By Chris Bartholomew
Many serial killers throughout time have communicated with authorities, media and the victims' families. In the form on phone calls, letters, e-mails, and notes left on the victims' at the crime scene, some serial killers can't seem to resist the opportunity for publicity, or to gloat at what they are getting away with. Some serial killer communication is very commonly known about, such as the letters from Jack the Ripper, the BTK Strangler Dennis Rader and California's Zodiac killer. Some were not publicized as much.
Usually within the communication, the killer will state facts that only he could know about the crimes. Sometimes the communication is decided to be from someone other than the killer. Sometimes the killer will leave clues for the police.
Communications from serial killers include wall writing in blood, videotapes, crime scene notes, body part transmissions, letters and phone calls, with letters being the most common.
David Berkowitz killed six people. If you live by a big city, in the news you hear of way more murders than that, possibly in one night of news viewing. His communication made him scary, and famous. The zodiac killer communication was what made this case so interesting, without them, it's possible that we wouldn't even know that all those murders were related. The Zodiac communication consisted of letters to police, families of victims (some said they thought he was a hang-up caller who just breathed), phone calls, letters, even letters to victim's families, he even communicated by writing on a car, and his communications are too many to repeat here.
David Berkowitz's very first communication to the police was in the form of a little note that he slipped into the seat of the car of the victim... it read simply, 'Bang-bang, I'll be back. Mr. Monster.'
David's next note, also left at a crime scene, misspelled words and all, took him two days to write and police lifted three good fingerprints from it:
I am deeply hurt by your calling me a wemon hater. I am not. But I am a monster I am the "Son of Sam." I am a little "brat." When Father Sam gets drunk he gets mean. He beats his family. Sometimes he ties me up to the back of the house. Other times he locks me in the garage. Sam loves to drink blood. "Go out and kill," commands Father Sam.
Behind our house some rest. Mostly young, raped and slaughtered, their blood drained, just bones now. Papa Sam keeps me locked in the attic, too. I can't get out but I look out the attic window and watch the world go by. I feel like an outsider. I am on a different wavelength then everybody else, programmed too kill. However, to stop me you must kill me. Attention all police: shoot me first, shoot to kill or else keep out of my way or you will die!
Papa Sam is old now. He needs some blood to preserve his youth. He has had too many heart attacks. Too many heart attacks. "Ugh me hoot it urts Sonny Boy." I miss my pretty princess most of all. She's resting in our ladies house. But I'll she her soon. I am the "monster", "Beelzebub", the "chubby Behemouth." I love to hunt. Prowling the streets looking for fair game, tasty meat. The wemon of queens are Z prettiest of all. I must be the water they drink. I live for the hunt, my life. Blood for papa. Mr. Borelli, sir, I don't want to kill anymore No sir, no more but I must, "honour thy father." I want to make love to the world. I love people. I don't belong on Earth. Return me to yahoos. To the people of Queens, I love you. And I want to wish all of you a Happy Easter. May God bless you in this life and in the next and for now I say goodbye and goodnight. Police, let me haunt you with these words; I'll be back! I'll be back! To be interpreted as, bang, bang, bang, bank, bang, ugh!! Yours in murder Mr. Monster.
His next letter was written in block lettering to achieve a 'ghoulish effect.' Misspelled words are his. Most of this letter was released to the public, with one page embargoed by police request:
Hello from the gutters of NYC, which are filled with dog manure, vomit, stale wine, urine, and blood.
Hello from the sewers of NYC which swallow up these delicacies when they are washed away by the sweeper trucks.
Hello from the cracks in the sidewalks of NYC and from the ants that dwell in these cracks and feed in the dried blood that has settled into the cracks.
Mr. Breslin, sir, don't think because you haven't heard from me for a while that I went to sleep. No, rather, I am still here. Like a spirit roaming the night. Thirsty, hungry, seldom stopping to rest; anxious to please Sam.
I love my work. Now the void has been filled. He won't let me stop killing until he gets his fill of blood. Tell me, Jim, what will you have for me July 29?
Not knowing what the future holds, I shall say farewell and I will see you at the next job. Or should I say you will see my handiwork at my next job?
P.S. Please inform all the detectives working on the case that I wish them luck. Keep them digging, drive on. Think positive. Here are some clues to help you along. The Duke of Death, The Wicked King Wicker. The 22 Disciples of Hell. John Wheaties, rapist and suffocater of young girls.
In their blood and from the gutter, 'Sam's Creation' .44 Caliber
The Son of Sam.
The back of the envelope bore an inscription: "BLOOD AND FAMILY, DARKNESS AND DEATH, ABSOLUTE DEPRAVITY. 44."
