Notorious criminals often enjoy the attention and fame they get for their crimes. But sometimes, that attention turns fatal — as a number of criminals have learned in past years. From fights in prison to assassinations and suicide, these well-known felons have met their ends — and not in pleasant ways. Learn about the less pleasant demises of renowned figures like The Boston Strangler and Jeffrey Dahmer, along with lesser-known offenders...
H. H. Holmes - Execution Gone Wrong
H. H. Holmes is said to be the first known US serial killer on record. In 1892, Holmes built a hotel that became known as the "Murder Castle" as he lured guests into its deadly traps. The "Castle" was built specifically for this purpose, and its exterior hid a crematorium, a floor trapdoor, and a quicklime pit; all used to dispose of victims.
Holmes was finally arrested in Boston in 1894 after being on the run. During his trial, Holmes officially confessed to 27 murders but later told his lawyer that he had actually killed 133 people. Despite his confession, he received the death penalty. Hanged at Moyamensing Prison in May 1896, the execution went wrong, failing to break his neck. He endured a prolonged death by strangulation, lasting over 15 minutes. He was 34 years old.
The Unabomber Got Away Easy With Suicide
Combining mathematical genius and a deep hatred for modern technology destroying the environment led to the perfect storm that was Ted Kaczynski. For almost 20 years, starting in the 79s, he sent numerous bombs through the mail in an anarchist campaign that killed three and injured 23. He'd send these bombs to modern researchers like university geneticists. The manhunt for his capture was both the longest and most expensive in FBI history.
The publishing of his manifesto in The Washington Post caught the attention of his brother, who reported his off-the-grid brother to the FBI, who tracked him down and arrested him. Kaczynski maintained his sanity at trial and was sentenced to eight life sentences without the possibility of parole. After being diagnosed with late-stage cancer in 2021, he was found dead in his cell in 2023 at age 81 of an apparent suicide.
Aileen Wuornos Was Described As Cold As Ice
Portrayed in the Oscar-winning movie Monster, Aileen Wuornos was behind the death of seven men in Florida. Working as a prostitute, she committed the murders between 1989 and 1990. She defended her actions by saying the men had been trying to rape her, and she had killed in self-defense. When witnesses saw her behind the wheel of a victim’s car, she was identified and arrested in 1991.
Her trial ended with the death penalty. Wuornos went back on her defense in 2001, and stopped her appeals, saying that she was filled with hate and had killed and robbed her victims ‘cold as ice’. She said she was sane, but hated life and confessed that given the chance she would kill again. Wuornos died by lethal injection in 2002.
Jeffrey Dahmer Had Angry Prison Mates
Dahmer's heinous crimes, spanning 1978 to 1991, shocked the nation, earning him the notorious titles "Milwaukee Cannibal" and "Milwaukee Monster." His reign of terror went undetected until 1991 when intended victim Tracy Edwards escaped, guiding police to Dahmer's apartment. His confessions during interrogations revealed chilling details about his acts.
He was found guilty but mentally ill and received 15 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. While in prison in 1994, Dahmer's life came to a violent end at age 34 when he was attacked and killed by a fellow inmate, Christopher Scarver. Surprisingly, Scarver revealed that his motivation did not stem from the heinous crimes Dahmer committed, but rather from Dahmer annoying fellow inmates by fashioning makeshift severed limbs using food.
Gary Gilmore Was Ready To Die: "Let's Do It"
In 1976, Gary Gilmore gained notoriety for committing two murders, leading to his conviction and death sentence in Utah. His case triggered debates on capital punishment, as Gilmore actually pleaded with the judges to receive it.
One year later, he faced the firing squad, where he famously declared "Let's do it" before his death. Before his execution, Gilmore expressed a wish to donate his organs for transplantation. Shortly after his death, his corneas were transplanted to two recipients. In a bizarre twist, Nike's advertising executives credited Gilmore for the inspiration of the iconic 'Just Do It' slogan. They proposed it during a crucial marketing meeting. It has since been lauded as one of the 20th century's finest taglines.
Catholic Priest John Geoghan Never Stood Trial
Geoghan was a priest in various parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston, where he became known for his involvement with youth and his work as a spiritual advisor. However, his reputation took a dark turn when allegations of sexual abuse against him began to emerge in the 1990s. Eventually, a pattern showed sexual abuse spanning decades, with numerous victims coming forward to share their traumatic experiences.
