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A Look at Real, Fictional and Suspected Serial Killerz

Top Rated Real Killerz
Note: We realize this list is incomplete, however, this is a hand picked list of serial killers and murders had and will continue to have a lasting impact on both the era in which they killed and future generations.
Rank / Name	Photo	Information

#1 Ed Gein 1906-1984		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Ed Gein did not kill a lot of people that we know about, but the aftermath of his discovery has impacted pop culture like no other giving rise to some of the most famous fictional serial killers. Confirmed Kills: 2 Suspected Kills: Unknown, suspected of killing family members and others What He Did: He killed two women. He robbed graves. Gein was so emotionally impacted by his mother's death that he decided he wanted a sex change. His plan to achieve this was to create a "female skin" from dead bodies. He robbed at least five graves and killed two people (both of which he mutilated the bodies). Upon his capture, investigators found body parts from many more than those he killed. It was most likely that these came from the graves he robbed. Impact on Society: His impact on society is his lasting legacy. Gein, all the nowhere as horrific, was the inspiration for the flesh-wearing Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and its continuing sequels and remakes), the skin-suit-sewing Buffalo Bill (The Silence of the Lambs), and Norman Bates (Psycho). Gein has blurred the lines of fact and fiction to the point where many people will argue that Leatherface is based on a real person who killed with a chainsaw, rather than Gein. How He Died: He died in a prison for the mentally insane from complications due to cancer.

#2 Ted Bundy 1946-1989		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Bundy appeared to be a normal guy. Even in his mugshot, he does not look that threatening, which is one of the main reasons why he was so succesful. Confirmed Kills: 20 identified Suspected Kills: Bundy claimed around 30; other experts say more than 100 What He Did: Bundy may have started killing at the early age of 14 when an 8-year-old girl disappeared in his neighborhood, although Bundy claimed his first murder took place in 1972. Bundy was considered an attractive, but forgettable man, easily gaining the trust of his victims -- white females between the ages of 15-25 with similar appearances. Bundy, would bludgeon his victims on the head and strangle them. He kept many of the heads before disposing of them. He also said he had sexual intercourse with the bodies multiple times after they were dead. Bundy was first arrested in 1975, convicted in 1976 and escaped for a short time in 1977. He escaped again in 1978 and killed at least two more women before being captured. During his second escape he entered the Chi Omega sorority, sexually assaulted one women, killed her and another, and beat two others. He was recaptured about one month later. Bundy was put to death in 1989. Impact on Society: During his time in prison, he was visited by an FBI investigator to help find the Green River Killer. The investigator was the inspiration for Thomas Harris' main character in Red Dragon and the meetings with inspired both Red Dragon and The Silence of the Lambs in the way. Bundy, who tried to fit in and was even engaged at one point, considered himself an amateur at the start and a master at the end, probably somewhat inspiring Dexter Morgan in the television series Dexter based on Jeff Lindsay's Dexter's novels. How He Died: He was executed. Death by electric chair.

#3 Jeffrey Dahmer 1960-1994		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Dahmer gets the number 3 spot for the pure gruesomeness of his crimes, which included dismemberment, torture, necrophilia, rape, and cannibalism against his young, male victims. Confirmed Kills: 17 Suspected Kills: 17+ What He Did: A troubled mind as a child -- Dahmer killed and tortured animals and was a full-blown alcoholic in high school. He received citations for indecent exposure and masturbating in public and was sentenced for five years probation for fondling a 13-year-old boy and was a registered sex offender. Dahmer's cruelty had no limits. One of his goals was to create zombies out of his victims, who he could molest and torture freely. He did things like drill holes into their heads and poured acid into their brains. His victims were mostly young black and Asian men. He would sexually assault, torture and dismember them and have sex with their deceased bodies. He also experimented with cannibalism. He would save skulls and body parts. Upon his capture, skulls and corpses were found as well as a human heart in the freezer. Dahmer was convicted on 15 counts of murder and sentenced to 957 years in prison. His killings were believed to take place from 1978 - 1991. Impact on Society: Dahmer's crimes brought to the forefront the potential evil of the human condition. Controversy about his life, conviction, childhood and death are still topics of debate. Much of his behaviors have become the archetype for profiling serial killers -- his torturing of animals, his loner behavior and his later remorse for being a monster and wishing for his own death. How He Died: He was beaten to death by another inmate in prison.

