Hidden Criminals

Dennis Rader, also known as the "BTK Killer," was an American serial killer who murdered 10 people between 1974 and 1991 in Kansas. The "BTK" stands for "Bind, Torture, Kill," which was his modus operandi. Rader taunted police and media with letters about his crimes, leading to his eventual arrest in 2005.

Samuel Little was a notorious American serial killer who confessed to over 90 murders, primarily targeting vulnerable women. His detailed confessions and ability to evade capture for years have left a chilling legacy in criminal history.

Oba Chandler was an American murderer who was convicted and executed for the killings of a woman and her two daughters in Florida in 1989. The murders, known as the "Tampa Bay serial killings," shocked the nation and resulted in a high-profile trial that ultimately led to Chandler's conviction and death sentence. His crimes were particularly heinous, and the case received significant media attention due to the brutality of the murders.

Merlin Santana (tragic true Hollywood crimes)

Edward furlong star of films like american history x and terminator 2 true crime story

star of television's full house laurie loughlins true crime background

Hollywood actress lana clarkson tragic true crime story

Johnny Lewis, a Hollywood actor known for his role in sons of anarchy true crime story

Hollywood star Winona Ryders (true crime background)

governor Kevin Cramers son Ian Cramer, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the death of officer Paul Martin.

singer marvin gaye's true hollywood tragedy.

Sid Vicious, born John Simon Ritchie, was the bassist for the punk rock band Sex Pistols. His girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, was found dead in their New York City hotel room on October 12, 1978, from a stab wound. Sid Vicious was arrested and charged with her murder. The circumstances surrounding Nancy Spungen's death were unclear, and there were conflicting accounts of what had transpired that night. Sid Vicious initially confessed to the murder but later recanted, claiming little memory of the events due to drug use. Before the case went to trial, Sid Vicious died of a heroin overdose on February 2, 1979. As a result, the murder charge against him was dropped. The exact circumstances of Nancy Spungen's death remain a subject of speculation, and the case has been the focus of various documentaries, books, and discussions within the punk rock community.

Michael Jace, an actor known for his role in "The Shield," was arrested and later convicted for the murder of his wife, April Jace. On May 19, 2014, Michael Jace called 911 and reported that he had shot his wife at their Los Angeles home. April Jace was found dead, and Michael Jace was taken into custody. During the trial, which took place in 2016, it was revealed that the couple had been having marital problems, and there were arguments leading up to the tragic event. The prosecution argued that Michael Jace shot his wife in a fit of rage. In May 2016, he was found guilty of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison. The trial shed light on the complexities of their relationship and the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident.

Ray Lewis, the former NFL linebacker, was involved in a legal case related to a double murder that occurred in Atlanta during Super Bowl weekend in 2000. Lewis and two companions were charged with the murders of Jacinth Baker and Richard Lollar, who were stabbed to death during a street brawl. Lewis later reached a plea agreement in which he pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in exchange for his testimony against his two companions. The murder charges against Lewis were dropped, and he received 12 months of probation. His companions were acquitted, and the incident remains clouded in uncertainty. Lewis continued his football career and became one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, retiring in 2013. The events surrounding the case have been a source of controversy and speculation, with some questioning the legal outcome and others emphasizing Lewis's subsequent success in the NFL.

The Ray Carruth case involves former NFL player Rae Carruth, who was convicted for conspiring to murder his pregnant girlfriend, Cherica Adams. In November 1999, Adams was shot multiple times while driving her car, and she later died from her injuries. The motive behind the shooting was revealed to be Carruth's desire to avoid child support payments for the unborn child. Cherica Adams, who was eight months pregnant, managed to call 911 after the shooting. She implicated Carruth in the attack, alleging that he had arranged for the hit. Doctors performed an emergency cesarean section to save the baby, Chancellor Lee Adams, who was born with cerebral palsy due to the traumatic events. In 2001, Rae Carruth was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and using an instrument to destroy an unborn child. He was sentenced to 18 to 24 years in prison. Carruth was released from prison in 2018 after serving nearly 19 years. The case gained significant media attention and remains one of the notable instances of criminal conduct involving a professional athlete.

Emile Hirsch, the actor known for his roles in films like "Into the Wild" and "Milk," (true crime)

Greg Halman was a Dutch professional baseball player who played as an outfielder for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB). Tragically, on November 21, 2011, Halman was stabbed to death in his apartment in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Halman's younger brother, Jason Halman, was arrested and later charged with his murder. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and there were reports of a family dispute. Jason Halman was initially sent to a psychiatric institution for evaluation, and in 2014, he was declared not criminally responsible due to a severe psychiatric disorder. The case brought shock and sorrow to the baseball community, as Greg Halman was a promising talent with a bright future in the sport.

