Randy Steven Kraft became one of America's most infamous serial killers after murdering at least 16 young men and boys across California, Oregon, and Michigan between 1972 and 1983. Often referred to as the "Scorecard Killer" because of a coded list discovered in his possession after his arrest, Kraft is suspected by investigators of murdering more than 60 victims. Convicted of 16 murders, he was sentenced to death in California, where he remains incarcerated.
Early Life
Randy Steven Kraft was born on March 19, 1945, in Long Beach, California. The youngest of four children, he was regarded as an intelligent student and graduated from high school with strong academic results.
Kraft attended Claremont Men's College, where he studied economics before briefly serving in the United States Air Force. He later worked as a computer programmer, maintaining steady employment while concealing his criminal activities.
Friends and colleagues generally viewed Kraft as quiet, intelligent, and dependable, characteristics that allowed him to avoid suspicion for many years.
Killing Spree
Between 1972 and 1983, investigators concluded Kraft targeted young men, teenage boys, military personnel, hitchhikers, and others travelling alone throughout Southern California and neighbouring states.
Authorities linked him to at least 16 murders through forensic evidence presented at trial. However, investigators believe Kraft may have murdered more than 60 victims based on similarities between unsolved cases and a coded document discovered after his arrest.
Many victims remained unidentified for years, and several have only recently been identified through advances in DNA analysis and forensic genealogy.
Modus Operandi
Investigators determined Kraft generally approached victims in bars, along highways, or while they were hitchhiking before transporting them in his vehicle.
Following the murders, victims were abandoned in remote locations throughout California and neighbouring states. Detectives found evidence suggesting the crimes occurred over many years while Kraft maintained an outwardly ordinary lifestyle.
After his arrest, investigators discovered a coded document known as the "Scorecard," containing dozens of cryptic entries believed to correspond to victims or murder locations. Although many entries have been linked to known victims, others remain unsolved.
Capture
On May 14, 1983, California Highway Patrol officers stopped Kraft for erratic driving in Orange County.
Inside the passenger seat of his vehicle, officers discovered the body of 25-year-old Terry Gambrel. The traffic stop immediately triggered a homicide investigation.
Subsequent searches of Kraft's home uncovered forensic evidence, photographs, personal belongings belonging to victims, and the infamous "Scorecard," linking him to numerous unsolved murders.
Trial & Sentence
Randy Kraft stood trial in Orange County, California, beginning in 1988.
Prosecutors presented extensive forensic evidence connecting him to 16 murders. The jury convicted Kraft on all counts.
In 1989, he was sentenced to death. He remains incarcerated on California's death row while continuing to maintain his innocence.
Notes
The discovery of Kraft's "Scorecard" remains one of the most intriguing pieces of evidence in American criminal history. Investigators continue attempting to decipher every entry and determine whether each represents an additional victim.
Kraft is frequently compared with fellow California serial killers Patrick Kearney and William Bonin because all three targeted young male victims during roughly the same period, leading investigators to initially struggle separating their crimes.
Today, Randy Kraft remains one of America's most prolific suspected serial killers. Advances in forensic genealogy continue to identify previously unknown victims and assist investigators in resolving cold cases linked to him.
Quotes
"I didn't kill anybody."— Randy Kraft
"The evidence is wrong."— Randy Kraft
Media
📺 Documentaries / TV Series
Born to Kill?
Examines Randy Kraft's murders, the "Scorecard," and the investigation that identified one of California's most prolific serial killers.
Very Scary People
Profiles Kraft's criminal history, victim selection, and the forensic evidence leading to his conviction.
Most Evil
Explores Kraft's psychological profile, the coded "Scorecard," and the murders committed across California.
The New Detectives
Examines the traffic stop, forensic investigation, and the evidence that linked Kraft to multiple murders.
🎥 Major Video Interviews
California Highway Patrol and Orange County investigators
Authorities discussed the traffic stop, discovery of Terry Gambrel, forensic evidence, the "Scorecard," and the serial murder investigation.
Courtroom coverage
Media examined forensic testimony, witness evidence, the coded document, guilty verdicts, and Kraft's death sentence.
🎙️ Podcasts
Casefile
Examined Randy Kraft's murders, the "Scorecard," and the investigation.
Last Podcast on the Left
Covered Kraft's crimes, psychological profile, and the ongoing effort to identify additional victims.
Generation Why
Discussed the investigation, forensic evidence, and California's "Scorecard Killer."
Morbid
Examined Kraft's crimes, victim identification, and the significance of the coded "Scorecard."
📰 Written Media Coverage
The Randy Kraft case received extensive media coverage from:
Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, Associated Press, CBS News, NBC News, ABC News, Court TV, The New York Times
Major themes included:
Randy Kraft, Scorecard Killer, Terry Gambrel, California Highway Patrol, serial murder, coded scorecard, unidentified victims, forensic genealogy, death row, and one of California's most prolific suspected serial killers.