#4 Son of Sam David Berkowitz 1953-		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam or .44 Caliber Killer, held New York City hostage from July 1976 to August 1977, bringing fear and terror to the City. Confirmed Kills: 6 Suspected Kills: Wounded 7 What He Did: The adopted Berkowitz led a troubled childhood with experiments in larceny and arson. He later claimed membership to a Satanic cult, which he said was responsible for all but two of the shootings. He claimed to first begin attacking women in 1975, leading to his infamous Son of Sam crimes from 1976-1977. His crimes involved shooting crimes on people in cars. He also wrote a letter in which he claimed to be "a monster" and stated "I am the Son of Sam." He was initially sought as a witness, almost accidentally becoming a suspect. In his trial, he caused an uproar by repeatedly and quietly stating that one of his victims was a whore. Impact on Society: The case brought terror to New York City and captured the attention of the country for a year, and was reopened in 1994 as there is a belief that the crimes were not committed by one person. How He Died: Still alive and imprisoned.

#5 Green River Killer Gary Ridgway 1949-		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: The enormity of his crimes, length of time from his first being a suspect to being captured, to the involvement of Ted Bundy by investigators. It's surprising that Ridway doesn't have the fame that other killerz have garnered. Confirmed Kills: 48 Suspected Kills: More than 90 What He Did: Breaking the mold, Ridgway, did not fit the profile of highly intelligent as many other serial killers. He stabbed, but did not kill a 6-year-old, at 16. He was married twice and described as friendly but strange and was tested with an IQ of 82. Ridgway killed in the areas of Seattle and Tacoma, Washington and dumped his bodies in the Green River. Many of the bodies were left nude and posed, with a contaminated website. Ridgway would intentionally leave gum, cigarettes and other items collected from other people to throw investigators off his track. He would gain the trust of his victims, usually a prostitute, have sex with them then kill them. His crimes took place between 1982 and 1998, but possibly as recently as 2001. Ridgway was first considered a suspect in 1983, but wasn't arrested until 2001. Ridgway plea bargained to avoid the death penalty and is serving 48 consecutive life sentences. Impact on Society: Investigators Robert Keppel and Dave Reichert repeatedly interviewed Ted Bundy in their efforts to find out how a serial killer thinks. These interviews were motivation for Robert Harris' Hannibal Lecter interviews in his novels. How He Died: Captured in 2001, Ridgway is still imprisoned.

#6 The Confession Killer Henry Lee Lucas 1936-2001		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Once deemed the United States' most prolific serial killer, his crimes were later scaled back by investigators who were said to have made a mockery of the U.S. legal system. Although he was only convicted of 11 murders, he is suspected of more than 300 and at times, confessed up to 3,000 or more murders. Confirmed Kills: 11 Suspected Kills: Confessed to more than 600 viable murders. Experts tend to agree that he may be responsible for as many as 350 murders. What He Did: Lucas was born in a log cabin to an alcoholic and abusive prostitute. After he was captured, he said that if he was being accused of one crime he might as well confess to them all, ultimately confessing to around 3,000 murders. He later recanted all confessions. He claimed to have killed Jimmy Hoffa, delivered poison to Jim Jones, participated in Satanic rituals and participated in cannibalism. He said no to very little. Lucas also said that his partner, Otis Toole (below), assisted him in 108 of the murders. In 1986, the Texas Attorney General released The Lucas Report contradicting and disproving many of the killings Lucas for which Lucas claimed responsibility. It was believed that Lucas was "fed" information to help "clear" unsolved cases. Impact on Society: Movies have been made and inspired by Lucas and his confessions made a national mockery of the legal system and many law enforcement agencies. Due to the incompetence of many of the agencies, his true crimes will likely never be known. How He Died: Died in prison of heart failure.

#7 Otis Toole 1947-1996		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: His ties to Henry Lucas, of course, and the circus that followed the capture of Lucas. It seems he likely killed at least 8 people, but is suspected of 100 more. Confirmed Kills: 4 / 7 Suspected Kills: 108 or more What He Did: As a partner and lover to Henry Lee Lucas, Toole was convicted of 3 murders and later confessed to at least 4 more. After Toole's death, he was convicted of the murder of a child, Adam Walsh, a crime that Jeffrey Dahmer had one time been accused of committing, bringing his confirmed kills to 4. He admitted to murder, rape and cannibalism. Impact on Society: His suspected involvement in many unsolved murders still leaves investigators wondering how prolific a killer he may have been. How He Died: Liver failure while in prison.

#8 The Killer Clown: Pogo the Clown John Wayne Gacy 1942-1994		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Gacy just confirms that clowns really are scary and should not be trusted ... ever. Confirmed Kills: 33 Suspected Kills: 33 What He Did: Born to an alcoholic and abusive father, the overweight Gacy experienced physical and mental abuse repeatedly. At 11, he suffered a head injury causing a blood clot that went unnoticed until he started having blackouts at 16. Gacy was married with two children, but led a secret life involving pornography, prostitution and drugs. He served 18 months in prison for sexually assaulting two boys and his wife divorced him. From 1972-1978, Gacy lured young men and boys into his home, where he would kill them, sometimes from strangulation, asphixiation, and other times by stabbing. He buried them in a crawlspace under his house until it was filled in 1978, then began dumping them in the Des Plaines River in Chicago. Although Gacy was known to many of the victims and escaped victims accused him, it wasn't until December 1978 that he was pursued and arrested. Police found 29 bodies on Gacy's property. Impact on Society: The nefarious nature of his crimes and his regular appearances at neighborhood block parties as "Pogo the Clown" made the Gacy murders catch the attenion of the nation and scared leagues of clown lovers for generations to come! How He Died: Death by lethal injection.

