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Round-ups of the most brutal serial killers in documented history operating in countries all over the world, from faraway lands to places right in your own backyard.

Serial Killer Planet

True Crime

While they might not be as well known in the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/united-states?ref=internalCrossLinking_tag">United States</a>, there are plenty of Middle Eastern serial killers that terrified countries like Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Turkey over the years. While these <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/serial-killers-from-other-countries/christopher-myers" target="_blank">foreign killers</a> may feel unfamiliar to you, they're certainly familiar in other parts of the globe,&nbsp;showing that human evil is not bound to a specific place or region. These murderers from the Middle East come with some bone chilling tales.&nbsp;Why are serial killers so fascinating? Part of the reason is their seemingly compulsive desire for violence, often coupled with a complete lack of clear motivation. Notable serial killers make people ponder the nature of humanity and whether some people are simply born evil. These Iraqi, Egyptian, Iranian, and Turkish serial killers will leave you chilled at just how uncaring some people can be. To learn more, browse this Middle Eastern serial killer list.&nbsp;

The Most Brutal Serial Killers from the Middle East

Person

11 Famous Middle Eastern Serial Killers

Ranker Crime

These famous Nordic serial killers made their mark throughout Scandinavia as well as Finland and Iceland.&nbsp;While the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/united-states?ref=internalCrossLinking_tag">United States</a> is considered the serial killer <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/united-states-serial-killer-capital-of-the-world/april-a-taylor" target="_blank">capital of the world</a>, there are <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/lesser-known-serial-killers/jessika-gilbert" target="_blank">little known serial killers</a> across the globe. While these names may not be familiar to you, the&nbsp;killers below terrified their home countries with their various reigns of terror.&nbsp;From Denmark to Norway, serial killers horrify worldwide. There is an understandable public fascination with serial killers as their crimes often lack any logical motivation, making people wonder about the nature of the human psyche and humankind's capacity for violence. Murderers from Scandinavia and other Nordic countries are no different. These Finnish, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish killers are notable for their lack of regard for human life.&nbsp;From murderous nurses to killers who committed random acts of violence, browse this list to learn more about Nordic and Scandinavian serial killers.

The Most Brutal Nordic Serial Killers

8 Famous Nordic Serial Killers You Should Know About

Italian serial killers are as infamous in their home countries as figures like Ted Bundy and John Wayne&nbsp;Gacy&nbsp;are in the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/united-states?ref=internalCrossLinking_tag">United States</a>. Given the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/united-states-serial-killer-capital-of-the-world/april-a-taylor" target="_blank">high rate of serial killers</a>&nbsp;in the United States, people often forget that other countries house their own monstrous murderers. This Italian serial killer list outlines some of the most gruesome murderers Italy has ever seen.&nbsp;A serial killer's motivation is always a source of public curiosity, as such brutal crimes leave people questioning&nbsp;humankind's capability for evil. The notable Italian serial killers listed below carried out&nbsp;various gruesome acts for a variety of reasons. Some were&nbsp;motivated&nbsp;by money while others were driven by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/serlal-killers-and-murderers-who-thought-they-were-gods/laura-allan" target="_blank">their own delusions</a>. Perhaps scariest of all are those murderers who carried out acts of violence for no discernable reason. To learn more, read the list below.&nbsp;

The Most Brutal Italian Serial Killers

The 9 Most Famous Italian Serial Killers

While not necessarily well known abroad, these Scottish serial killers are&nbsp;notorious in their home country. Serial killers have a natural tendency to attract public attention and spark a lot of debate. Due to the often compulsive nature of their crimes, the public is left pondering the idea of nature versus nurture. Are some people simply born murderers or do environmental factors turn&nbsp;someone into a killer?&nbsp;Whatever you believe, you can browse this list of famous Scottish serial killers to broaden your knowledge of their grisly&nbsp;brand of crime.&nbsp;

