David Carpenter

David Carpenter, known as the "Trailside Killer," is an American serial killer responsible for a series of murders in California during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He targeted victims in remote park areas, often attacking hikers along trails. Carpenter was eventually arrested and convicted of multiple murders, receiving a death sentence. His case remains notable for the fear it instilled among outdoor communities and the extensive manhunt that led to his capture.

David Carpenter

📁Profile

full_name:

David Joseph Carpenter

sex:

male_killer

nationality:

american

mortality:

alive

⚖️Criminal Profile

criminal_status:

death_row

Death Sentence

Sentence

Death Row

Status

No Further Event

Outcome

The Trailside Killer: David Carpenter (Born To Kill) Our Life (2022)

The documentary examines the life and crimes of David Carpenter, the serial killer known as the Trailside Killer, who terrorised hiking trails around the San Francisco Bay Area between 1979 and 1981. It explores his background, psychological profile, and the investigation that ended his killing spree.

David Carpenter: The Stuttering Trailside Killer Who Terrorized San Francisco Parks True Lives (2023)

16 July 2023

49 min

@TrueLivesITVS

David Carpenter: The Stuttering Trailside Killer Who Terrorized San Francisco Parks True Lives (2023)

The documentary explores the crimes of David Carpenter, the Trailside Killer, who murdered hikers across Northern California between 1979 and 1981. It examines his attacks on remote trails, the extensive manhunt to identify him, and the investigation that brought his deadly killing spree to an end.

David Carpenter: The Trailside Killer (2023)

24 July 2023

38 min

@thisisMONSTERS

David Carpenter: The Trailside Killer (2023)

The documentary explores David Carpenter's evolution into the Trailside Killer, examining his early criminal behaviour, escalating sexual violence, and attacks on hikers across Northern California. It follows the investigation that linked the murders, identified Carpenter, and brought his years-long killing spree to an end.