Famous Florida Murders, For the Florida homicides, he received three death sentences in two trials and was executed in the electric chair at Florida State Prison on January 24, 1989. In the feature film Monster (2003), Wuornos' story is described from her first murder until her execution; for her portrayal of Wuornos, Charlize Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Florida, unfortunately, has earned a notorious reputation as a breeding ground for serial killers. [1] Two other people, Buddy Earl Justus and Michael Lee Lockhart, were sentenced to death in Florida, but Pages in category "People murdered in Florida" The following 103 pages are in this category, out of 103 total. Set us as your home page and never miss the news that matters to you. Famous Murders: The Boy In The Box Wikimedia Commons The boy in the box, depicted on a flyer sent out to residents of surrounding towns. The Carol City murders were a series of murders that took place predominantly in Carol City, Florida, and in and around Miami-Dade County between October 1974 and January 1978. Some of these people admitted to killing almost 100 people. As of 2020, the project’s data listed Florida as having a clearance rate of only 66% — meaning nearly 20,000 cold cases were left without a solid conclusion. California and Texas claim the first and second spots, respectively. Below, read the full stories behind some of history’s most famous murders and see for yourself why, after so many years, we’ve never been able to shake the chill of these nightmares. Serial killers. Louisiana police alerted Florida authorities to an unsolved triple murder in Shreveport on November 4, 1989. Some of the killers have been caught, tried, and punished. Of these 19, four of them remained unsolved. When Orlando mom Casey Anthony was put on trial in 2011 for the murder of her toddler daughter, Caylee, the case had generated nearly deafening levels of media coverage. S. The two men, former U. Aileen Wuornos’ Murder Spree. Her story was even told in the 2003 film “Monster,” which won Charlize Theron a Best Actress Oscar. Serial killers are seemingly almost always male, which is why Aileen Wuornos’ string of murders shocked the nation. ” Wuornos was sentenced to death for six of the murders and was executed in 2002 after spending more than ten years on Florida's death row. Miami's crime history spans drug wars, mob hits, mass killings and cult murders. Although Serial killer Aileen Wuornos was murdered at least six men in Florida in 1989 and 1990. Calls for the release of the so-called Epstein files became a national conversation during the second administration of Donald Trump. The 1990s witnessed a series of shocking and high-profile murders that left an indelible mark on Broward County, Florida. The two most recent unsolved homicides - those of Shay Collins in June 2019 and Alphonsa Payne in May 2020 - are listed here along with all other unsolved homicides back to 1961. com is your home for breaking news you can trust. Unsolved Cases In Florida The Unsolved Cases in Florida website features unsolved homicide cases that have been submitted by local law enforcement agencies for placement on this website. Some infamous people are buried in Florida. In 2013 there were 19 murders in the city of Orlando. We have many plans and enthusiasm to keep expanding and making Murderpedia a better site, but we really need your help for this. In the state, there are Click the names below to view information about unsolved cases in the City of Tampa, Florida. In this blog post, we delve into the five most famous murders that A Division of NBCUniversal ©2026 NBCUniversal Media, LLC Learn about three female serial killers in Florida - Aileen Wuornos, Christine Falling and Judy Buenoano – who committed multiple murders between the 1970s and 1990s. Before the murders, he sexually assaulted at least 50 women in Ocala, Fort Lauderdale and the Miami-Dade area as "The Classified Ad Rapist. Apr 14, 2025 · From ghost ships to vanishing teens, explore five of the most famous unsolved murders in Florida that continue to baffle local police and the general public to this day. By empowering citizens to provide tips, our goal is to arrest the criminals who committed these crimes. As unsolved crimes fade from the headlines, there are still those seeking answers — some of them decades later. If law enforcement officials are right, Eddie Lee Mosley is the most prolific serial killer in the history of South Florida. Sarasota murder trial hears sister testify the defendant talked about writing a book to be famous and that he admitted he’d “popped him in the face. In the ten-year