The United States is considered the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/united-states-serial-killer-capital-of-the-world/april-a-taylor" target="_blank">serial killer capital&nbsp;of the world</a>&nbsp;due to the high rate of serial killers in the country. However, serial murderers from Scotland are just as well known in the country as figures like <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-john-wayne-gacy/amandasedlakhevener" target="_blank">John Wayne&nbsp;Gacy</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/twisted-jeffrey-dahmer-crimes/amandasedlakhevener" target="_blank">Jeffrey&nbsp;Dahmer</a>&nbsp;are in the United States. These&nbsp;horrific killers often put their victims through prolonged torture prior to killing and were motivated by everything from monetary gain&nbsp;to a pure desire for violence.&nbsp;

Scotland's Most Brutal Serial Killers

The 7 Most Famous Scottish Serial Killers

While everyone knows <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-people-named-john/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">names like John</a> Wayne&nbsp;Gacy&nbsp;and Ted Bundy, have you ever wondered about international serial killers? As they're <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/lesser-known-serial-killers/jessika-gilbert" target="_blank">lesser known killers</a> in the United States, you've probably never heard of the&nbsp;Spanish serial killers listed below, although their crimes often matched the brutality of <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/worst-serial-killers/tool100" target="_blank">American murderers</a>. Famous in their home countries&nbsp;- or, if you prefer, infamous - these serial killers captured the public's attention. Like all mass murderers, serial killers from Spain transfix and terrify people as they illustrate the profound human capability for cruelty.&nbsp;Notable Spanish serial killers often did more than merely murder their victims. The men and women below were known for their&nbsp;bizarre mutilation of corpses, chilling motivations, and other disturbing traits. If you're interested in the history of murder in Spain, read over this list.

The Most Brutal Spanish Serial Killers

The 11 Most Famous Spanish Serial Killers

Serial killers have always been as fascinating as they are gruesome as the psychology behind this brand of murderer is so poorly understood. The question of what makes a <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/serial-killers-who-seemed-the-most-normal/ranker-crime" target="_blank">serial killer</a> makes people want to create profiles of such personality types. Sometimes lumping serial killers by location can help see if any specific environmental factors affect someone's predisposition to becoming a killer. However, no clear trends or causes have ever been precisely pinpointed. These famous Brazilian serial killers all had alleged reasons for their killing sprees. Ranging from the desire for vigilante justice to a quest to stay young forever, these murderers only shared trait appears to be they came from the same country.&nbsp; &nbsp;Notable Brazilian <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/kind-serial-killers/harrison-tenpas" target="_blank">serial killers</a> range greatly in terms of method, age, and number of victims. Some of the people&nbsp;below started killing in their teenage years or younger. Shockingly, some killers racked up 100-plus victims before being apprehended. To learn more, browse this list.&nbsp;

The Most Brutal Brazilian Serial Killers

Famous Brazilian Serial Killers | List of Murderers from Brazil

Some killers went so far as to kill themselves, too. Several notable killer suicides have shocked the world. Many of these murderers who killed themselves did so after being captured for their crimes, while others committed suicide to evade arrest.Who are some famous killers who committed suicide? On Dec. 14, 2012, Adam Lanza shot and killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT. He then killed himself, before police could apprehend him on the scene.&nbsp;Columbine shooters&nbsp;Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold also committed suicide following their murder spree in 1999.Over a few months in 1997, Andrew Cunanan killed at least five people, including fashion designer Gianni Versace. A little over a week after he killed Versace, Cunanan&nbsp;used the same gun to shoot himself in the head. His body was found in a houseboat in Miami.Are you surprised that so many killers have committed suicide? Take a look at this list and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Famous Killers Who Committed Suicide

Killers Who Committed Suicide | List of Murderers Who Killed Themselves

Sometimes, the identity of the offender overshadows the details of the transgression itself. Why did no one see this coming?

