There’s something in all of us that’s at least somewhat drawn to the macabre and the sinister, and it doesn’t get much more macabre and sinister than serial murders, especially unsolved ones.
Throughout history, some criminals have managed to elude justice, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and grieving families. These unsolved serial murders continue to baffle investigators and fascinate the public, often becoming the stuff of urban legends. From the foggy streets of Victorian London to modern-day metropolises, these cases span decades and continents.
Jack the Ripper
Jack the Ripper terrorized London’s Whitechapel district in 1888, brutally killing at least five women. The killer’s identity remains unknown despite numerous theories and suspects over the years. The Ripper’s gruesome modus operandi and taunting letters to the police have made this case one of the most infamous unsolved mysteries in criminal history.
Zodiac Killer
The Zodiac Killer operated in Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This unidentified serial killer claimed to have murdered 37 people, though investigators have only confirmed seven victims. The Zodiac gained notoriety by sending taunting letters and cryptograms to local newspapers, some of which remain unsolved to this day.
The Monster of Florence
Between 1968 and 1985, an unidentified serial killer murdered 16 people in the province of Florence, Italy. The killer targeted couples in secluded areas and performed ritualistic mutilations on the female victims. Despite extensive investigations and several arrests, the true identity of the Monster of Florence remains a mystery.
The Axeman of New Orleans
From 1918 to 1919, a serial killer known as the Axeman terrorized New Orleans. The killer broke into homes and attacked sleeping victims with an axe. In one bizarre twist, the Axeman sent a letter to a newspaper promising to spare anyone playing jazz music on a specific night, leading to a city-wide jazz party.
The Cleveland Torso Murderer
Between 1935 and 1938, a serial killer in Cleveland, Ohio, murdered and dismembered at least 12 victims. The killer targeted mostly drifters and homeless people, making identification of the victims difficult. Despite the efforts of famed detective Eliot Ness, the Torso Murderer was never caught.
The Servant Girl Annihilator
In 1884 and 1885, Austin, Texas was terrorized by a serial killer known as the Servant Girl Annihilator. The killer murdered eight people, mostly female servants, in brutal attacks that often involved an axe. Some researchers believe this killer may have later become London’s Jack the Ripper, though this theory remains unproven.
The Long Island Serial Killer
Since 2010, the remains of at least 10 people have been found along Ocean Parkway on Long Island, New York. The victims were mostly escorts who advertised on Craigslist. Despite ongoing investigations, the identity of the Long Island Serial Killer, also known as the Craigslist Ripper, remains unknown.
The Freeway Phantom
Between 1971 and 1972, six young African American girls were abducted and murdered in Washington D.C. Their bodies were found along freeways, earning the killer the nickname “Freeway Phantom.” One victim was found with a taunting note from the killer, but despite this clue, the case remains unsolved.
The Doodler
In the mid-1970s, a serial killer targeted gay men in San Francisco. The killer would sketch his victims before attacking them, earning him the nickname “The Doodler.” At least 14 murders and 3 assaults are attributed to this unidentified killer. Despite having a suspect, fear of outing victims in the gay community hindered the investigation.
The West Mesa Bone Collector
In 2009, the remains of 11 women were discovered buried in Albuquerque’s West Mesa. The victims were working girls and addicts who had disappeared between 2001 and 2005. Despite extensive investigation, the identity of the killer, dubbed the West Mesa Bone Collector, remains unknown.
The Connecticut River Valley Killer
Between 1978 and 1987, a serial killer murdered at least seven women in New Hampshire and Vermont. The victims were stabbed multiple times and their throats were slashed. Despite several suspects and an extensive investigation, the identity of the Connecticut River Valley Killer remains a mystery.
The Oakland County Child Killer
From 1976 to 1977, at least four children were abducted and murdered in Oakland County, Michigan. The killer held the victims for days before killing them and leaving their bodies in public places. Despite one of the largest police task forces in U.S. history, the case remains unsolved.
The Frankford Slasher
Between 1985 and 1990, a serial killer terrorized the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia. The killer targeted middle-aged women, stabbing them to death and mutilating their bodies. Despite eight confirmed victims and a strong suspect, the case of the Frankford Slasher was never officially solved.
The Phantom Killer of Texarkana
In 1946, an unidentified serial killer terrorized the twin cities of Texarkana, Texas and Arkansas. Known as the “Phantom Killer” or “Moonlight Murderer,” this assailant attacked eight people, killing five. The case inspired the movie “The Town That Dreaded Sundown” but remains unsolved.
The Colonial Parkway Killer
Between 1986 and 1989, at least eight people were murdered along Virginia’s Colonial Parkway. The victims were found in pairs, leading investigators to believe they were targeted couples. Despite extensive investigations, the identity of the Colonial Parkway Killer remains unknown.
The Redhead Murders
From 1978 to 1992, a series of unsolved homicides occurred along major highways in the United States. The victims were primarily young women with red or reddish hair, leading to the nickname “The Redhead Murders.” At least six murders are believed to be connected, but the true number could be higher.
The Smiley Face Killer Theory
This controversial theory suggests that a group of serial killers may be responsible for the deaths of hundreds of college-aged men found in bodies of water across the Midwest and Northeast United States. While many officials dispute this theory, proponents point to smiley face graffiti found near some of the recovery sites as potential evidence.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