#9 Night Stalker Richard Ramirez 1960-		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Ramirez, similar to Son of Sam, brought fear to a major metropolitan area, terrorizing Southern California for more than a year with a high sensationalized style of reporting of both the crimes and the trial. Confirmed Kills: 13 Suspected Kills: 20 or more What He Did: Ramirez suffered from grand mal seizures and epilepsy. By 10 years old, he was spending much time in cemeteries. His cousin, Mike, a Vietnam Vet, was said to have taught him how to cut and kill people, and even killed his wife in front of Richard. Ramirez was a regular marijuana smoker and would often draw pentagrams on himself. During his trial he would say, "Hail, Satan" and talked of his love for heavy metal music, especially AC/DC's song Night Prowler. Ramirez violent stabbed and sexually assaulted victims, beginning with a 79-year-old woman. He shot other victims, bludgeoned one with a hammer, beat and bludgeoned others with various objects, and raped and assaulted others. His preferred from of attack appeared to be to kill the men and rape the women. Impact on Society: Ramirez's trial was one of the longest in California history with more than 1,600 jurors interviewed and more than 100 witnesses testified. How He Died: In prison since his capture in August 1985. He is on death row in California, awaiting his death after his final appeal was denied in 2006.

#10 Aileen Wuornos 1956-2002		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: The rare female monster who killed repeatedly and said she would kill again if she were not executed. Confirmed Kills: 7 Suspected Kills: More than 8. What She Did: Wuornos was born to a 17-year-old mother and a child molesting father who spent time in prison for sexual assault and attempted murder. She began having sex at an early age and was pregnant by 13. After a criminal past, she committed her first murder in 1989, shooting her various victims over the next year. She was captured in 1991 and was finally executed in 2002. Impact on Society: Her story as a female serial killer has led to multiple books and movies, including the academy award winning Monster. How She Died: Death by lethal injection.

#11 The Atlanta Child Murderer Wayne Williams 1958-		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Viciousness to children and unsolved crimes for which he is the prime suspect add to his legend of horror. Confirmed Kills: 2 / 23 later confirmed Suspected Kills: 31 What He Did: He was and remains the key suspect in the Atlanta Child Murders from 1979-1981; however, he was convicted of the murders of two adult men. He failed a polygraph and became a suspect in 1981 after being near one of the crime scenes. Police later declared him guilty of 23 of the 29 Atlanta Child Murders. However many members of the community did not believe the report. Impact on Society: His case has been one of controversy having been reopened in 2005 after a white supremacist who was also a suspect surfaced, praising the crimes. However the case was again closed in 2006. How He Died: He is in prison serving two consecutive life terms.

#12 Charles Manson 1934-		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: The cult-like approach and the mystery surrounding Manson continue to make this one of the most intriguing serial crimes to date. Confirmed Kills: 7 Suspected Kills: 7 possibly more. What He Did: A career criminal who formed "The Manson Family." Manson himself did not commit the crimes, but ordered the killings and was therefore found guilty of murder. However, his death sentence was reduced to life by reason of insanity. His victims were shot and stabbed multiple times. The most dramatic was a woman stabbed 41 times (she was most likely dead after the first six stabbings). During his trial, Manson shaved his head and said, "I am the devil." Impact on Society: Manson has become an icon of evil with a swastika tattooed to his forehead. He claimed the term Helter Skelter for his evil ways, ordered the death of actress Sharon Tate, and conducted a famous interview with Geraldo Rivera where he spouted his evil ratings and devil worship. How He Died: Still alive in an institution for the criminally insane.

#13 BTK Killer Dennis Rader 1945-		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: The nature of his crimes and his arrogance are those that catch the attention of the nation. There are serial killers who kill more, but are less brutal and less well known. Confirmed Kills: 10 Suspected Kills: 10, although police continue to research unsolved cases. What He Did: Bind, torture, kill -- his modus operandi. He killed at least 10 people between 1974 and 1991, then resumed again in 2004 and was captured in 2005. Rader sent taunting letters to police, making statements such as, "How many do I have to Kill before I get a name in the paper or some national attention." Impact on Society: Bind. Torture. Kill. Again, enough said. His brutality awakened the potential ruthlessness of humanity. His crimes have inspired multiple movies. How He Died: Rader pleaded guilty to 10 counts of murder and will be eligible for parole after 175 years.