Shockingly Bad People

Criminals

When you&nbsp;picture a criminal, chances are you aren't thinking of someone physically handicapped. You might be surprised to learn that several individuals with disabilities have been arrested over the years. Some of these physically disabled criminals committed white collar crimes, while others have allegedly been involved in violent crimes like murder.Who is the most famous among these handicapped criminals? Oscar Pistorius might be the most notorious individual on this list. Pistorius first gained recognition when he became the first amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics in 2012. Three years later, Pistorius was found guilty of murder after he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp multiple times through the bathroom door. Pistorius claimed that he believed that an intruder was locked in the bathroom, rather than Steenkamp.In 2005, paraplegic Juan Romero Robles was accused of stealing a woman's driver's license, threatening to kill her if she went to the police, and trying to steal a man's watch and shoes. Robles faces up to life in prison for his alleged crimes. Other crimes committed by disabled people include drug smuggling and bank fraud.Are you surprised that there are so many disabled criminals? Take a look at this list and get in on the conversation in the comments section.

9 Famous Disabled Criminals Who Committed Crime Despite Their Ailments

Disabled Criminals | Famous Physically Handicapped Criminal List

Here you will find blind criminals, loosely ranked by fame and notoriety. Over the years, there have been several memorable cases involving, or that nearly involved, blind criminals. Some of these visually impaired criminals were blind at the time of their crimes, others became blind after the fact. Some of the criminals are full-on blind, others legally blind. In one case, the criminal was sentenced to be blinded as a result of his crime.&nbsp;Who is the most famous blind criminal? Omar Abdel-Rahman tops the list. Known as the Blind Sheikh, he received a life sentence at Butner Federal Correctional Institution's medical center.&nbsp;Gary Foster, a legally blind former executive of Citigroup, reportedly embezzled over $19 million from the company in less than two years.Read on for a compact, compelling list of the most notorious blind criminals.&nbsp;

List of Notable Blind Criminals That Defy Logic

Blind Criminals | List of Visually Impaired Criminals

In the United States, the majority of documented <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20100728094415/http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/tick/victims_1.html" target="_blank">serial killers are white men</a>. However, there are at least 20 known Black serial killers in America. On this list of murder cases involving Black or African <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/americas-most-famous-serial-killers/tool100?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">American serial killers</a>, some of these famous killers used guns; others preferred knives.&nbsp;Many of the most notorious Black serial killers are serving life sentences in prison.

Who is the most famous Black serial killer? Henry Louis Wallace is surely near the top of&nbsp;the list. When Wallace was arrested in 1994, he made a full confession to police officers. He was found guilty of nine counts of murder and was handed nine death sentences. Samuel Little was another of the infamous Black serial killers.&nbsp;Chester Turner, another of the most well-known Black serial killers, was convicted of more than a dozen&nbsp;murders in Los Angeles. Who was the first Black serial killer? Who was the most infamous?

The Carr brothers worked together to commit atrocities in December 2000. Warning, this list is not for the faint of heart. However, for the true crime fans, this&nbsp;list of Black serial killers will be an informative journey of the macabre.

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List of Famous Black Serial Killers

20 Famous Black Serial Killers

Lists of real criminals and details about the bizarre, disgusting crimes they committed.

Insane True Crime & Criminals

It is always heartbreaking when a child dies, but a child getting murdered is almost unthinkable. Unfortunately, several infamous deadly crimes have included child victims. Some murdered kids were targeted by people they knew, while others were killed by complete strangers.&nbsp;This list contains information on child murder victims, loosely ranked by notoriety.&nbsp;

Who are some of the most famous murdered children? JonBen&eacute;t Ramsey tops this list. The 6-year-old beauty queen was found murdered in the basement of her home on Dec. 26, 1996. She had been sexually molested and was found with a skull fracture. She was strangled to death with a cord. For years, police struggled to catch her killer and the case remains unsolved to this day. In 2008, new DNA technology cleared all members of <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/jonbenet-ramsey-family-facts/patrick-thornton?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">the Ramsey family</a> of the crime.

More recently, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, who claimed he was acting in self-defense. Though Martin was unarmed and Zimmerman was told by police to stay in his vehicle, Zimmerman was found not guilty of murder.

What do you think the punishment should be for someone who murders a child? Take a look at some of these cases and share your opinion in the comments section.