period during the 1980's, the state recorded 247 serial murders making Florida the third most dangerous state. He was jailed on charges of sex trafficking at the time of his suicide. A mafia boss, Texas Tower Sniper, Watergate burglars and more. Their actions have had a profound impact on the communities where they committed their crimes, leaving families and friends devastated and in Olympics on Monday: Haley Winn and Team USA in hockey semifinals, pairs skating, big air, and more Since 1900, there have been 778 documented victims of serial killers in Florida. Cold case murders in Palm Beach County: 10 homicides where the killer hasn't been found Police agencies across Palm Beach County want anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach It is among Florida's oldest unsolved crimes on record, notorious for its brutality, as well as for a pool of suspects that numbered over 600. Picture the state of Florida and all it has to offer —the gorgeous beaches, the near-constant sunshine, the family fun magic of Walt Disney World … the bizarre and jaw-dropping crimes? Facing murder charges in Colorado, Bundy engineered two dramatic escapes and committed further assaults in Florida, including three murders, before being recaptured in 1978. Florida, often lauded as the Sunshine State, has also been the backdrop for some of the most chilling cases in American criminal history. [17][21] He was an All-American linebacker on the football field at Kathleen, overcoming his smaller size at the time with his intensity and instincts. These individuals have committed heinous acts of violence, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. Our Cold Case Unit is dedicated to solving From serial killers to celebrity victims, some sensational murder cases grab our collective imagination and won't let go, like the unsolved Oakland County murders. These people either lived in Florida during the killings or killed people from the state of Florida. As a wrestler, Lewis was a Florida wrestling state champion. 15 Deranged Serial Killers Who Operated in Florida When someone hears of Florida, they immediately think of the vacation spots as it boasts of beaches that are nestled along the Atlantic coasts and the Gulf. The total amounts to 126 people. Sep 17, 2019 · ORLANDO, Fla. Cases like the Causeway Cannibal and Versace slaying drew national attention. These are the five most notorious serial killer that are synonymous with Florida. Gainesville Ripper’s String Of Coed Killings. The Walker family murders haunt a victim’s brother, who wants answers before he dies. From Bernie Madoff to Jeffrey Epstein, here's a list of some involved. Explore the tragic love story behind Florida's deadliest female serial killer. University of Florida students were turning up dead — fatally stabbed to death, sometimes raped and mutilated. He points to the ‘In Cold Blood’ killers. [22] A Lincoln co-conspirator. Here's five that garnered nationwide attention. From ghost ships to vanishing teens, explore five of the most famous unsolved murders in Florida that continue to baffle local police and the general public to this day. Although If you love "True Crime", you'll love this list Cat McAuliffe at Ranker put together of 10 Serial Killers Florida Powered by the Tampa Bay Times, tampabay. [7] The following is a list of people executed by the U. state of Florida since capital punishment was resumed in the United States in 1976. A task force in Florida tried to link him to murders in 26 other states, but he was only officially connected to the kidnap, rape and murder of one woman in Texas. If you have any information about an unsolved case please contact the Tampa Police Department Unsolved Homicides Unit at (813) 898-1435 From June 2008 until June 2019, the Polk County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit maintained a 100% clearance rate on all homicides investigated within the PCSO jurisdiction. Army servicemen Michael Lee Platt and William Russell Matix, were suspected of committing a series of violent crimes, mostly bank robberies, in and around the Miami metropolitan area. On April 11, 1986, a shootout occurred between field agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and two armed men in what is now Pinecrest, Miami-Dade County, Florida. And he has earned the title without being convicted of a single murder. (More Info) The Florida Gay Bar Murders: Gary Ray Bowles was a bisexual who cruised the Florida gay bars in the mid-1990’s looking for men to murder and rob. . Authorities linked many killings to . On September 1, 2005, the Jessica Lunsford Act took effect, significantly altering Florida’s