#14 Belle Gunness 1859-1908?		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Not only is she one of America's most prolific serial killers, but she is a woman and her crimes, as well as her death are shrouded in mystery. Confirmed Kills: 40 Suspected Kills: 60 or more. What She Did: Gunness was born in Norway and much of her life is met with conflicting accounts. She likely killed both of her husbands, multiple suitors, boyfriends and both of her daughters. She moved to the U.S. in 1881 and married Mads Ditlev Anton Sorenson in 1884. The two experienced multiple home fires for which they collected insurance, Sorenson was the victim of her first murder in 1900, following the death of two of their children who were suspected to have died from poisoning. She used Sorenson's insurance money to buy a farm in Indian, and she took out an advertisement requesting suitors. The suitors came on a regular basis until 1908, and only one, George Anderson, ever made a return trip from her farm. Impact on Society: Her legend is not well known, but she is legendary and her impact on American folklore is equally so. How She Died: She was last seen in 1908 and said to have been beheaded, burned in a fire or poisoned, by jealous farmhand Ray Lamphere, although Lamphere was found guilty of arson, but not murder. Sightings of Gunness continued into the 1930s.

#15 Hillside Stranglers Angelo Buono 1934-2002 & #16 Kenneth Bianchi 1951-	Buono Bianchi	Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: The crimes were again, the types of crime that catapulted a nation into fear, especially, the Los Angeles area where the crimes were taking place from 1977-1978. Confirmed Kills: 12 Suspected Kills: 28 What They Did: Bianchi was a troubled youth and compulsive liar who found a kindred spirit in his cousin Angelo Buono. The two would sexually abuse, then strangle their victims. Buono was a self-described ladies man and convinced his cousin to participate in the crimes. The two would pose as police officers and their victims ranged in age from 12-28. They would torture, rape and kill their victims. Their brutal murders included lethal injection, carbon monoxide poisoning, and electric shock. Bianchi even applied for a job with the police department while the murders were ongoing. Buono's trial, which hinged largely on the testimony of his cousin lasted from November 1981 to November 1983, the longest in American history. Bianchi blamed his crimes on Steven Walker, his alter ego, his other personality. Bianchi was deemed to suffer from a multiple personality disorder. Eventually, he admitted to faking the disorder. Impact on Society: The Hillside Stranglers captured the fears of America, terrorizing its second largest metropolitan area. It was yet another instance of making the public feel unsafe at the whims of is underbelly. How They Died: Buonon died in prison from a heart attack. Bianchi is still alive.

#17 Andrew Philip Cunanan 1969-1997		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Technically, he may be more of a "killing spree" murderer than a serial killer, but still the nature and following publicity have catapulted him into the famous serial killer category. There was little motive or reason known for his crimes. He left behind only a curious trail of death. Confirmed Kills: 5 Suspected Kills: 5 What He Did: From April to July 1997, he violently killed at least 5 people on a cross-country killing spree, shooting them in the head with a .40 caliber rifle. The final murder in the series was that of fashion designer Gianni Versace. Impact on Society: Killed fashion designer Gianni Versace in his highly publicized killing spree. How He Died: He shot himself in the head, leaving little information behind.

#18 Albert Fish 1870-1936 The Brooklyn Vampire		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Gruesome and brutal. He was a child torturer molester and cannibal, although he did not appear to rape his victims. Confirmed Kills: 3 Suspected Kills: 6, possibly many more What He Did: Fish had delusions and hallucinations, claiming God commanded him. How many people he killed are attempted to abduct is simply unknown although it is known that he had multiple attempts to abduct other children. Fish also self-inflicted injuries. An X-ray once revealed nearly 30 needles lodged in his pelvic region. The following is from a letter that eventually led to Fish's abduction: "First I stripped her naked. How she did kick – bite and scratch. I choked her to death, then cut her in small pieces so I could take my meat to my rooms. Cook and eat it. How sweet and tender her little ass was roasted in the oven. It took me 9 days to eat her entire body." Impact on Society: Having admitted to brutally torturing and killing 3 children, people were happy to see a quick trial resulting in execution. How He Died: Tried in 1935, executed by electric chair in 1936.