The Atlanta Child Murders in Atlanta, Georgia occurred from the summer of 1979 until the spring of 1981. During this time, 29 black children, adolescents and adults were killed. Just the horrible fact that children were missing and later found dead was terrifying enough, no letters needed here, but there were a few:
Jan. 12, 1981 - Gentlemen, The noose is tightening around the Atlanta killer's neck. I've narrowed it down to this. He is (30 years old, black, served in Viet Nam.) He thinks the kinds in Atlanta will starve like some did overseas so he kills so they won't suffer. Think his initials are M. S. He knows most of the victims and they know him. He is well known and liked, quiet and withdrawn. Might have taken part in searches at first. Sure need that reward. Good luck. He kills on Saturday nights. Your friend.
And the next: Please disregard my other info. about the killer. Concentrate on this letter. He knows everything that goes on, especially about the searches. I imagine he has talked to searchers. Don't be misled about his nice manners, he has the killer's instinct. Might have been a boxer in service. Anyway, he is very strong. He grew up in Atlanta area for sure. He has no accomplice. Be prepared for Saturday nights, around first of month. Believe he is single, or divorced. He comes and goes as he pleases. No one to answer to for actions.
Well you're all afraid, you're all upset cause none of these (illegible) have caught me yet I've struck again and didn't leave a clue. Now the whole city doesn't know what to do. You finally found (illegible) Keep looking you might find another child. You think that the number stops at nineteen (illegible) there are some things you haven't seen. One night some kids got killed in a fire, I struck the match, so the death toll is higher. But you can't seem to catch me, I wonder why. Thousands of you see me everyday when I pass by. It's pathetic to know that I can get away with first degree murder on any chosen day. Politicians are worried as the plot thickens Leaders roaming around like headless chickens. (illegible) different cops can't cooperate with the others you'll never catch me. you bumbling mothers go back from the ridiculous to the sublime and you'll find that I've been with you every time. You'd better start looking before it's too late. (illegible) there'll be another "50-48" So as I leave you with this piece of evidence don't do something stupid, like dust it for prints. (Signed, The ghost killer.)
The FBI files state that as a result of a review of this letter by one professor and the Behavioral Science Unit, it was concluded that the letter was not from the killer but from an educated individual seeking notoriety. They recommended that no response be given to the letter, as they felt that publication of the letter would lead to a rash of other letters. As you can see, there are no clues in the two letters, so they didn't have to act on them, there was nothing to act upon.
The FBI enlisted the aide of a psychic who goes unnamed as per her choice, not wanting to receive any recognition whatsoever regarding the information she provided. Here is her letter:
I did a Horary for 6.24-79, but I feel the killings started before this (around the 8th).
The killer is ruled by Aries which is in a weeping degree. This shows he is entering a new course. at the end of his rope or patience, desperate, misfortune. He is positive, self-reliant, out spoken, independent in action. He is always ready and armed for the occasion. Sharp and cutting and tends to be argumentative.
Appearance: He is medium height, muscular, and his movements give the impression of agility. Usually looks angry and speaks sharply. A scar or wound is evident near the chin or neck. He is carrying a grudge. Hair brown with reddish tent.
His early family life was marked by unhappiness and some violence which has left its mark, often traceable to an unruly person or harsh experience there. He achieved independence at an early age and struck out of himself. Many ups and downs in youth. Much interference in his education. At least one court appearance and usually a substitute parent or protector.
His actions are erratic and unpredictable but cunning as only an insane person could be. Fancies himself as the grim reaper. Also a sexual malfunction present. He feels he has nothing to lose and no hope for the future. He will be found in a work area. Possible truck driver, transporting practical, useable wares. He does not like those in authority which causes him to feel insecure. Communicates well with young children, maybe pretending to be a clergyman or using some disguise to get the children's trust. He has a dual nature, at times will use bribes. and he prefers picking up two children at a time.
The trigger that set him off could have been the break-up of his marriage. Appears to be two children in this marriage. His wife would give you a clue she feels something is wrong with him. His home is 13 to 14 miles SE of Atlanta. He will be arrested a little over two years after the first killing. JULY, AUG, SEPT. '81
I see a hi-way that branches out into 3 directions... he takes the right branch... there are small planes to the right... a Baptist church on a small rise and to the right of the church a blotch of white. Also see blinds on a window with a white light going around a number 3 concerning the house he lives in. See a big thumb. I see him in a sitting position on a machine of some sort, lift truck or?
(This is an interesting bit of information, and as you can see does not seem accurate, as it seems wrong in the case of the accused Wayne Williams). Can I mention here that the FBI had three composites of the suspect... and all three were different, one being white. One of the FBI profilers at the time said they were looking for a white man).
Here is a letter sent to the American Embassy, London:
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing you this letter to tell you that I believe that I am right in knowing the name and physical appearance of the Atlanta Murderer. His name is he is twenty years of age, he is five feet nine inches tall, he weighs one hundred and sixty eight pounds. He is (illegible) He sometimes wears glasses, the type with steel frames. He lives alone, sometimes he sleep with his mother. He works in the accident and injuries ward pf the Atlanta city hospital on the night shift as a (illegible) He is also quite short sighted. The way he murdered those children was to tell them that their parents had been run over in a (illegible) accident and that he was going to take them to the hospital, but you (illegible) he never did.
