Famous Serial Killers Caught by DNA
Serial killers have long fascinated the public, and their crimes have left a lasting impact on society. Over the years, various investigative techniques and advancements in forensic science have helped authorities solve many cold cases. One of the most groundbreaking tools for catching these criminals has been the use of DNA evidence. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most notorious serial killers that were brought to justice thanks to DNA.
Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy, one of America’s most notorious serial killers, terrorized the country in the 1970s. Bundy was known for his charm, good looks, and manipulative nature, which allowed him to lure his victims into his trap.
Bundy’s killing spree spanned several states, and he was connected to at least 30 homicides. However, it wasn’t until DNA analysis became a viable method of identification that strong evidence could tie him to the crimes. In 1978, semen samples recovered from Bundy’s victims were compared to his DNA, resulting in a match that ultimately led to his conviction and later execution.
Jeffrey Dahmer
Jeffrey Dahmer, also known as the Milwaukee Cannibal, was a serial killer who preyed on young men and boys between 1978 and 1991. Dahmer’s gruesome crimes involved rape, dismemberment, and necrophilia.
It was DNA evidence that ultimately led to Dahmer’s downfall. In 1991, one of Dahmer’s intended victims managed to escape and contacted the police. When authorities arrived at Dahmer’s apartment, they discovered photos of dismembered bodies and evidence of his cannibalistic activities. DNA testing was conducted on the remains found in his apartment, which confirmed the identities of the victims and provided crucial evidence for his conviction.
The Golden State Killer
The Golden State Killer, also known as the East Area Rapist and the Original Night Stalker, terrorized California during the 1970s and 1980s. The suspect committed at least 12 murders, more than 50 sexual assaults, and over 100 burglaries.
For decades, authorities were unable to identify the Golden State Killer, but in 2018, DNA analysis finally led to a breakthrough. Investigators used an online genealogy database to compare DNA found at a crime scene with DNA from relatives registered in the database. This technique helped identify the suspect as former police officer Joseph James DeAngelo. DNA evidence played a crucial role in connecting DeAngelo to the crimes committed over four decades earlier.
The Grim Sleeper
The Grim Sleeper, a nickname given to Lonnie Franklin Jr., was an active serial killer in South Central Los Angeles from the 1980s to 2010. Franklin targeted primarily African-American women, and his crimes were characterized by rape, torture, and murder.
Despite a long list of victims, Franklin managed to elude capture for decades. It wasn’t until his son was arrested on an unrelated charge that investigators were able to use familial DNA searching. The genetic evidence obtained from Franklin’s son matched DNA collected from the Grim Sleeper’s victims, ultimately leading to Franklin’s arrest and conviction.
The BTK Killer
Dennis Rader, also known as the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) Killer, terrorized Wichita, Kansas, for over 30 years. Rader’s crimes, characterized by a signature of binding and torturing his victims before ultimately killing them, left the community in fear.
The BTK Killer taunted authorities for years through letters and puzzles, but it wasn’t until advances in DNA technology allowed investigators to link Rader to the crimes. In 2004, investigators collected DNA evidence from Rader’s daughter’s pap smear and used it to conclusively match DNA found at the crime scenes. The use of familial DNA searching played a significant role in finally capturing Rader and bringing an end to his reign of terror.
Conclusion
DNA evidence has proven to be an invaluable tool in catching serial killers who previously went undetected. The advancements in DNA analysis, combined with the dedication of investigators and the collaboration with genetic genealogy databases, have led to the identification and capture of numerous infamous killers.
The cases of Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, the Golden State Killer, the Grim Sleeper, and the BTK Killer serve as a testament to the power of DNA evidence in solving cold cases. These serial killers may have once thought they were invincible, but thanks to DNA analysis, their reign of terror came to an end, providing justice for their victims and closure for the communities affected by their heinous crimes.
