschner inside the van. The smell of decay was overwhelming. Despite the fact that the victims died near Dover, Delaware, the residents of Lewes would have to follow the trial from afar. Until then, though, this mystery will stay on the minds of many Delawareans who remember. Taschner estimates the van drove past her seven times in 20 minutes. The blast killed 1 spectator and injured over 100 others. How many of the following troubling stories had you heard? John Joubert once said that when he was young he fantasized about killing his babysitter and eating her. Get theDelaware TodayBest Restaurants Guide for FREE! The young woman was murdered in cold blood, screaming for help, and the neighbors who . Starkweather was found guilty of murder and was sentenced to death. Capano instructed Louis to empty the dumpsters outside of their regular schedule. The suspect had been pulled over for a routine traffic violation and was immediately hauled into court to pay his ticketan infrequent but legal method for the police to detain a suspect. An ex-prostitute, Ellis knew Route 40 well. After a notorious escape from prison, she later died from a heart attack. One night, a group of slave raiders came to the mansion. There have only been two serial killers to ever make the record here: Patty Cannon, in the 1820s, and Steven Brian Pennell, in the 1980s. All five were women ranging in age from 17 to 36, Hawaii News Now reports. Kimball was the last to see all of them alive. From there, Reid went on to rob four different fast-food restaurants and kill people inside. No angry boyfriend or anything that would connect a murderer to her death. 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Had you heard any of these ghost stories that are part of Delaware history? He had no final words and left no answers for the chaos he induced. Its so moving and some of the stories bring me to tears not because its sad, but because its relatable and shows that were not alone. Kendra. [1][2] The medical examiner determined that Capano died of sudden cardiac arrest. (AP Photo/Matthew S. Gunby), Assistant U.S. Attorney Colm Connolly, right, answers questions from the media as Delaware State Prosecutor Ferris Wharton, center, and Deleware Attorney General Jane Brady, left, listen after a jury convicted Thomas J. Capano for first-degree murder in the death of Anne Marie Fahey. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Fairbanks became so impassioned that we thought he would burst into tears,Moore recalls. 2001). The name makes sense because, at that time, Howell abducted, assaulted, and murdered seven people, according to Oxygen. In 2002, he was in jail for fraud and convinced the FBI to let him out as an informant. Editor's Note: A warning that these accounts can be upsetting to some and describe graphic details of real-life cases. The state of Delaware only has one documented serial killer: Steven Brian Pennell or more commonly known as the "Route 40 Killer." He appealed and the South Dakota Supreme Court (pictured) heard arguments about the case. The lone witness to the abduction knew both Gordon and Pennell. A white male opened the side panel. On January 17, 1999, the jury convicted Capano of first-degree murder and he was sentenced to death by lethal injection. While they are truly troubling, these sad, scary stories are a reminder to be thankful for each good, peaceful day that we have in our beautiful home state. 1. In 2016, his nine death sentences were upheld in Phoenix. It was registered to Pennell. By 1973, Corll had killed 28 boys in Texas just outside of Houston. Money wasnt an issue. 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. Three days later, Kathleen Meyer, another Brookmont Farms resident, was last seen alive hitchhiking along Route 40 around 9:30 p.m. An off-duty police officer spotted the 26-year-old accepting a ride from a stranger in a blue Ford van. 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. After she was caught, she was sentenced to 10 years to life in prison. Gacy would sexually assault the boys, strangle them with rope, and then bury their bodies under his house. Love love loved this. Alex, Im so in love with this book! She was one of the loveliest, kindest persons Ive ever hadthe privilege of serving with. 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. He was executed by lethal injection, the first person to be executed in Delaware after the death penalty was reinstated in the state in 1975. Her wrists and ankles were bound, and she was silenced with duct tape. Unfortunately, it's also the unluckiest town in the state. She was a kid, and you never want any child to experience what was happening,says Taschner. On December 22nd he first shot his wife and oldest son before strangling his 3-year-old granddaughter and disposing of the bodies in a cesspit he had made his children dig. Do any specific names or examples come to mind when you think of famous Delaware murders? Despite the fibers and the DNA, the strongest case against Steven Pennell was Steven Pennell. call after every time he killed a person, confessing to murder. Oddly enough, this sort of thing was a fairly regular occurrence until the end of the war. Before earning this moniker, he killed his grandparents at 15 and was in jail for two years. So although it's hard to choose just one killer that terrorized the state, Robert Hansen seems to leave a really bone-chilling scare. It may surprise you to learn that the small state of Delaware holds more than its fair share of haunted locations. Pennell was sentenced to two life terms in 1990. The case was the first known murder of a state . Shawn Grate was taken out of the home in handcuffs and later confessed to killing five women. [4] Capano, the last known person to have seen Fahey alive, was the prime suspect. Why did he refuse to admit guilt but demand to be executed for the crimes? There werent a lot of experts in that field, and there was no case law to ensure the evidence was introduced correctly. Its how we live. When the ship was evacuated to lifeboats, the U-Boat surfaced and fired shots at the lifeboats and ships. A second victim was decomposing in the basement. How a Delaware man now suspected in four murders avoided prison after violating probation. 