15 Famous Child Murder Victims That Were International News

Child Murder Victims | List of Famous Murdered Children

Lists about the origins and early lives of serial killers and murderers.

Before They Were Killers

This list contains information about criminals, loosely ranked by fame and notoriety, who were once&nbsp;Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. As such, it should come as no surprise that a few members have gone on to lead lives of crime. Some former Scouts have committed crimes involving fraud, while others have been convicted of murder.

Who is the most famous criminal who was a Boy Scout? Ted Bundy tops our list.&nbsp;Dennis Rader, aka&nbsp;the BTK Killer, was a member of the Boy Scouts of America when he was growing up. Other criminals who were Boy Scouts include H.R. Halderman, Arthur Gary Bishop, and Mark Hofmann.

Are you surprised by the number of Boy Scout criminals? Take a look at this list.

Notorious Criminals Who Were Boy Scouts

Criminal Boy Scouts | Cub & Eagle Scouts Who Committed Crimes

There are killers, and then there are those who cross all lines of human decency by consuming the flesh of their victims. Here are the grisly details.

People Who Eat People

Cannibalism

This list contains information on killers who ate their victims, ranging from ruthless pioneers to <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/worst-serial-slayers/tool100?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">infamous serial killers</a>. Believe it or not, many convicted killers have been found to have eaten their victims. Some of the most famous cannibal killers had multiple victims and a few were apprehended after consuming their first victim. Many of the most famous cases of killers who ate their victims involved severe mental illness.

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20 Killers Who Ate Their Victims

20 Cannibal Killers Who Ate Their Victims Flesh

Lists of famous and notable people who naturally favor the more sinister side of their bodies. 

Lefty Loosey

Distinguishing Features

It&#39;s widely known that left-handers are much less prevalent than their right-handed counterparts in society. In fact, it&#39;s estimated that lefties make up roughly <a href="https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-percentage-of-the-world-population-are-left-handed.html" target="_blank">10%</a>&nbsp;of the world&#39;s population. There are a <a href="https://www.livescience.com/19968-study-reveals-lefties-rare.html" target="_blank">variety of theories</a> about why some people turn out to be&nbsp;left-handed, but no one knows for certain. Regardless, there have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/aug/13/2" target="_blank">many well-known and pivotal left-handed figures</a> throughout history and in all walks of life, including former President Barack Obama, Prince William, Oprah, Mark Wahlberg, Justin Bieber, Tina Fey, Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, and Rashida Jones, <a href="https://www.thedelite.com/celebrities-left-handed/8/" target="_blank">to name a few</a>.&nbsp;Needless to say, some lefties can be found in the world of criminal activity&nbsp;too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Several of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/worst-serial-slayers/tool100?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword" target="_blank">most notorious serial killers</a> of all-time were believed to have been left-handed. The left-handed murderer Albert Henry DeSalvo, known as the Boston Strangler, was believed to be responsible for over 300 rapes and sexual assaults, in addition to his infamous killing spree. Jack the Ripper and Billy the Kid were also reportedly left-handed.

This list contains information on some of the most famous left-handed criminals, loosely ranked by fame and notoriety.&nbsp;

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7 Infamous Left-Handed Criminals

9 Infamous Left-Handed Criminals & Killers

Are you already an expert in everything America? Great! No need to read about these fascinating facts and important events that have shaped the U.S. as we know it today.

US History You Should Know

Lists about real and fictional spies, agents, operatives, and the very exciting, deceitful, and dangerous lives they lead.

I Spy

American People

The act of being a double agent is one of the most difficult and dangerous in espionage. To spy for an enemy nation while pretending to spy for your own nation requires courage, patience, and more than a little luck. American double agents, either born in the US or working for the US, provided information that led to key victories in the Revolutionary War and Civil War, destroyed a Nazi spy ring, and helped defuse the Cuban Missile Crisis.At the same time, double agents working against America, both foreign and domestic, have led to dozens of American spies being exposed, intelligence agencies left in shambles, and national humiliation. Some have been killed, others jailed, and a few disappeared. Their motivations have ranged from financial need to patriotism to revenge.Here are the most famous double agents that have worked either for or against America.

