Brief Summary of High Profile Cases of Infamous Criminals

The Zodiac Killer – (1970s and 1980s) The Zodiac Killer was a whose brutal , cryptic letters and haunting phone calls terrorized northern residents in 1970s and 1980s. Challenged investigators for over 30 years. There were a total of 37 murders and killer wrote letters to the news media.

The 'Mississippi Burning' Case 1964 – Sheriff’s Deputies were involved Three civil rights workers vanished one night in Mississippi, their bodies later discovered buried in a dam site. Nineteen Klu Klux Klan members were arrested in connection to the three men's . The sheriff was linked to the KKK, the mayor hung himself when charged and the sheriff was acquitted at trial.

Charles Manson – (1960s) In the late 1960s, he and some of his followers became involved in torture and murder. Most notably were the murders of actress Sharon Tate who was eight months pregnant and four others at her home, along with the murders of Leon and Rosemary LaBianca in County.

Jonestown Massacre – (November 1978) Over 900 people died after they were ordered by leader, Jim Jones, to drink cyanide-poisoned punch or face being shot by the Peoples Temple guards in Guyana. Their temple had moved from a temple in San Francisco, California to the Caribbean and Jim Jones was being investigated by the US government.

Angelo Buono - The – (1977) Angelo Buono, Jr. was, along with his cousin , one of the Hillside Stranglers who went on a two month , torture and murder spree in 1977 in the hills of Los Angeles, California. Victims between 12 and 28 years of age were killed by cyanide poisoning.

Serial Killer Ted Bundy – (1974-1978) He was attractive, smart, and had a future in politics. He was also one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history. Bundy screamed his innocent until his death in the electric chair was imminent. Committed at least 36 followed by murder by often faking an injury and luring women into his car asking for help.

Richard Ramirez - The Night Stalker – (1984 to 1985) Satanic worshipper, serial killer and rapist, Richard Ramirez, was named The Night Stalker, after terrorizing Los Angeles during a year-long killing and rape spree that resulted in his conviction of 43 counts, including 13 murders and other charges including burglary, sodomy, and rape.

John Wayne Gacy the "Killer Clown" – Chicago, Illinois (1972-1978) John Wayne Gacy was convicted of the torture, rape and murder of 33 men between 1972 until his arrest in 1978. He was dubbed the "Killer Clown" because he entertained kids at parties as "Pogo The Clown." Police found 26 of his victims buried in a crawl space under his house.

David Berkowitz - The Son of Sam: (1976-1977) David Berkowitz, better known as Son of Sam, is an infamous 1970s City serial killer who killed six people and wounded several others because a demon neighbor dog told him to do it.

Donald Harvey - the Angel of Death: 1960s and 1970s Serial killer Donald Harvey is responsible for killing 36 to 57 people, many of who were patients at hospitals where he was employed. Called the "Angel of Death" Donald Harvey killed for 17 years before he was arrested and confessed to the murders. He claims to have killed 87 people.

Gary Ridgway - The Green River Killer: Seattle, – (1982-1998) Gary Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer, went on a killing spree from 1982 until 1998, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history. It was believed he was responsible for 48 murders.