#19 Marty Lipton 1950-1992		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Lipton's investigation was so botched by investigators that they did everything possible to keep the incident under wraps. The investigation resulted in the death of an FBI agent and the horrible legacy of a town plagued by a murderous past. Confirmed Kills: 10 Suspected Kills: 30 or more. What He Did: Lipton was a heroin addict and abusive boyfriend, repeatedly beating his longtime girlfriend Veronica Wiley and her son Aaron. Seven-year-old Aaron Wiley eventually set fire to the house severely burning his abuser, Lipton. Aaron was traumatized and sent into foster care when Veronica chose to be with Marty over her son. Years later, Veronica died in a car crash and Aaron inherited the family home which Marty had been living in. This seemed to be the catalyst. After multiple confrontations with Marty, Aaron mysteriously disappeared and 8 bodies were discovered in the Wiley house including those of a local sheriff and an FBI agent. Lipton attempted suicide with a shotgun, but was unsuccessful, leaving himself severely deformed. After his capture, Lipton confessed to more than 30 killings although only 2 additional bodies were found. While awaiting trial, Lipton rekindled his addiction to heroin and died of an overdose. Impact on Society: Very little. Local investigators and the FBI did as much as possible to keep the Lipton case out of the press. Lipton's lawyer, a public defender, has hinted that Lipton's suicide was a setup to keep the case from ever going to trial and embarrassing law enforcement. The Wiley home was turned into a haunted house, an attraction in the northern Sierra Nevada. How He Died: Heroin overdose in prison while awaiting trial.

#20 Charles Starkweather 1938-1959 & #21 Caril Fugate 1943 -		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Undeniably shocking series of killings that surprised America. Confirmed Kills: 11 Suspected Kills: 11 with 1 injury What They Did: In December of 1957, Starkweather committed his first murder on December 1, shooting a gas station attendant. Starkweather was 19 at the time. He next killed the parents of his 15-year-old girlfriend, Caril Fugate. The two month killing spree terrorized Nebraska and Wyoming and resulted in a nationwide manhunt. Eventually caught, Starkweather claimed Fugate participated in the killings, while she maintained she was being held hostage. He received the death sentence and she received life in prison. Impact on Society: Dramatic and shocking killing spree. Obvious inspiration for Mickey and Mallory in Natural Born Killers. How They Died: Starkweather, electric chair. Fugate, paroled in 1976, still alive.

#22 Charles Ng 1960 - & #23 Leonard Lake 1945-1985	Lake Ng	Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: This was a widely publicized case at the time of its discovery and during the 14 million dollar murder trial for Ng. The case crossed international boundaries when Ng fled to Canada, where he was eventually apprehended in 1985, and after a lengthy battle was finally extradited to the U.S. in 1991. Confirmed Kills: 11 Suspected Kills: 25 What They Did: Over a period of at least two years, Lake (a survivalist convinced that nuclear war was coming) and Ng (who served as a marine for less than a year before being dishonorably discharged), tortured and raped women while videotaping their deeds. They also killed anyone who appeared to get in their way. They lived on a ranch south of San Francisco in Calaveras County. After their capture, 45 pounds of human remains was found on the property. How many people they actually killed is unknown, but estimated to be at least 25. Only 11 were ever identified. Impact on Society: Ng was captured in 1985 but because of the extradition trial with Canada and his costly murder trial, he was not convicted until 1998, 13 years later. And still he is on death row. This is a case that has many mysteries and continually makes the news as Charles Ng inches closer toward his execution. How They Died: Lake, suicide by cyanide pill upon arrest. Ng, is currently on death row at San Quentin.

#24 Marybeth Tinning 1942 -		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: The macabre nature of a mother killing her helpless children is enough to get attention, but the notion that she was not suspected until after the 7th death is amazing. Confirmed Kills: 8 Suspected Kills: 8 What He Did: Münchausen syndrome by proxy is a mental disorder where people cause harm or death to others for attention. In this case, her children. Tinning's children would repeatedly show up at the hospital having stopped breathing while at home, but alive at the hospital. After thorough examinations, there was nothing ever found wrong with any of her children. They would all end up dead later, having mysteriously stopped breathing. There would be no evidence of foul play or medical explanation for the deaths. However, upon the death of the 7th child, who was adopted, any theories of a genetic disorder were now thrown out and the investigations began. After her 8th child died, there was little question about her guilt. Captured in 1986, she admitted and to some degree retracted her guilt. Impact on Society: The murder of a child by a parent is an all-to-common event. However, Tinning killed her own children over a period of 13 years before being apprehended, shocking society. How He Died: Serving life in prison. Denied parole in 2007. Next hearing in 2011.

#25 Tommy Lynn Sells 1964 -		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: The numbers and the potential numbers strike fear into parents as his killings spread across the country. His crimes were vicious, cruel and against children. Confirmed Kills: 12 Suspected Kills: 70+ What He Did: He confessed to 12 murders and more attacks, including those that led to his capture in 1999. After breaking into a house, he killed a 13-year-old girl and slit the throat of a 10-year-old. The 10-year-old Krystal Surles, even with the life threatening wound survived. Her description of Sells led to his eventual capture. His confession included the detailed descriptions of his beatings and tortures of at least 12 people, mostly children form 1985-1999. Now on death row, Sells has confessed to as many as 70 murders. Impact on Society: Sells was a drifter and his killings were spread throughout the country. The numbers he killed are truly unknown and he killed for at least 14 years, serving as a testament to how difficult it can be to capture serial killers. How He Died: Apprehended in 2000. On death row in texas.

