HH Holmes was America’s first serial killer. He was convicted of nine murders, although he confessed to 27 murders. His murders occurred in the 1890s.
Although you can be sure, that there were serial killers in America before HH Holmes, but it was around this time, when official records were actually being kept, and whatever happened previously to that, is anybody’s guess.
The USA has produced about 75% of the world serial killers. Great Britain, produces about 28% of all the serial killers in Europe.
At any given time currently, there are at least 50 active serial killers in the United States. A lot of them go unnoticed because their victims are typically, runaways, prostitutes, street people, etc., and these types of victims are typically people who are “off the radar”, and therefore, it takes a long time before they are reported missing.
There are many serial killings that have yet to be resolved. They go into the case for the “unsolved serial killers” cases.
One such case is the “The Zodiac Killer”. During the late 60s and early 70s, The Zodiac Killer created a series of killings in Northern California. (I grew up in the Sacramento area of Northern California during that time, and I vividly remember the news reports depicting these horrific random acts of murder that took place during that time) About seven killings have been attributed to him, although he has sent letters and messages to authorities, claiming at least 37 victims.
Another unsolved serial killing, is the “Original Night Stalker”. Again, in California, in the 70s, The Original Night Stalker roamed and picked off about 50 victims.
Another is the “Twin Cities Killer”, in Minneapolis. 34 victims were attributed to this killer.
The “I-45 Killer”, in which at least 35 victims were attributed to this killer, who operated between Houston and Galveston Texas.
And, there are so many, many more in this book.
This book is a nice (sic!) collection of serial killings throughout history, and primarily in the United States. The author goes into some detail, but fortunately for us, not all of the details over the last couple hundred years are available, as they occurred throughout the world.
Even though there are at latest calculations, dozens and dozens of active serial killers in the US currently, they are much easier to catch in this day and age thanks to social media, computers, improved technology, video surveillance and forensics, than ever before. Whew!!! That’s a good thing!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
