10 Serial Killers In Connecticut That Shook The State's History
Explore the disturbing cases of 10 serial killers in Connecticut, from Amy Archer-Gilligan to William Devin Howell. Learn how these crimes changed the state forever.
Jul 27, 202512.7K Shares192.5K Views
Connecticut is known for its quiet towns, historic charm, and peaceful neighborhoods. But behind that calm image lies a darker side of the state’s past. Over the years, Connecticut has been home to some of the most shocking serial killer cases in the country. These crimes left families heartbroken and communities shaken. From poisonings in the 1800s to brutal killings in recent decades, the state has seen a range of disturbing cases. This article shares the true stories of 10 serial killers in Connecticut, who they were, what they did, and how their crimes were uncovered.
1. Amy Archer-Gilligan
Amy Archer Gilliganran a nursing home in Windsor, Connecticut in the early 1900s. She poisoned her elderly patients with arsenic. At least five deaths were proven, but investigators believed there could have been many more. She was arrested in 1916 and later found guilty of second-degree murder. Her case inspired the play Arsenic and Old Lace.
2. Michael Bruce Ross
Michael Bruce Rosswas active during the 1980s and became known as the “Roadside Strangler.” He murdered at least eight young women across Connecticut and nearby states. Ross was well-educated and even attended Cornell University. He was sentenced to death in 1987 and was executed in 2005, becoming the first person executed in Connecticut in over 40 years.
3. William Devin Howell
William Devin Howellis considered the most prolific serial killer in Connecticuthistory. He murdered seven people in 2003 and buried their remains behind a strip mall in West Hartford. The victims were mostly women, and some were never reported missing. He was arrested in 2005 and later confessed to all seven killings. He is serving a 360-year prison sentence.
4. Emanuel Lovell Webb
Emanuel Lovell Webbkilled several people, including women, during the early 1990s. His crimes happened in both Connecticut and New Jersey. He was convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to life in prison. Webb was known for targeting women in isolated areas.
5. Lydia Sherman
Lydia Shermanwas active in the 1800s and is one of Connecticut’s earliest known female serial killers. She poisoned three of her husbands and at least six children using arsenic. She was arrested in 1871 and died in prison in 1878. Her case was widely reported in newspapers at the time.
6. Richard Tobias Delage
Richard Tobias Delagecommitted his crimes in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was convicted of killing a teenage girl in Connecticut. Years later, he was linked to other murders through investigation. Delage was a quiet man with a troubled background. He is currently serving a life sentence.
7. Harold W. Meade
Harold W Meadewas active in the 1960s. He was a bus driver and killed at least three young boys in Connecticut. He used blunt force trauma and buried the bodies in wooded areas. Meade was arrested in 1970 and later sentenced to life in prison.
8. Robert Frederick Carr III
Robert Frederick Carrwas involved in a series of kidnappings and murders in the 1970s. He confessed to killing several young boys across different states, including Connecticut. He was arrested in Florida and later confessed to more crimes. He died in prison in 2007.
9. Robert Jimmy White Jr.
Robert Whitewas active in the early 2000s. He targeted women, and one of his crimes took place in Connecticut. He was later connected to other violent crimes. He was caught after DNA evidence matched him to a murder case. He received a long prison sentence.
10. Matthew Steven Johnson
Matthew Steven Johnsoncommitted several violent murders in Connecticut during the 2000s. His victims included women and elderly people. He was arrested after a police investigation connected him to multiple crime scenes. Johnson was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
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