American Killers

Herman Webster Mudgett, better known as H.H. Holmes, became one of America's earliest infamous serial killers after carrying out a series of murders during the late nineteenth century. Operating from a specially designed building in Chicago that later became known as the "Murder Castle," Holmes used deception, fraud, and false identities to lure victims. Although he confessed to 27 murders before his execution, historians believe the true number of victims remains uncertain. His case remains one of the most famous in American criminal history.

Hadden Irving Clark became one of America's most infamous convicted murderers after killing six-year-old Michelle Dorr in 1986 and Laura Houghteling in 1992. Known for his erratic behaviour, cross-dressing, and extensive claims that he committed numerous additional murders, Clark has remained a controversial figure in criminal investigations. While many of his confessions have never been corroborated, his two confirmed murders continue to attract significant attention from investigators and true crime researchers.

Herbert William Mullin became one of California's most infamous serial killers after murdering 13 people in and around Santa Cruz between October 1972 and February 1973. Mullin later claimed he believed the killings were necessary to prevent catastrophic earthquakes, a delusion linked to severe mental illness. His short but deadly murder spree ended with his arrest in February 1973, and his case remains one of the most widely studied examples of psychosis and serial homicide in the United States.

Ian Rich became known in Ohio criminal history after carrying out a targeted drive-by shooting on Interstate 77 that killed David Perez and seriously wounded Jacqueline Perez on April 28, 2024. Prosecutors alleged Rich deliberately followed the couple from Newburgh Heights before pulling alongside their vehicle and firing multiple gunshots. He later pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, attempted murder, and firearms offences, receiving a prison sentence of 40 to 46½ years. The case attracted significant attention because of the seemingly unprovoked nature of the attack and subsequent claims regarding Rich's mental health and drug use.

Israel Keyes became one of America's most infamous serial killers after carrying out a series of meticulously planned murders across multiple states between 2001 and 2012. Unlike many serial offenders, Keyes travelled extensively, buried "kill kits" years in advance, and deliberately selected victims with no personal connection to him. Although he confessed to eight murders, investigators believe the true number of victims may never be known due to his suicide before revealing the full extent of his crimes.

Justin Jason Keeding, widely known as the “Little Merchant Killer,” became one of the more notorious robbery-murder offenders of the early twentieth century after being linked to violent attacks against rural merchants and storekeepers. Operating during the 1920s, Keeding allegedly targeted isolated business owners in smaller communities, earning his nickname through repeated attacks connected to robbery and financial gain. The case generated significant regional media attention during the era because of the fear surrounding traveling offenders targeting small-town businesses. Authorities portrayed Keeding as a violent drifter willing to kill during robberies, while newspapers sensationalized the crimes through dramatic reporting common during the period. His eventual death in 1926 closed a violent criminal chapter that remained part of regional crime history for years afterward.

James Craig is an American dentist convicted in connection with the 2023 murder of his wife in Colorado. The case gained widespread attention due to the method used and the contrast between his professional image and the nature of the offence. Craig was later found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. His case is often cited as an example of calculated domestic homicide involving poisoning.

James Huberty was an American mass murderer responsible for the 1984 San Ysidro McDonald's massacre in California. He opened fire inside the restaurant, killing multiple people and injuring many others. Huberty was shot and killed by police at the scene. The attack shocked the nation and led to increased attention on mass shootings and public safety measures in the United States.