The scandal surrounding Geoghan was a catalyst for the larger clergy sexual abuse crisis that rocked the Catholic Church in the United States and gained widespread media attention. Geoghan was criminally charged and convicted in 2002 for molesting a young boy. He was sentenced to prison, but before his appeal could even be heard, Geoghan was murdered by another inmate named Joseph Druce at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts, in 2003.
Rasputin's Death Is Shrouded In Mystery
Grigori Rasputin, a mystical figure in Russian history, was born in 1869 in Siberia. He became famous for his alleged healing powers and mystical practices. In the early 20th century, Rasputin gained significant influence in the court of Tsar Nicholas II, particularly with Tsarina Alexandra, due to his supposed ability to heal their son, Alexei, who suffered from hemophilia. His influence and controversial reputation created a lot of resentment among the nobility and political elites.
Rasputin's death in 1916 is shrouded in mystery and drama, adding to his enigmatic legacy. According to popular accounts, a group of nobles, led by Prince Felix Yusupov, plotted his assassination to end his sway over the royal family. The story goes that Rasputin survived multiple assassination attempts in one night, including being poisoned, shot, and eventually drowned. However, historical records suggest that he died from gunshot wounds. Despite the murky details, Rasputin's death marked a significant moment in the lead-up to the Russian Revolution.
NFL Player Aaron Hernandez Got Away With Suicide
Aaron Hernandez's promising career in the NFL took a dark turn when he was arrested in 2013 and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player and acquaintance of Hernandez. The trial garnered significant media attention, and in April 2015, Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
He was also investigated for other crimes and faced additional murder charges. While serving his sentence at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Massachusetts, Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell on April 19, 2017, at the age of 27. The official cause of death was ruled as suicide by hanging. His death shocked many, especially considering his young age and the life sentence he was serving.
The Beloved Bonnie And Clyde Were Ambushed
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were notorious American outlaws during the 1930s. From Texas, they began a life of crime together, involving bank robberies, burglaries, and car thefts. As part of a larger gang, they became famous for their daring actions and evaded law enforcement for years. The media romanticized their story, portraying them as charismatic rebels despite their violent acts.
Their crime spree ended on May 23, 1934, in a police ambush in Louisiana. A posse of officers, using a gang member's family as bait, shot and killed Bonnie and Clyde in a violent encounter. Their deaths became legendary, symbolizing the end of a significant era in American criminal history and highlighting the harsh realities of a criminal lifestyle.
O. J. Simpson- Prostate Cancer
O.J. Simpson, a former NFL star, was known for his athletic prowess and charismatic personality. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1994 when he was accused of the brutal murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Simpson's dramatic police chase in a white Bronco was watched by millions on live television and the subsequent trial, became dubbed the "Trial of the Century".
In 1995, Simpson was cleared of the murders, but in 1997, a civil court found him liable for their deaths and ordered him to pay $33.5 million in damages. Simpson’s legal troubles didn’t end there. In 2008, he was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping during a confrontation over sports memorabilia in Las Vegas. He was sentenced to nine to 33 years in prison, serving nine before being released on parole. Simpson died on April 10 at 76 after privately battling prostate cancer.
John Wayne Gacy- The Killer Clown on Death Row
John Wayne Gacy’s victims were young boys. He would dress up as Pogo the Clown and attend community events - leading to his nickname, ‘Killer Clown’. Gacy killed over 33 young boys between 1972 and 1978 in Illinois. The victims he killed were buried in his house, with many later found in the walls and basement. His last victim was a 15-year-old named Robert Jerome Piest.
His disappearance led to Gacy becoming a suspect to the police, and his home was searched. Despite the discovery of his victim’s bodies, Gacy seemed confident he wouldn’t be charged. However, he was sentenced to death row, where he remained for 14 years before he died in 1994 by lethal injection.
Ted Bundy, Evil's Example
Ted Bundy surely takes a spot close to the top of anyone's "evil criminals" list. Though confessing to 30 murders before his death, estimates of his true body count go as high as 100. Using his powers of charm and disguise, Bundy was able to lure victims and evade capture for years. When he was finally caught in the late 1970s, he escaped from a Colorado courthouse window and fled to Florida where he killed several more victims.
In 1978, a second arrest marked the end of Ted Bundy's reign of terror, leading to his sentencing with three death penalties. He tried and failed to delay his execution by hinting at information about other victims, known as "Ted's bones-for-time scheme". While waiting for death row, he was reportedly assaulted by four men and refused to eat his final meal. Executed on January 24, 1989, his brain was removed to probe into why he had carried out his horrific crimes.