Famous American Double Agents

It&#39;s not a comforting thought, but there have been cannibals in America. Cannibalism is often associated with far-flung places. As in most developed cultures, eating the flesh of our own species is seen as the ultimate taboo. Yet American killers who ate people have come and gone, while ordinary citizens in extraordinary situations have eaten the remains of other humans.

America, even in its relatively short history, has seen more than its fair share of man-eaters. Many were acts of desperation in survival situations, as <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/craziest-cannibal-attacks-in-history/amandasedlakhevener" target="_blank">acts of cannibalism</a> usually are. <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/people-who-were-lost-at-sea/jude-newsome?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">People lost at sea</a>, adrift on life boats for weeks or people trapped in snow-choked mountain passes, or in villages short of food in winter. Just as many others have been acts of madness perpetrated by killers who when even further than murder. There&#39;s even one case of simple curiosity.&nbsp;

So read on, and get your fill of American cannibals, if you dare.

14 Creepy Cases Of American Cannibals Who Ate Their Victims

American Cannibals | List of Criminals Who Ate Victims in America

In most jobs, you get famous for doing it right, but for contract killers, getting famous is usually a sign that something went very wrong. On this list of famous hitmen, we&#39;re going to look over some of the guns for hire who got caught and became infamous in the process.

Famous hitmen are about as&nbsp;common as famous accountants, but if you&#39;ve heard of a notable hitman, they&#39;re almost certainly on this list. These professional assassins may have been good at their jobs, but the only reason they&#39;re here is that&nbsp;they slipped up and got caught.&nbsp; For every one professional who makes headlines, there are untold numbers operating quietly, anonymously, and efficiently.&nbsp;

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Famous Hitmen &amp; Contract Killers

Famous Hitmen | List of Notable Contract Killers 

Lists about real and fictional policemen & women, detectives, and other law enforcement.

Police: Blue Lives  on Patrol

First comes trial, then comes guilty, then comes sentencing to years locked away with people even more dangerous than you are. Join us on a whirlwind tour of prison!

Prison: Behind the Bars

There are a surprising number of former cops who have gone to prison. Their offenses range from fraud and theft, all the way to murder. Some are patrol cops, but there are also sergeants, police chiefs, and even the former top cop in New York City. All these cops who went to jail were brought down by their own greed, aggressiveness, poor judgment, and the belief that they&#39;d get away with it.

But none of them did. From the DEA agent who was running his own drug ring all the way down to the local cop who pulled a woman over and demanded she let him lick her feet, all of these bad cops eventually got caught.

Here are some of the most prominent ex-cops who are either currently in prison, or recently spent time.

Ex-Cops Who Ended Up In Prison

Ex Cops in Prison | List of Police Who Went to Prison

Lists about infamous repeat murderers to chill your blood and remind you to lock your doors and windows and maybe keep a knife under your pillow.

Real Serial Killers

Based on the decrease in news coverage, one might suspect that the age of the serial killer is long past. Serial killers since 2000 would seem to have become increasingly rare, and you might be under the impression that recent serial murderers are virtually nonexistent.

In fact, 21st-century serial killers do exist, but somehow, these modern Jack the Rippers barely warrant a casual mention around the water cooler - never mind a hundred-year manhunt. Reading over this list, you might recognize a few names and faces here and there; probably a couple&nbsp;of cases will ring a bell. But it might be worth asking: Why aren&#39;t all of these brutal monsters as burned into our collective memory as Jack the Ripper, Ted Bundy, or John Wayne Gacy&nbsp;Jr. were?

Maybe it&#39;s because the monsters among us are still among us, they just don&#39;t make for entertaining news in our current age.

21st Century Serial Killers

21st Century Serial Killers | Murderers in the 2000s

This list includes information on people who killed their parents, loosely ranked by notoriety. Over the years, several people have been found guilty of murdering their parents. Some of these individuals killed out of anger, while others claimed self-defense. A few of the murder motives also involved hefty inheritance checks.