Dominique Dunne, an American actress known for her role in the film "Poltergeist," tragically became a victim of domestic violence. On October 30, 1982, at the age of 22, she was strangled by her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney, in the driveway of her West Hollywood home. The incident followed a history of abusive behavior from Sweeney, and the two had previously ended their relationship. Sweeney was charged with murder, but he claimed it was an unintentional act during a heated argument. He was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to six and a half years in prison but served only three and a half years. Dominique Dunne's case highlighted the serious consequences of domestic violence and brought attention to the need for awareness and support for victims. Her tragic death remains a poignant reminder of the impact of relationship violence.

Rebecca Schaeffer was an American actress and model known for her role in the sitcom "My Sister Sam." Tragically, on July 18, 1989, she was fatally shot by an obsessed fan named Robert John Bardo at her Los Angeles apartment. Bardo had been stalking Schaeffer and obtained her address through a private investigator. He arrived at her apartment, and when Schaeffer answered the door, he shot her. Bardo was later apprehended and convicted of first-degree murder. The shocking incident prompted changes in privacy laws and increased awareness of the potential dangers associated with celebrity stalking. Schaeffer's untimely death remains a somber reminder of the need for improved safety measures for public figures.

Aaron Hernandez was a former professional football player in the NFL, notably playing for the New England Patriots. In 2013, he was arrested and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player and acquaintance of Hernandez. Lloyd was found shot to death near Hernandez's home. During the trial, evidence suggested that Hernandez and two accomplices were involved in Lloyd's murder. In 2015, Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Subsequently, Hernandez faced additional legal troubles and was indicted for a separate double murder in 2012. In April 2017, Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell, having hanged himself. His death was ruled a suicide. The case drew significant attention due to Hernandez's prominence in the NFL and the unexpected turn of events in his life from a successful football career to serious criminal charges and imprisonment.

Stephanie Moseley, a Canadian dancer, and actress known for her work on the VH1 series "Hit the Floor," was involved in a tragic incident in December 2014. She and her husband, rapper Earl Hayes, were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in their Los Angeles apartment. It was reported that Hayes shot Moseley multiple times before taking his own life. The incident was believed to be a result of domestic issues between the couple. The tragedy shocked the entertainment industry, shedding light on the seriousness of domestic violence and its potentially devastating consequences. The case underscored the importance of recognizing and addressing issues related to mental health and relationship conflicts.

Rob Knox, a British actor known for his role as Marcus Belby in the film "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," was tragically killed in a stabbing incident on May 24, 2008, in London. The incident occurred during a fight outside a bar in Sidcup. Knox intervened in an attempt to protect his younger brother from a group of men armed with knives. Unfortunately, he was stabbed five times and later died from his injuries. Karl Bishop was arrested and subsequently convicted of Rob Knox's murder. In 2009, Bishop was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 20 years. The case drew attention to the issue of knife crime in the United Kingdom and the tragic loss of a young actor with a promising future. The Rob Knox Foundation was later established by his family to raise awareness about knife crime and provide support to young people in the arts.

Ronni Chasen was a prominent Hollywood publicist who was fatally shot in her car on November 16, 2010, in Beverly Hills. The case gained attention due to its mysterious circumstances. Harold Martin Smith, a man on a bicycle, was initially considered a suspect but later took his own life before being questioned by the police. In December 2010, the Beverly Hills Police Department concluded that Smith was the likely perpetrator, suggesting that he had acted alone in an attempted robbery. However, some questions and doubts remained about the motive and whether Smith acted on his own accord.

Sal Mineo was a talented actor known for his roles in films like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Exodus." On February 12, 1976, Mineo was tragically stabbed to death in the alley behind his West Hollywood apartment. His murder shocked the public and the entertainment industry. The investigation led to the arrest and conviction of Lionel Ray Williams, who was charged with the murder. Williams had a criminal record, and the motive was believed to be robbery. Sal Mineo was stabbed during a confrontation after returning home from a rehearsal. Lionel Ray Williams was convicted of murder and sentenced to a prison term. The case is generally considered a robbery gone wrong, and there is no evidence to suggest a personal connection between Williams and Mineo. The tragic death of Sal Mineo marked the loss of a talented actor at the age of 37.

Shannon Richardson is an actress who gained notoriety for sending ricin-laced letters in 2013. Richardson initially accused her estranged husband, Nathaniel Richardson, of being responsible for sending the poisonous letters to President Barack Obama, then-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and a gun control advocate. However, investigations revealed that Shannon Richardson had sent the letters herself in an attempt to frame her husband. She later pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison in 2014. The motive behind her actions was reportedly a desire to retaliate against her husband amid their marital issues. The case highlighted the serious legal consequences of using biological toxins as a means of harm or threat.