William Bonin Also Made It To Death Row
It took William Bonin only one year, between 1979 and 1980, to kill somewhere between 21 and 36 people, leaving their remains on the California freeway. Subsequently dubbed the Freeway Killer, the prosecutor for his trial called him "the most arch-evil person who ever existed".
A previous record for sexual assault and murder in 1979 meant he already had the police’s attention. He assaulted another boy while on parole for previous crimes and should have rightly been sent back to prison. A clerical error meant he did not, but he was subjected to police surveillance, and finally was arrested. He was sentenced to death row and died in 1996 from lethal injection.
The "Boston Strangler" Was Not Loved At Prison
DeSalvo's criminal activities occurred during the early 1960s when a series of brutal murders shook the city of Boston. Thirteen women were sexually assaulted and murdered in the Boston area. In 1964, while in custody for unrelated charges, DeSalvo confessed to being the "Boston Strangler" and provided detailed accounts of the murders. He claimed to have committed the crimes alone, but doubts and inconsistencies in his statements arose.
DeSalvo was never convicted for the murders of the Boston Strangler victims, due to inconsistencies and lack of evidence linking him to the specific murders. Instead, he was found guilty of unrelated crimes, such as sexual assault, armed robbery, and breaking and entering. He was sentenced to life in prison. In 1973, DeSalvo was stabbed to death by a fellow inmate at Walpole State Prison in Massachusetts.
Nicholas Rodriguez Was Sawn Almost In Half
The story of Nicholas Anthony Rodriguez's death in California State Prison has taken a grim turn. This 24-year-old, who was serving a 15.7-year sentence for his part in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, met a brutal end: he was found nearly severed in two, his organs gone, and his body stashed in a trash bin. This all came to light 15 hours after a massive riot in May, but even with ongoing investigations, there's no lead on his organs or any charges.
The riot, involving a rough crowd of 58 inmates, might have been more than just a brawl. It's thought it could have been a distraction for this gruesome murder. In the chaos, three inmates and a guard got hurt, and a makeshift weapon was uncovered. The key suspect in this case is his cellmate, who's already serving a life sentence. Amidst all this, Rodriguez's mother, Maria, is still piecing together the details of her son's tragic fate, her last memory of him being his disfigured face at his funeral.
Richard Loeb- The Teen Murderer Had 50 Wounds
Richard Loeb was born into a wealthy family and was highly intelligent, attending the University of Chicago. However, he developed a fascination with crime and believed he could commit the perfect crime without getting caught. Along with Nathan Leopold, his childhood friend and intellectual equal, Loeb meticulously planned the kidnapping and murder of a young boy, 14-year-old Bobby Franks.
But a "perfect crime" it was not, and in 1924, the pair were sentenced to life imprisonment plus 99 years each. In 1936, Loeb was attacked by a fellow inmate in the shower with a razor and died shortly after, having suffered over 50 wounds, including his throat slashed. Loeb's attacker claimed he had been defending himself from his sexual advances, but the claim remains disputed, and the prison chaplain even claimed that the proposition had more likely been the other way around.
Ponzi Criminal Bernie Madoff Had A Natural Death
It takes a certain kind of person to cheat others out of their hard-earned money, and Bernie Madoff proved himself to be the lowest of those low when he masterminded the largest Ponzi scheme in history, cheating people like Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel out of a total of over $64 billion. When he was finally caught in 2008, it had been his own sons who turned him and his "one big lie" in.
The 71-year-old Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison. Though he was involved in some physical altercations, he reported to his daughter-in-law that prison was safer than the streets of New York and that he couldn't "walk anywhere without someone shouting their greetings and encouragement, to keep my spirit up." Despite asking then-President Donald Trump for a pardon, Madoff died in prison in 2021 at the age of 82 from cardiovascular and kidney diseases. This almost seems too easy for such a ruthless man.
Boston Gangster James Joseph "Whitey" Bulger
James Joseph "Whitey" Bulger was an American organized crime boss and FBI informant. He was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and later became a prominent figure in Boston's organized crime scene, particularly as the leader of the Winter Hill Gang. He went on the run in 1994 after being tipped off to an impending RICO charge and was caught 16 years later.
In 2013, he was found guilty on 31 counts, including involvement in 11 murders, and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison, plus five years. In 2018, the 89-year-old wheelchair-bound Bulger was found dead in United States Penitentiary, Hazelton, just hours after arrival. He had been beaten to death by fellow inmates and was reported as looking "unrecognizable", with his eyes and tongue having been cut out.