Who is the most famous person who reportedly killed their parents? Lyle and Erik Menendez were sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 shooting deaths of their parents Jose and Kitty. Their trial became a media sensation in the early 1990s. Other notable cases involving a parent&#39;s murder include defendants Heather Mack, Brian Blackwell and David Brom.

Do you think that murdering parents is one of the worst crimes imaginable? Explore this list then weigh in with your opinion in the comments.

People Who Killed Their Parents

People Who Killed Their Parents | Famous Parent Killers

The stars at night are big and bright. Everything's bigger. All your exes live there. It's America's second largest state!

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, and Texas killers are among the most brutal and notorious in the country. There are and have long been more than a few genuine <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/notorious-texas-serial-killers/cassie-muniz?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">serial killers in Texas</a>, and a Texas serial killer is much like any other. Beyond the sheer number of serial murderers in the Lone Star State, there are some killers whose crimes are especially shocking and terrible.This list of serial killers in Texas covers gruesome territory, so the squeamish should be advised. Quite a few of these criminals were captured, incarcerated, and ultimately executed, but some, like <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/servant-girl-annihilator-theories/katherine-ripley?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">the Servant Girl Annihilator</a> and the Phantom Killer, were never identified, let alone caught.Serial killers from Texas are covered on this list, as well as those who killed in the state but were not Texas natives.

Serial Killers From The Great State Of Texas

The 16 Most Infamous Texas Serial Killers in State History

This list of <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/people-with-hybristophilia/stephen-tompkins?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">married serial killers</a> includes some of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/descendants-of-notorious-people/nicky-benson?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most notorious criminals</a> in history. From BTK&nbsp;to the Green River Valley slayer, this list of serial killers who had wives or husbands includes criminals like John Wayne Gacy, Dennis Radner, and <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/robert-lee-yates-facts/laura-allan?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Robert Lee Yates</a>.

Also among the many serial killers who were not only some of most notorious in history, but also happened to be married are Dr. H.H. Holmes, Albert Fish, and Marcel Petiot. Many of these serial killers also engaged in sexual assault, including&nbsp;Paul Bernardo, Russell Williams, and Andrei Chikatilo, the latter of whom may have consumed as many as 100 people, without his wife suspecting.

Other married serial killers include Harvey Carignan, Jerry Brudos, and serial child killer Marybeth Tinning. Many of the spouses of these criminals claim to not have known that their significant other was involved in vile and despicable criminal activities.

Though the crimes committed by these married murderers are appalling and horrendous, many are now behind bars, unable to commit further crimes.

9 Serial Killers Who Were Married

Married Serial Killers | Murderers Who Had Wives and Husbands

Lists about people who were tried, convicted, and even executed for crimes they didn't commit.

Wrongful Convictions

In many states, the death penalty is handed down for the most serious crimes, such as murder. This is a list of people who were exonerated after serving time on death row, having been convicted of crimes they didn't commit and given the death penalty. Though this is a list of people who were proven innocent before they were executed, there are hundreds more people in the United States who were proven not guilty of their crimes, and some who have been put to death, before their innocence was discovered.Many people are wrongfully convicted of crimes due to lack of forensic evidence to conclude that they did not commit the crime. Unfortunately, the justice system is flawed. Though the jury is trained to make decisions on the notion of &quot;beyond all reasonable doubt,&quot; sometimes human error can be a costly mistake and send innocent people to prison, and even death row, for many years. Sometimes, a witness even misidentifies the suspect.Today, advancements in forensic science have helped DNA testing exonerate many convicted murders and release them from prison. Thanks to the tireless work of many organizations, such as the Innocence Project, many previously convicted felons are now receiving the justice they deserve. Which death row inmates have been proved innocent before they were executed? Read through the list below to find out.

30 Innocent People Who Were Almost Executed

General

Lists about seemingly innocent people who no one considered a danger or threat—until they got caught.

