The world has long had a fascination with true crime, especially when it comes to serial killers. Everyone has heard of Bundy, Gacey or Dohmer. But here is a scary fact, at any given moment there are at least 25 to 50 active serial killers in the U.S. That’s right, 25 to 50 serial killers are roaming the streets right now, according to the former chief of the FBI’s Elite Serial Killer Crime Unit, John Douglas. Here’s a list of a few of the terrifying active serial killers out there, many go unnoticed.
The Edgecombe County Serial Killer/ Seven Bridges Killer
Body Count: 8+
North Carolina’s Eddgecomb/Seven Bidges killer became active in 2005. The body count stands at, but is believed to be 10. The victims of the killer were all women of color who had arrests for prostitution and drug possession. Antwan Pitman was convicted of one murder, but police are not positive if he is the right man.
The Long Island Killer
Body Count: 10-17
The Long Island Killer, also known as The Craigslist Ripper, has been operating since 1996. He sought and killed 10 people in only 2 years, in 2010 and 2011. He dumped his victims in the waters off Gilgo Beach. Police have been unable to identify the bodies. Police have little evidence and assume the killer is between 20-40.
The Texas Killing Fields
Body Count: 30+
They say everything is bigger in Texas, it seems that is true when it comes to the serial killer body count. One of the scariest places i the state is Interstate 45, near the Calder Oil field. Thanks to hundreds of fetal accidents the road is referred to as the “Highway to Hell”. There’s also another reason the area is so frightening. In the past 40 years over thirty dead bodies of women and girls. Each were located near a body of water and are believed to have been killed by the same person or a killer with an apprentice.
The Smiley-Face Killer
Body Count: 50+
Bodies of over 50 young men in their late teens have been found drowned in 11 states, a smiley face spray painted somewhere near the body. Each victim was last scene at a bar or party previous to their murder. Law enforcement officials believes one or more killers may be working together. 2012’s film ‘Smiley’ was inspired by this true story.
The Daytona Beach Killer
Body Count: 4+24
Between 2005 and 2008 four women were found murdered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Each were killed execution-style with a gun shot to the head. The weapon matched the type of firearm used by law enforcement, leading to several active and retired officers being questioned. DNA was found at three of the scenes and cleared all suspects.
Another theory is that a trucker is the killer. In January of 2006 a woman named Nelita Ramos was kidnapped and held at gun point by a trucker. She begged for her life and was let go. Police believe she was meant to be the next victim of the Daytona Beach Killer. Since the murders the FBI has connected the killer to 24 other killings on the highways of Florida.
The New Bedford Killer
Body Count: 11
In the town of New Bedford, Massachusetts lurks a serial killer who took the lives of 11 victims during the late 1980’s. The New Bedford Killer hunted prostitutes and drug dealers. He raped then stabbed his victims to death. Three suspects were questioned but never arrested. The killer remains free today.
Be careful out there. There are many serial killers at work out there in the dark across the nation. I would hate to end up writing about your killer one day.