Jesse Anderson- A Convicted Murderer
Jesse Anderson was perhaps less famous than others on this list. That is, at least, until he was murdered. Anderson ended up in prison after he viciously stabbed his second wife, Barbara Anderson, to death after a seemingly nice dinner out. Anderson also stabbed himself and then blamed the attack on three Black men.
Anderson met a tragic end alongside notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Both were murdered by fellow inmate Christopher Scarver at the Columbia Correctional Institution in 1994. Scarver brought up Anderson being racist as his motive for killing him, citing his blaming innocent Black men for murder and defacing a portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Elite and Elusive, Jeffrey Epstein
For years, Jeffrey Epstein was untouchable as one of the wealthiest and most well-connected financiers in the world. Given the fact that he rubbed shoulders with some very powerful people, it's no surprise that it took years to fully uncover the depths of his criminal activity, which saw him sexually abuse and traffic dozens of women, some underage.
When he was arrested on July 6th, 2019, Epstein offered $100 million to free himself on bail, which was denied. A month later, he was found dead in his cell at age 66, with a bedsheet tied around his neck. Though the New York City medical examiner ruled it a suicide by hanging, many are convinced that foul play was involved. Perhaps his powerful friends intervened in his death, fearful of damaging information that could have come out against them.
Hospital Serial Killer Donald Harvey
Donald Harvey worked as a nurse's aide and used his position to poison patients by administering various toxic substances such as arsenic and cyanide, labeling himself an "angel of death". His victims were mostly elderly and vulnerable patients who had the misfortune of being placed under his care. It’s thought that Harvey may have been responsible for the deaths of up to 87 people, although he was only convicted for a fraction of these murders.
In 2017, 71-year-old Harvey was found by prison guards, unconscious in his cell having been beaten severely. He passed away before he could receive adequate help. Two years later, another inmate was charged with his death and sentenced to 25 years to life.
Richard Ramirez AKA The Night Stalker
Richard Ramirez targeted a wide range of victims, breaking into homes and committing brutal assaults, including murder, rape, and robbery. His victims ranged in age, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ramirez often employed various methods such as shooting, stabbing, bludgeoning, or strangling his victims. His crimes were marked by extreme violence and a lack of remorse.
Ramirez was convicted in 1989 on multiple charges, including 13 murders, 5 attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults, and 14 burglaries. During his trial, Richard Ramirez displayed a defiant and unrepentant attitude, even embracing his notoriety. He was sentenced to death and spent over 23 years on death row at San Quentin State Prison. However, he passed away on June 7, 2013, due to complications from B-cell lymphoma.
Doctor Death — Harold Shipman
Dr. Harold Shipman, also known as "Dr. Death," was an English doctor and one of the most prolific serial killers in recorded history. Shipman targeted his victims, primarily elderly women, by administering lethal doses of drugs, most commonly diamorphine (a powerful painkiller). He exploited their trust and manipulated medical records to cover up his crimes, making it appear as though the deaths were due to natural causes.
It was estimated that Shipman had killed at least 218 patients. In 2000, Harold Shipman was found guilty of 15 counts of murder and one count of forgery. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. However, on January 13, 2004, Shipman was found dead in his prison cell. The cause of his death was determined to be suicide by hanging.
War Criminal Rudolf Hess
Rudolf Hess was a key figure in the early Nazi regime, involved in propaganda, and shaping policies, and ideology. His influence waned as the war progressed, and he fell out of favor with Hitler. In a surprising move on May 10, 1941, Hess flew solo to Scotland, aiming to negotiate peace between Germany and Britain. Instead, he was captured by the British.
Held as a POW, he faced trial at Nuremberg for war crimes and crimes against humanity, resulting in a life sentence. Hess spent the rest of his life imprisoned, mainly at Spandau Prison in Berlin. He died on August 17, 1987, at age 93, with the official cause of death ruled as suicide by hanging, though controversy surrounds the circumstances and some believe he was killed by British intelligence.
Kidnapper Ariel Castro
Between 2002 and 2013, Ariel Castro abducted Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus and held them captive in his home on Seymour Avenue in Cleveland. During their captivity, the women were subjected to severe physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The women were finally rescued on May 6, 2013, when Berry managed to escape and seek help from a neighbor. Authorities then discovered the other two women in Castro's house. Castro was arrested shortly thereafter.
In August 2013, Ariel Castro pleaded guilty to 937 criminal charges, including kidnapping, rape, and aggravated murder (related to the termination of pregnancies caused by his abuse). He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 1,000 years. However, just one month into his sentence, on September 3, 2013, Castro was found dead in his prison cell. The cause of death was ruled as suicide by hanging.
