With a surge in true-crime titles on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video, society’s fascination with serial killers has reached new heights. The historical infamy of serial killers in the United States has been brought to life through captivating non-fiction stories.
Among the most notorious serial killers in US history, Jeffrey Dahmer stands out. Beginning his killing spree in 1978 at the age of 18, Dahmer terrorized the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for nearly 13 years, ultimately killing 17 young men. His gruesome crimes of cannibalism and necrophilia shocked the nation, leading to his conviction on multiple charges and receiving 16 consecutive life sentences.
Similarly, John Wayne Gacy, also known as the Killer Clown, stunned the country with his heinous acts. Previously an unsuspected member of the community, Gacy’s conviction for 33 murders was the highest number of homicides in US legal history. He faced a death sentence for his brutal crimes.
Samuel Little, who remained undetected for over three decades, confessed to killing 93 victims between 1970 and 2005. The FBI confirmed his involvement in at least 60 murders, marking the largest number of confirmed victims for any serial killer in US history. Little passed away at the age of 80 while serving a life sentence.
Another infamous figure, Ted Bundy, lured his victims with charm and intelligence before sexually assaulting and murdering over 36 women across five US states. His death sentence in 1979 marked the end of his reign of terror, yet Bundy’s crimes continue to captivate pop culture and inspire various movies and TV shows.
David Berkowitz, also known as Son of Sam, killed six people and injured others, claiming that the devil compelled him to commit the crimes. He is currently serving a six-consecutive life sentence at the Shawangunk Correctional Facility in New York.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the public’s interest in true-crime accounts, driving the popularity of documentaries and series on notorious serial killers. The chilling and disturbing reality of these individuals continues to captivate audiences and shed light on the darkest aspects of the human psyche.