Sexual Offender and Predator Registration Laws. There have been some standout crimes through the decades in Palm Beach. During the summer of 1990, the college town of Gainesville was on edge. The following is a look at a handful of the most infamous murder cases in recent American history. Facing murder charges in Colorado, Bundy engineered two dramatic escapes and committed further assaults in Florida, including three murders, before being recaptured in 1978. [7] Murderpedia has thousands of hours of work behind it. In our cover story this week, Unsolved murders from On April 11, 1986, a shootout occurred between field agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and two armed men in what is now Pinecrest, Miami-Dade County, Florida. – Florida has been plagued by many notorious serial murders. Get the latest breaking news, sports, entertainment and obituaries in Augusta, GA from The Augusta Chronicle. Man convicted of first-degree murder is first to be executed by Florida in 2026 Ronald Palmer Heath killed a traveling salesman in 1989; last year the state had a record 19 executions Associated Press Wuornos was sentenced to death for six of the murders and was executed in 2002 after spending more than ten years on Florida's death row. According to a study by Florida Gulf Coast University, the state ranks third in the nation for the highest number of people killed by known or suspected serial killers. Jun 1, 2013 · This is a list of notable male murderers who committed their murders in Florida, USA. While not all of the killers originated in the Sunshine State they did, unfortunately, kill victims here along their Pages in category "Serial killers from Florida" The following 79 pages are in this category, out of 79 total. As new killers make Jacksonville-area headlines, many like Donald Smith, Steven Murray, Russell Tillis, Ronnie Hyde and more still resonate. The Pensacola area is home to some of the most shocking criminal cases in Florida. It resulted in. Articles from the category: Local Team USA speed skater Brandon Kim came close to a podium finish at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Ted Bundy’s Execution. (More Info) Ted Bundy: Who doesn’t know about Bundy? He started off terrorizing the North West and after another jail break, he hopped on a bus to Florida. From deadly babysitters to killer cops, the "Sunshine State" The Murder Of Caylee Anthony. An innocent man’s exoneration after 37 years in prison revealed a rash of serial killings in 1983 Tampa. This list may not reflect recent changes. Read about her girlfriend, husband, victims, movie portrayals, and more. Feb 20, 2024 · Cold Case Review: Brutal South Florida Murders That Remain Unsolved Those who perpetrated these crimes were never brought to justice. Detectives noted similarities between the Gainesville murders and those of 55-year-old William Grissom, his 24-year-old daughter Julie, and his 8-year-old grandson Sean. Jul 9, 2024 · While Florida is known as a popular destination for spring breakers, retirees, and tourists from all around the world, its warm weather and beautiful beaches also seem to attract or produce some of the worst serial killers in America. Jeffrey Epstein (1953–2019) was an American financier and convicted sex offender who, through his finance career, developed a wide social circle that included the rich and powerful. Florida has been home to some of the most notorious serial killers in American history. " Long was executed by lethal injection in May 2019. Thanks to his dapper good looks, charisma, and shockingly high body count, Ted Bundy, who’s linked to the murders of at least 36 women, is perhaps the most famous serial killer in America. The notoriety of the state’s most infamous serial killers has transcended local headlines, embedding itself into the national consciousness through sensational Louisiana police alerted Florida authorities to an unsolved triple murder in Shreveport on November 4, 1989. Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque scenery, has a darker side with a history of notorious murders and unsolved cases that have captivated the nation. Of the 126 people executed, 44 have been executed by electrocution and 82 have been executed by lethal injection. To keep creating new content, we kindly appreciate any donation you can give to help the Murderpedia project stay alive. Unsolved Homicides, HCSO Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Chad Chronister, Tampa, FL Aileen Wuornos confessed to protect her girlfriend who betrayed her to police. Thank you very much in advance. xaik, vqrm, gxz1j, pdjv, foofd, mdia, ypvwr, igyd, wigp8c, whc6ra,