#26 Carl "Coral" Eugene Watts The Sunday Morning Slasher 1953 - 2007		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Again, a lengthy span of killings with a high number of deaths. He was convicted of 12 murders, but it is very much believed he was much more prolific. His 80 suspected murders are believed to be more of a likelihood. Confirmed Kills: 12 Suspected Kills: More than 80 What He Did: He began killing in 1974, kidnapping victims, torturing then murdering them. He is believed to have killed dozens of women for the next 8 years before his capture in 1982. He strangled, bludgeoned, drowned and stabbed them. Impact on Society: As part of a plea bargain, Watts received immunity for 12 murders and was nearly released from a Texas prison in 2006. However, a public plea led to new evidence, where he was tried and sentenced to life in Michigan, where he did not have immunity. How He Died: Died of prostate cancer while in prison.

#27 Fred West 1941 - 1945 & #28 Rose West 1953 -		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: They would lure trusting women into their England home, where they would then imprison, rape, torture and kill them. They also killed their own daughter. Murders based in trust. Confirmed Kills: 12 Suspected Kills: 12+ What They Did: Together, this couple killed from at least 1967-1987. First investigated for filming himself rape one of his daughters in 1992, the investigation fell apart, but it did lead to another suspicion, the West's missing daughter. In 1994, her bones were found buried beneath the patio. Rose was initially arrested on sexual assault charges and later murder. They would invite and hire young women, then brutally torture, rape and kill them. 12 crimes are known, but it is very likely to be many more. Impact on Society: Shocked England when discovered. This is yet another of how long and how horrific serial killers can commit their crimes for. Additionally, the thought that Rose West, who is undoubtedly guilty, could be released is appalling. How They Died: Fred West, suicide by hanging in 1995. Rose West, convicted of 10 murders, but never confessed as Fred West did, will be eligible for parole in 2019.

#29 Clifford Olson 1940 -		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Olson, terrorized Canada from 1980-1981, victimizing, raping, and killing children of various ages. Confirmed Kills: 11 Suspected Kills: 11 What He Did: Convicted of killing two children and 9 adolescents. His behavior, was also considered atypical for a serial killer as he targeted both boys and girls of varying ages. He would rape, strangle and bludgeon his victims who ranged in age from 9 - 18 years old. He was arrested in 1981 after an attempt to abduct 2 girls. He pleaded guilty to 11 murders in 1982. In a plea bargain, Olson agreed to show authorities the bodies of the missing victims. Impact on Society: In addition to his killings, Olson also claimed knowledge of the 9/11 attacks, and falsely claimed that the U.S. would grant him clemency for sharing this information. How He Died: In a Canadian prison, denied parole in 2006, now entitled to hearings ever 2 years. He has had three applications rejected, and as a dangerous offender is never likely to be released.

#30 Robert Pickton 1949 -		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Another serial killer from Canada. This pig farmer left a trail of violence in his wake in a Jack-the-Ripper-esque approach, killing prostitutes and drug additcs. Confirmed Kills: 6 Suspected Kills: 26-49 (tried for 27, convicted of 6) What He Did: Pickton is suspected of killing from (at least) 1997 to 2001. At the first day of his trial, Pickton said he wanted to kill one more to make it an even 50. An 18-month, $70 million excavation of Pickton's farms revealed the remains of 27 bodies, most of which were not able to be identified as it appears they had been first left out to be consumed by pigs and insects. Upon discovery, there was heavy decomposition. It is also suspected that human flesh was ground up with the pork manufactured at the farm. During his trial, 20 counts were dismissed, but if necessary can be tried again at a later date. Impact on Society: Grotesque and massive, resulting in the largest, most expensive murder investigation in Canadian history. How He Died: Convicted in 2006 to life, eligible for parole after 25 years in accordance with Canadian law. Likely to never be released, as he is considered a dangerous offender.

#31 Anthony Sowell 1959 -		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Recently captivated the media when he was arrested in Cleveland, Ohio and investigators continually turned up bodies over the following days. This splatter score could easily rise depending on what else investigators dig up. Confirmed Kills: 11 Suspected Kills: 11+ What He Did: Sowell was released from prison in 2005 after serving 15 years for attempted rape, where he strangled and nearly killed the victim. Sowell would lure his victims to his house, beat, rape and strangle them. Upon investigation, two bodies were found in the open, others in the crawl space and basement, and others buried on the property. The victims appear to have died from strangulation. Investigators are now looking into additional, similar crimes that remain unsolved. Impact on Society: Sowell shows that certain types of criminals never stop. Rapists continue to rape, and in this case worse. After serving 15 years in prison (having strangled the surviving victim), the severity of Sowell's crimes, have investigators wondering what may have happened previously, leading to re-opening of multiple cold cases involving strangulation and rape. How He Died: Under arrest.