The Last Suspect

Sometimes, it's the ones you least expect. These dangerous, notorious serial killers all had perfectly normal jobs and many were considered kind, contributing citizens in their communities. But then things <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movies-that-changed-plots-partway-through/erin-mccann?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">took a turn</a>. Which serial killers had normal day jobs? This is a list of serial killers with normal jobs before they changed career paths and took up killing.A serial killer is defined as someone who murders three or more victims over a relatively short interval. Though it has been said that serial killers often fail to keep jobs for long periods of time, such as Ted Bundy, who held a number of low-end jobs, some psychologists also claim that serial killers can appear to be completely normal and have high-functioning lives. John Wayne Gacy, for example, was a highly respected individual within his community, and Dennis Rader was the elected president of his church.Though many assume that most serial killers are rooted in violent families and abusive upbringings, there are many examples of serial killers who grew up in normal families with surprisingly average childhoods. Thus, it's hard to pinpoint conclusive personality characteristics of serial killers since the motives for killing can vary anywhere from wanting to be a hero by saving victims they previously poisoned, to sick and sadistic pleasure.&nbsp;Here's a list of serial killers who had surprisingly normal jobs, although some are a bit creepy. <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-ice-cream-truck-photos/jacob-shelton?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Ice cream truck</a> driver, anyone?

Serial Killers Who Had Normal Jobs

Poison isn&#39;t just for the pages of mysteries, thrillers, and crime novels. From chronic poisoning over a long period of time, to rapid poisoning that can cause instant death, many serial killers throughout history have used poison as their main weapon. This is a list of notable murderers who used poison as their modus operandi and weapon of choice.

There are many reasons why many <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/americas-most-famous-serial-killers/tool100?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">serial killers in history</a> have used poison to commit their murders. One of the top reasons includes collecting insurance money. Many serial killers believed that they could get away with murder since poisoning often doesn&#39;t leave much evidence. Most victims just get sick and die, making it difficult to prove the real cause of death. Many hospital workers also used poison to systematically kill their patients, giving them high doses of prescription drugs. Many serial killers used poison with the thought of nursing their victims back to health afterward&nbsp;in order to gain favor and public attention.

A few serial killers who used poison were found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent the rest of their lives committed to an insane asylum. Others, however, served a life sentence, multiple life sentences, or were executed, in most cases. Some of these serial killers poisoned their families, including children, and even more committed multiple murders over many years.

Read on to find out which serial killers used poison, how many murders they were responsible for, and what happened to them once they were caught.

33 Serial Killers Who Used Poison

Serial Killers Who Used Poison

People are often fascinated with the final words of&nbsp;<a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-serial-killers-who-are-still-alive/ranker-crime?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">famous serial killers</a>, perhaps because they are hoping it will shed some light on their actions. However, not all of the last words of convicted killers are filled with meaning. Below you&#39;ll see some of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/last-words-before-execution/notable-quotables?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">strangest last words</a> of <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-american-criminals-who-were-executed/ranker-crime?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">serial killers who have been executed</a>, as well as - unsurprisingly - some really creepy last words.&nbsp;

Ted Bundy simply shared loved for his family with his last words, while Jeffrey Dahmer was ambivalent. The final words of death row inmate Peter Kurten were gruesome and creepy. Carl Panzram made fun of how long the process was taking the guards. The infamous clown killer, John Wayne Gacy, used his last words to tell everyone off.&nbsp;

What are the last words of some of the most famous serial slayers? The last words on this list come from the mouths of some of the most heinous, dangerous people in human history.

The Last Words Of 29 Famous Serial Killers

Famous Last Words of 30 Serial Killers

Lists about Ted Bundy, the charismatic confessed serial slayer of at least 30 young women across seven states throughout the 1970s.