Craigslist Killer Philip Markoff
Posing as a potential client, Philip Markoff connected with his victims through enticing Craigslist ads, luring them with the promise of various services. Zeroing in on women involved in the adult entertainment industry, Markoff embarked on a disturbing spree of robbery, assault, and even murder. The breakthrough came when a masseuse found herself trapped in a Boston hotel room. She fought back, managing to escape the clutches of this predator.
Determined to bring him to justice, she reported the incident to the authorities. In 2009, Markoff was arrested, and the full extent of his heinous crimes began to unravel under the intense scrutiny of investigators. While awaiting trial, haunted by the consequences of his actions, he succumbed to despair. In a shocking turn of events, the young and troubled Markoff took his own life, leaving a haunting question mark hanging over the case.
Activist Steve Biko
Though retrospect sees Steve Biko more as a hero and champion, his era, unfortunately, saw his anti-apartheid activism as criminal. Biko co-founded the South African Students' Organization (SASO) in 1968, which focused on promoting the ideals of black consciousness among students. Biko's activism and outspokenness against apartheid drew the attention of the government, and he faced repeated harassment, arrests, and banning orders that restricted his movements and activities. He was detained without trial under the apartheid-era laws, which allowed for prolonged detention and interrogation of political prisoners.
During his detention, Biko was subjected to severe torture and physical abuse. He was beaten by security police officers, including being struck on the head repeatedly. The injuries sustained during the assault were severe, resulting in a brain hemorrhage. On September 11, 1977, he was transported to a prison in Pretoria, where he died the following day, on September 12, 1977, at the age of 30.
Russian Activist Yuri Galanskov
Yuri Galanskov, a resolute Soviet dissident and tireless advocate for human rights, left an indelible mark on the tumultuous landscape of the 1960s and 1970s. He became a prominent figure in the Soviet human rights movement, fearlessly confronting political repression and fighting for civil liberties. However, Galanskov's dedication to justice came at a great personal cost. The Soviet authorities subjected him and his fellow activists to constant surveillance, harassment, and persecution.
In 1967, Galanskov's bravery led to his arrest on charges of "anti-Soviet agitation and propaganda," resulting in a harsh sentence of five years of imprisonment and forced labor in a Soviet prison camp where he developed severe kidney problems. Finally, in 1974, Yuri Galanskov was released from prison due to his deteriorating health and mounting international pressure. Regrettably, his physical well-being had been irrevocably compromised, and on March 8, 1972, at the young age of 33, he passed away.
Serial Killer Daniel Gonzalez
Daniel Gonzalez was a British serial killer who terrorized London in 2004. His victims included Marie Harding, Kevin Molloy, and Derek and Jean Robinson. The media dubbed him the "M25 Killer" due to the fact that many of the attacks occurred near the M25 motorway. In September 2004, Gonzalez was apprehended after a high-profile manhunt. He was arrested for the murders of Marie Harding and Kevin Molloy.
During his trial, Gonzalez displayed signs of mental instability and claimed to have been influenced by voices and supernatural forces. In 2006, Daniel Gonzalez was found guilty of the murders of Marie Harding and Kevin Molloy, as well as the attempted murder of Derek and Jean Robinson. While in custody at Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility, Daniel Gonzalez took his own life on January 9, 2007, at the age of 26.
Slave Trader Patty Cannon
Patty Cannon was not a slave trader herself but rather a notorious criminal involved in the kidnapping and illegal slave trade during the early 19th century in the United States. Operating primarily in the Delmarva Peninsula region, she led a gang that abducted free African Americans and kidnapped slaves to sell them into bondage.
Cannon's criminal activities were not limited to the slave trade. Her gang was also involved in various other crimes, including robbery, murder, and extortion. They would often capture their victims and imprison them in a hidden underground lair known as the "Cannon-Johnson House." Cannon's criminal operations came to an end in 1829 when she was arrested and charged with multiple crimes. However, before she could stand trial, she died in her jail cell, allegedly by poisoning herself — although the stories differ according to sources.
Ill-Fated Nicholas Anthony Rodriguez
Whatever 24-year-old Nicholas Anthony Rodriguez did to end up in California State Prison could never become as famous as his death, sadly. In 2015, the prison experienced a riot, which caused chaos throughout. When it had all died down, Rodriguez was nowhere to be found.
Until the prison guards came across his body that had been sawed in half, with the chest organs removed. Authorities had no leads on who had killed Rodriguez, but they did believe that the riot was used as a distraction. The only suspect in Rodriguez’s murder was his cellmate, Jesus Perez, although this was never proven.