#32 Butcher of Rostov: The Red Ripper Andrei Chikatilo 1936-1994		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Lesser known in America, but highly successful as a killer. Confirmed Kills: 52 Suspected Kills: 53 or more What He Did: Russian serial killer who had a traumatic childhood, experiencing the extremes of starvation to the Blitzkrieg in World War II. He would choke and stab his victims to achieve arousal, raping them while killing them. He killed and raped women ranging in ages from 7-45 years old. His trial took place in 1992 and was one of the first major events to be publically on display in post-Soviet Russia. Impact on Society: Inspired multiple movies. He is considered Russia's most prolific serial killer. How He Died: Execution by firing squad.

#33 Thug Behram 1765-1840		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Convinced people that what he was doing was just and right and lured many to join his cult. The pure number of murders is more than shocking. Confirmed Kills: 125 Suspected Kills: 931 What He Did: Leader of the the Thugee Cult in India. He strangled his victims with a ceremonial cloth. The 125 murders are confirmed by James Paton, who wrote a book about the Thugee Cult, in which Behram confessed to having taken part in 125 murders and witnessed at least 150 more. The Thugees were known murderers and robbers, but Behram, escalated his killings to a ritualistic practice, classifying him as serial. Impact on Society: While some consider Thugee a Religious cult, others consider it more closely related to a crime family. The numbers are staggering, making it unbelievable that someone can continue on, knowingly murdering for so long. The word thug is originally an Indian word, meaning conman. The Thugee Cult existed from sometime in the 17th century until the 1830s (there are indications that Thugee may have started as early as the 14th century). They were well-disciplined thieves and robbers who would remotely kill the victims of the caravans they robbed after first having posed as fellow travelers. Guinness credits them with more than 2,000,000 murders, while other researchers say it is probably more in the realm of 50,000. How He Died: Execution by hanging.

#34 Herbert Williams Mullin 1947 -		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: His first three murders involved "voices" commanding him; therefore, prosecutors did not focus on these, but rather the other 10, two of which showed premeditation. Confirmed Kills: 13 Suspected Kills: 13 What He Did: Mullin spent time in a mental institutions and heard voices in his head that told him murder was the only way to stop an impending earthquake, likely influenced by his birthday coinciding with the anniversary of the great San Francisco earthquake in 1906. He bludgeoned a vagrant with a baseball bat, and beat and stabbed hitchhikers. He also once went to confess his sins, instead, brutally beating and stabbing the priest to death. He further believed that a group of hippies were conspiring to keep him out of the marines leading him to kill a former high school drug supplier. Mullins also killed for teenage boys who were camping by shooting them to death. He was captured after shooting a man mowing his lawn. The murder took place in the day with multiple witnesses, leading to Mullin's nearly immediate arrest. Impact on Society: Interestingly, prosecutors did not attempt conviction on three of the crimes, as they wanted a murder conviction, where the three dropped murder charges would have given credibility to an insanity plea. How He Died: He is in prison in Ione, CA and is eligible for parole in 2025.

#35 Dennis Nilsen The Muswell Hill Murderer, or, The British Jeffery Dahmer 1945 -		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Like Dahmer, he confessed his crimes and seemed apologetic afterward. He is just as compelling to British society as Dahmer was to American. Dahmer, having been killed in the '90s now leaves less of a legacy to newer generation, whereas Nilsen, whose crimes were committed long before Dahmer, continually makes the news every few years. Confirmed Kills: 15 Suspected Kills: 15 What He Did: Referred to as The British Jeffery Dahmer, it should be more along the lines of Dahmer being the American Dennis Nilsen. It is known that Nilsen lured young men into his home from 1978-1982. Nilsen would pick up men in bars and homeless men, then strangle or drown them in the night. In the army, he served as a cook, and used his butchering skills on his dead victims. He dismembered and killed his victims, then kept their bodies around on which he performed sex acts. He was eventually caught after a plumbing company discovered human flesh clogging household drains. After his capture, he wasn't sure if there were 15 or 16 victims. Nilsen apologized to police for not knowing the exact number. Impact on Society: Multiple books have been written about Nilsen, and there is rumored to be a 400 page autobiography, where he details his life as a serial killer; however, the British Judicial Review denied its publication in 2003. The manuscript is entitled Memoirs of a Drowning Boy. How He Died: Apprehended in 1983, sentenced to life. In 2006, he was denied any further requests for parole.