The Handsome Stranger

Many <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/notorious-historical-slayers/isadora-teich?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">serial killers throughout history</a> have seemed completely normal. To the outside world, these men and women were just as average as the next person. These kinds of characters are fascinating, and are often the inspiration for criminals&nbsp;on <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-current-legal-tv-shows/ranker-tv" target="_blank">legal TV shows</a>, as their seemingly normal nature seemed bizarre in comparison to their crimes. They were neighbors, friends, family members, parents, children, classmates, and peers in every sense of the word. They went to church, had common jobs, and even participated heavily in their community. Anybody who took a quick glance at their lives would see nothing out of the ordinary. But take a deeper look into their lives and you&rsquo;ll&nbsp;see a dark, sinister person lurking underneath the mask of normality. These men and women secretly took pleasure in killing innocent people. 

This list covers some of the most run-of-the-mill-seeming people who turned out to be cold-blooded psychopaths. Some of these serial killers actively tried to improve their communities&nbsp;by working in churches and outreach programs. A few of these serial killers looked like upstanding family men and women, with smiling&nbsp;children and seemingly perfect marriages. No one suspected them. That&rsquo;s why the revelation that they were secretly murderers was so shocking.

This list answers the question, &ldquo;What are the most normal looking <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/worst-serial-slayers/tool100?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">serial killers in history</a>?&rdquo; These killers did the best job of hiding their true nature from the outside world.

The Serial Killers Who Seemed the Most Normal

Dangerous serial killers with nicknames aren&#39;t just found on TV shows like Dexter:&nbsp;There have been plenty of nicknamed ones in real life as well.&nbsp;Many of the slayers on this list have haunted us for decades now, whether in America, England, or other countries. Some&nbsp;are given a nickname by the press, while others give themselves an alias. From &quot;The Butcher of Rostov&quot; to &quot;Doctor Death,&quot; these people have all committed horrible slayings.&nbsp;

We expect the judicial system to incarcerate those like these on this list, yet often the suspect is never actually caught or is freed after just a few years of imprisonment. Some of these nicknamed slayers were only suspected&nbsp;but never convicted.

This list includes basic information on these people, such as their real names, nicknames, associated tools for their slayings, number of victims, and information about the aftermath of their detainment or sentencing. Some of these people have been released from prison, let out on parole, or have even escaped from imprisonment and are currently on the loose.

No matter how these dangerous people got their nicknames, they all committed some truly horrible atrocities, gruesome enough to warrant a place in the pop-culture lexicon.

41 Dangerous Serial Killers Who Had Nicknames

Serial Killers Who Have Nicknames

Lists of fascinating and bizarre real cases that continue to stump detectives and amateur sleuths.

Unsolved Mysteries

Unsolved Mysteries Test

Few things are more terrifying than when a murder is committed and the murderer is never found. When an entire family is murdered, it takes the crime to a whole new level. This list discusses the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-unsolved-murders/ranker-crime?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most famous unsolved murders</a> of families and couples, and are arguably some of the most gruesome and shocking unsolved murder cases in history. 
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It is hard to understand how someone could be motivated to take another person&rsquo;s life, but when it comes to the victims listed on this list, understanding the reasons behind the crime is almost impossible.&nbsp;Sadly, it is most likely that no one will ever be forced to pay for these crimes as police weren&#39;t able to find the proper evidence to solve the murders.&nbsp; 
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Many of the cases featured on this list therefore remain open, while others have officially been closed after years of unsuccessful attempts at finding the killer. What are the most famous unsolved murders of families? Read through the list below to find out.

Famous Unsolved Murders of Families

For some criminals, the notoriety that comes with getting caught for&nbsp;horrific offenses is exactly what they want. The newspaper articles, biographies, and constant attention&nbsp;provide&nbsp;certain offenders with&nbsp;a sense of purpose, as if they are celebrities who will have their names remembered long after they&rsquo;re gone. Ultimately, though, gaining notoriety has&nbsp;plenty of downsides. For some&nbsp;offenders, fame is what leads to their untimely passing within the walls of prison. 

The men on this list have proven&nbsp;that maintaining a low profile in prison beats having a famous name, since being well known for their heinous actions is what got many of these offenders a death sentence not ordered by the legal system.

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