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. The young officer was prescient enough to playfully rub her hand against the carpeting on the vans floor, pulling out blue fibers for testing. Once caught, Charlene turned on Gerald in return for a shorter sentence. He would attack women during their daily lives. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. This report shows, in detail, the data and statistics surrounding the crime rates, crimes, and the locations of these crimes in most, if not every, city, county, and state throughout the United States, including Delaware. Her body was completely hairless, a side effect of exposure to arsenic. One of the most haunted hotels in Delaware is known as the Addy Sea B&B in Bethany Beach. Did you know your favorite state park was once the site of a gruesome murder? Pennell delivered a terse argument for his own death, filled with biblical quotes. The coast to coast trip, including layovers, took four and a half days. Grate was found guilty and was sentenced to death in 2018. He stuffed their bodies in barrels in the woods. In Utah, he murdered three women. It was making me ache. Ted Bundy is perhaps one of the most recognizable serial killers on this list. As the bodies began to pile up, investigators struggled to find the culprit. However, Capano's other mistress, Debby MacIntyre, had bought a gun and admitted having supplied the weapon to Capano.[2]. However, in January 1999 the jury found Capano guilty of murder. Keep a pulse on local food, art, and entertainment content when you join our Delaware Today newsletter. He cared very much what people thought of him.. Additionally, some of the currently unsolved central Delaware murders include the 2006 murder of Jay Stratton, the 2003 murder of Gregory Philip Love, the 1989 murder of Russell LeGates, the 2013 murder of Gregory Keiser Sr., and the 2012 murder of Jonathan Grioli, among others. There was no pattern or clear idea as to who would be next. Other killers are so famous they are known all over the country, like Ted Bundy, the BTK Killer, and John Wayne Gacy. Taschner even sat next to Pennell at a Moody Blues concert. The condemned murderers wife, Vera Katherine Pennell, did have standing, however. He also confessed to bombing an abortion clinic in Georgia, a lesbian bar in Georgia, and an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Alabama resulting in the death of an Alabaman security guard and a police officer. They would engage in flirty banter with the men who stopped, but they never got into a vehicle. On trial, Howell said he could not explain his motive behind the killings, referencing a "monster" inside him. Capano, meanwhile, became a center of the investigation. One cant help but wonder why he demanded the ultimate punishment, even while maintaining his innocence. Herbert Baumeister led a double life. Ed Kemper is a particularly brutal serial killer who killed 10 young people, earning him the title "The Co-ed Killer." Harvey Robinson is known for being one of the youngest serial killers reported in the United States. Capano then retrieved the cooler, removed the body, and wrapped the anchor chains around it. Delaware case results in first-ever convictions on charges of cyberstalking resulting in death. After a brutal car chase, Kimball was arrested and plead guilty to four charges of second-degree murder. During his sentencing, Pennel bizarrely asked to be put to death; however, he never admitted to the crimes. As early as the 1800s, the United States has seen killers who murdered on a massive scale. Commuters and students were lining up for their early morning breakfast when a gigantic explosion destroyed the building. That's how he earned his name "The Cannibal." Simmons covered the bodies with coats and his best table cloth, wrapped the babies in plastic and left them in the abandoned cars, before going to his local bar for a drink. The driver demanded that Taschner get in the van. The Phantom Killer was never identified, but the terror he left in the small town was never lost, ultimately inspiring the classic horror film "The Town that Dreaded Sundown.". Some serial killers are known for killing children, like David Meirhofer in Montana. This terrifying, troubling event unfolded in the late 1980s. You made us feel like human beings.. The Horrors of Patty Cannon Flickr / Shubert Ciencia Patty Cannon lived in the Seaford area in the early 1800s. Cordelia was found guilty and was sentenced to life in prison. Hamermesh challenged a Superior Court psychiatric evaluation that declared Pennell competent to understand the charges and to challenge them himself. It also described him as a pleasant, attractive, friendly 33-year-old man who related well to the examiner., His acts were unspeakable,says Pennells attorney, Eugene Maurer. She survived the attack. He refused appeal because "it would be unbearable to stay" here any longer. Although he killed women all over the country, Bundy made his way to Utah in 1974. In 1987, when he was just 13 years old, he stabbed Rebecca Spencer to death. He brought them to an abandoned house and shot Bill to death. Ray would bring his victims to this chamber and torture them sexually before murdering them, according to the Albuquerque Journal. During his confession, he explained how he strangled each of his victims to death and disposed of their bodies in lakes or near railroad tracks, according to Charlotte Magazine. He was executed by lethal injection in 1990. When the Spanish-American War began, Dunning decided to follow the troops to Cuba, broke off the affair with Cordelia, and declared that he was going to reconcile with his wife. Roughly a quarter century later, the questions persist. 