#36 Gilles de Rais 1404 - 1440		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Rais was a respected member of the French aristocracy who committed atrocious crimes to an egregious number of victims. The reality is, this is probably worthy of a higher splatter, but the distance of time and discrepancy of kills skew the information. There is no doubt of Rais' cruelty and gruesome nature. Confirmed Kills: 80 Suspected Kills: 200+ (some place it closer to 800) What He Did: He began killing around 1832 after a career in the military. However, he was not discovered until 1440. At his trial, he claimed to have studied the occult and said the killings were to satisfy a demon of Satan. He was arrested after the kidnapping of a clergyman following a dispute. Investigation into the kidnapping revealed evidence of Rais' crimes of sodomy, murder and heresy. Parents came forward after his arrest claiming that their children had entered his castle and never returned. There were also multiple witnesses to his crimes. Rais pleaded guilty to avoid forthcoming torture. 40 bodies were discovered at his estate in Machecoul. Rais said that he sodomized the victims then either killed them himself or ordered their murders. Rais and his multiple accomplices would make the victims feel comforted then engage in acts of molestation prior to killing them. Methods of killing included beheading, cutting of throats and dismemberment. Rais also said that he would cut open his victims to admire the insides of their bodies. Historians agree that Rais had a minimum of 80 victims. Impact on Society: A companion of Joan of Arc, he is most known for being a serial killer of children. Claims of conspiracy against Rais for heresy have been made; however, historians show that the church and potential conspirators had little to gain. His assets did not go to the church, he confessed, bodies were found, and there were many witnesses and accomplices to his crimes. How He Died: Executed by hanging.

#37 H.H. Holmes 1861 - 1896		Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: Hotel owner who murdered victims while giving them the appearance of safety and security. Confirmed Kills: 9 convictions Suspected Kills: 27 (confessed); higher estimates claim 230 victims based on missing persons reports. What He Did: Holmes built a three-story hotel that later became known as the Murder Castle. Holmes killed the widow of a drugstore, claimed she moved to California and sold him the store. While some were suspicious, there was little that could be done to challenge the claim in 1886. He built his Murder Castle across the street from the drugstore. Many of his victims were women under his employ -- who by his command were forced to take out life insurance policies which Holmes would pay for but also be named the beneficent. He would also kill female guests. His victims were imprisoned, tortured, suffocated, dissected and stripped of flesh. He would carefully prepare their skeletons as models which were then sold to medical schools. His castle also revealed a stretching rack, pits of acid, and multiple furnaces. Furthermore, Holmes performed hundreds of illegal abortions within the castle. Abortion patients who died, would be processed and sold as skeletons to medical schools. Holmes left Chicago in 1894, hoping to find somewhere to construct a new castle. He likely continued to kill along the way, though this is impossible to prove. Holmes concocted a scheme to fake a cohorts death and collect the insurance money; however, the man was actually killed and Holmes suspected of his murder. His capture led to an investigation of his Chicago castle revealing the attrocities. Impact on Society: Notorious in its time, widely covered in the newspapers owned by William Randolph Hearst. His crimes were recently brought to light again in the 2003 best selling novel The Devil in the White City. How He Died: Execution by hanging.

#38 Beltway Sniper D.C. Sniper John Allen Muhammad 1960 - 2009 & #39 Lee Boyd Malvo 1985 -	Muhammad Malvo	Serial Killerz Splatter Score: Justification: A nation was held hostage for the month of October in 2002, as they watched and waited for the next sniper killing. Following the 9/11 attacks, the country felt vulnerable and scared, intensified by the D. C. Sniper. Confirmed Kills: 10 killed, 3 injured Suspected Kills: 21 + (11 additional murders are linked to them) What They Did: Muhammad seemed an unlikely serial killer. He served 7 years in the National Guard, joined the Nation of Islam and even provided security at the Million Man March. Muhammad was twice divorced and his partner Lee Boyd Malvo's defense claimed Muhammad's goal was to kill one of his ex-wives so he could regain custody of their children. Muhammad preached approval for the 9/11 attacks and told Malvo they would create a black nation. Although often called the D.C. Sniper, most of the attacks took place in Maryland and Virginia. Ballistics and witnesses led to Muhammad being convicted of 6 of the murders and linked to others. Upon their capture and at their trial, Malvo, only 17, revealed Muhammad's three-part plan. First, the goal was to kill six white people a day for 30 days to terrorize the nation, but this proved to complicated. Second, part two involved moving the killings to Baltimore where they would begin by killing a pregnant woman and a police officer. Finally, they would extort millions of dollars from the government, which they could use for the recruitment of additional shooters in Canada. After multiple trials, Malvo was convicted of 6 murders and was sentenced to 6 consecutive life sentences. Malvo confessed to 4 additional murders with Mohammad, claiming they began their killings months beforehand in California. Impact on Society: These murders gripped and terrorized a nation just as Muhammad had hoped. They were mysterious and frightening, reminding a post-9/11 America, that they were again vulnerable. How They Died: Muhammad, executed by lethal injection. Malvo, serving consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.