Richard Lee Ross was a name that sent shivers down the spines of people in Connecticut and New York in the 1980s. A serial killer who preyed on vulnerable women, Ross’s crimes were as brutal as they were senseless.
In this article, we will delve into the life and crimes of Richard Lee Ross, a man who will be remembered as one of the most notorious serial killers in American history.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Richard Lee Ross |
| Nickname | “Mad Strangler” |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1947 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Occupation | Construction worker |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Married twice, fathered two daughters |
| Crimes | Ross targeted vulnerable women, primarily sex workers, and strangled them to death. |
| Arrest | Ross was arrested in 1984 |
| Execution | Ross was executed by lethal injection on May 13, 2000, at the age of 53. |
| Suspected Victims | Ross was suspected of killing up to 15 women, although convicted of seven murders. |
Who is Richard Lee Ross?
Richard Lee Ross was born on May 10, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York. His early life was marked by physical abuse at the hands of his father, which would later be cited as a possible reason for his violent behavior. Ross’s mother abandoned the family when he was young, leaving him and his siblings to fend for themselves.
Early Life
Ross’s early life was marked by trouble. He was arrested multiple times for petty crimes and was known to have a volatile temper. Despite this, he managed to find work as a construction worker and even got married twice, fathering two daughters.
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Crimes and Victims
Ross’s crimes were brutal and senseless. He preyed on vulnerable women, mostly sex workers, and strangled them to death with their own clothing or a ligature. His victims included
- Tammy Williams, 14
- Debra Smith Taylor, 23
- Linda Santiago, 16
- Novella Spears, 25
- Doreen Jenkins, 25
- Marilyn Rivera, 17
- Leslie Shelley, 22
Arrest and Confession
Ross was arrested in 1984 after a witness identified him as the man who had solicited sex from one of the victims. He subsequently confessed to seven murders, leading the police to the bodies of his victims.
Trial and Sentencing
Ross’s trial began in 1986, and he was found guilty of six counts of murder in 1987. He was sentenced to death, a punishment that would be carried out 13 years later.
Appeals and Execution
Ross’s case went through multiple appeals, but his conviction and sentence were upheld. He was executed by lethal injection on May 13, 2000, at the age of 53.
Psychological Profile
Ross’s psychological profile is a fascinating yet disturbing study. He was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder and was described as a manipulative and charismatic individual. His crimes were not motivated by a desire for material gain or sexual gratification but rather by a need for control and power.
Personal Life
Ross’s personal life was marked by turmoil. He was married twice and fathered two daughters, but his relationships were marked by violence and abuse.
Timeline of Events
- May 10, 1947: Richard Lee Ross is born in Brooklyn, New York
- 1980s: Ross commits a series of brutal murders in Connecticut and New York
- 1984: Ross is arrested and confesses to seven murders
- 1986: Ross’s trial begins
- 1987: Ross is found guilty of six counts of murder and sentenced to death
- May 13, 2000: Ross is executed by lethal injection
Investigation and Capture
The investigation into Ross’s crimes was a complex and challenging one. The police had to piece together evidence from multiple crime scenes and interview numerous witnesses before they finally had enough evidence to arrest Ross.
Other Facts
- Ross was known as the “Mad Strangler” due to his modus operandi of strangling his victims
- He was suspected of killing up to 15 women, although he was only convicted of seven murders
- Ross’s crimes were highly publicized, and he became a household name in the 1980s
Impact
Ross’s crimes had a profound impact on the families of his victims and the communities in which he operated. His brutal and senseless murders left a trail of devastation and grief that can still be felt today.
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Final Thoughts
Richard Lee Ross was a serial killer who preyed on vulnerable women, leaving a trail of devastation and grief in his wake. His crimes were brutal and senseless, and his execution was a small measure of justice for the families of his victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Richard Lee Ross?
Richard Lee Ross was an American serial killer who preyed on vulnerable women in Connecticut and New York in the 1980s.
How many people did Richard Lee Ross kill?
Ross was convicted of seven murders, although he was suspected of killing up to 15 women.
How was Richard Lee Ross caught?
Ross was arrested in 1984 after a witness identified him as the man who had solicited sex from one of the victims.
What was Richard Lee Ross’s motive for killing?
Ross’s motive for killing was not material gain or sexual gratification but rather a need for control and power.