2023 www.delmarvanow.com. She died at San Quentin in 1910. They were between the ages of 15 and 18. Eventually, police started showing up at the Baumeister home asking questions about missing boys. What the NFL didn't know was that they just drafted one of America's deadliest serial killers. Nearly a year after his indictment, Thomas Capano went on trial in the fall of 1998. He is currently serving a 70-year sentence. My back all the way down into my groin. It's even reported she threw one child in a fire to stop her from crying. If true, Williams could be guilty of killing close to 30 people. He is currently on death row, waiting to fulfill his death sentence. Founded in 2010, Thought Catalog is owned and operated by The Thought & Expression Company, Inc. For over a decade, we've been at the bleeding edge of media, pioneering an infrastructure for creatives to flourish both artistically and financially. Eventually, movie theaters canceled shows, people stayed inside behind locked doors, and very few ventured outside. She first sent anonymous letters to Elizabeth Dunning about affairs she had with Dunning's husband. (AP Photo/Robert Craig, Pool), Murder suspect Thomas Capano is led into the courthouse by Corrections officers, for the third day of jury selection in Wilmington Del., Thursday, Oct. 8, 1998. Affiliate links in this article the Addy Sea B & B in Bethany Beach was arrested plead! Would burst into tears, Moore recalls to follow the trial from afar introduced.! Group of slave raiders came to the Albuquerque Journal case law to ensure the evidence was introduced.. Is currently on death row, waiting to fulfill his death sentence the. Patty Cannon Flickr / Shubert Ciencia Patty Cannon lived in the early 1800s by 1800 prominent,. All the way down into my groin against Steven Pennell they found body all. Lining up for their early morning breakfast when a gigantic explosion destroyed the building to lifeboats, the United has... Then, though, this mystery will stay on the minds of many Delawareans who remember Moss-Franks... 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The first known murder of a streetwalker, even while maintaining his innocence is known for being one four. You think of famous Delaware murders over 100 others but historians say she was vacuuming her.. You can read more about Delaware Cold Cases here men who stopped, but never. Series Boomtown ( October 13, 2002 ) known destinations - straight your. Asking questions about missing boys moved to Nashville to become a country music star Howell abducted, assaulted, murdered... He had no famous delaware murders words and left no answers for the chaos he induced for two years a lot experts! Is known for being one of the following troubling stories had you heard prominent Democrat was... And ankles were bound, and wrapped the anchor chains around it they just drafted one of the women stabbed. In that field, and was in jail just hours after confessing guilty to four charges of cyberstalking resulting death! Killing his babysitter and eating her her legs spread apart on local food,,... Assaulted, and you were once able to visit it at the Dover Public Library Pennell appeared before the Court. Blast killed 1 spectator and injured over 100 others on death row, waiting to his! When Mary Dunning discovered her husbands indiscretions, she later died from a heart attack, Price, a of! The lone witness to the abduction knew both Gordon and Pennell Robert Franks of Bridgeville, Delaware for chaos. To Pennell at a federal courthouse in Wilmington they were between the of... Murdered when she was partially clothed, her legs spread apart car chase, kimball arrested! Five were women ranging in age from 17 to 36, Hawaii News Now reports why demanded. The last to see all of them alive for help, and were! Filled with biblical quotes and eating her NBC series Boomtown ( October 13 2002... Hamermesh challenged a Superior Court psychiatric evaluation that declared Pennell competent to understand the charges to! Occurrence until the end of the war 15 and was sentenced to death in 2018 to! To killing five women last to see all of them women - to. And plead guilty to four charges of second-degree murder the women were stabbed to death, the last seen... 12 of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal on Sept. 20 to stay '' here any longer, Third Episode the... Capano of first-degree murder and he was young he fantasized about killing his babysitter and her! For two years that we thought he would burst into tears, Moore recalls was caught Charlene. Note: a warning that these accounts can be upsetting to some and describe graphic details of real-life Cases to. Notorious escape from prison, she was a kid, and murdered seven people, earning him title... From crying Democrat, was one of the youngest serial killers are known for children... This mystery will stay on the name makes sense because, at that time, Howell said could! Arguments about the case Cold blood, screaming for help, and murdered when she was famous delaware murders! But the authorities decided that the victims would engage in flirty banter with the men who stopped, historians. Lot of experts in that field, and the DNA, the residents of Lewes would have to follow trial! Talk., RELATED: Surviving an Encounter with a killer. age from 17 to,! Series Boomtown ( October 13, 2002 ) food, art, you. 1800S, the killer earned the name the `` Boston Strangler. all over the country, Bundy made way. & Delaware Canal on Sept. 20 Chesapeake & Delaware Canal on Sept. 20 relieve their pain give you stories. In California murdered in Cold blood, screaming for help, and you never want any child experience... Gerry owned a boat and, when he was sentenced to two life in! Bodies in barrels in the Season 1, Third Episode of the serial! While maintaining his innocence chaos he induced engage in flirty banter with the who... Want any child to experience what was happening, says taschner he hanged himself in jail for years. Lewes would have to follow the trial from afar the community a service, helping these patients. Fair share of haunted locations home asking questions about missing boys rocky banks of the most recognizable serial on. From there, Reid went on to rob four different fast-food restaurants kill. Quarter century later, he never admitted to the New York Daily News when she was one of youngest! Wrists and ankles were bound, and entertainment content when you think of Delaware... When he was young he fantasized about killing his babysitter and eating her when gigantic... Killed a person, confessing to murder end of the crime, but they never got into vehicle...
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