(The FBI files say they sent it to the Atlanta Police Department, but nothing in the files says anything else about this letter. I thought the mention of how he got the kids into the car was rather imaginative.)
Dear Sirs: I would like to make a suggestion abut the killings in Atlanta: that you might get the parents of the victims together and get them to write a list of all the people (adults) they were close to then match them and see what name appears on most or all of the lists. Please tell me what you think. Thank you.
(The FBI wrote to this letter writer and said they were forwarding it to the police. The note to her said he'd gotten three letters of other offers to help with the case.)
Dear Personage _ With reference to the horrible string of murders in Atlanta. At the risk of being ridiculed for a base observation but will to risk it because of the gravity of the situation I submit an idea that's so childishly simple that it may be overlooked by your trained and sophisticated minds.
Who would be in a better position to baffle criminologists than a criminologist? A shrewd person who has the same tools you are using, a top seeded, highly respected, much loved, beyond suspicion individual, an individual so close to the case, possible involved in it, that her/his activities could go unnoticed. Just possibly a top brass individual within the Atlanta Police Force.
(Just a citizen wanting to help? The letter WAS signed.) Most of these letters were just set aside, but how do we know that the killer didn't write one of them?
William Heirens, the Lipstick killer wrote "For Heaven's sake, catch me before I kill more; I cannot control myself." this message was written on the wall in the home of a victim, with lipstick. He also wrote a ransom letter that read: “Get $20000 Redy And Wmt Forword…Do Not Notify FBI or Police... Bills in 5's & 10's…Burn This For Her Safety”
Paul Michael Stephani communicated with police by telephone. He once asked the police to hurry to some railroad tracks, and then said, "There is a girl hurt there." He called another time saying: "God Damn, will you find me? I just stabbed somebody with an ice pick, I can't stop myself. I keep killing somebody." Then he called and said he was sorry and would turn himself in, but he didn't, instead, he called again to say newspaper accounts of some of the murders were inaccurate. Another call: In a whimpering, barely coherent voice he cried: “I'm sorry for what I did to Compton” and then again: “Please don't talk. Listen. I'm sorry I killed that girl. I stabbed her 40 times. Kimberly Compton was the first one over in St. Paul”
A message was scrawled on a wall in Umatilla, Oregon. The message read: “killed Tanya Bennett in Portland. Two people got the blame so I can kill again (Cut buttons off jeans, proof)”
A second message was found scrawled on a restroom wall at the Greyhound Bus Depot in Livingston, Montana. It said: “I killed Tanya Bennett Jan. 21, 1990 in Portland, Oregon. I beat her to death, raped her and loved it. Yes, I'm sick, but I enjoy myself too. People took the blame and I'm free”
A short time later, a six-page, letter handwritten on blue paper arrived at The Oregonian. The writer complained that the letter sent to the courthouse was never in the newspaper. He then claimed responsibility for the Bennett slaying. Not only that, he took responsibility for several other slayings around the country. The writer wrote: “All 5 of 5 I would like to tell my story! I am a good person at times. I always wanted to be liked. I have been married and divorced with children..." The writer, who claimed to be a long-haul truck driver, then provided details of the Bennett murder that had not been released by police. The writer signed the letter with a “Happy Face” at the top of the first page.
He wrote to the police that he planned to kill someone for each of the Zodiac signs. Seda left a handwritten note containing astrological symbols in a paper bag near the murder scene. He wrote to CBS program 60 Minutes and to the New York Post, and named the three first victims and provided details probably known only to the killer. The letter included, “No more games pigs. The 12 signs will die when the belts in heaven are seen” A folded note with astrological signs was under a rock on the bench where Parham was sleeping when he was shot. He wrote a letter claiming that the New York and California zodiac was one person. He wrote: “Hi, I'm back”
It was his communiqués that finally got him arrested, after they publicized them in the paper, his brother recognized the writing style.
A tarot card left at one of the crime scenes was widely discussed in the media. He left a message threatening schoolchildren but just one line of the message was given to the media, "your children are not safe anywhere at any time"
Letter from him to the police said; "Don't feel bad about not solving this case. With no motive, no weapon, and no witnesses, you could not possibly solve this crime."
A letter was sent by someone in Los Angeles to Cleveland Police, it read in part: "You can rest easy now as I have come out to sunny California for the winter."
The movie does not do this one justice. She was cut in half at the waist. The two sections were placed carefully on the ground, a little more than a foot apart. Her face had been lacerated, giving her the appearance of a clown's smile. A piece of her left thigh had been cut out and inserted into her body, along with a clump of grass. She was forced to eat her own excrement. All the blood was drained from her body, which was washed. Although she had black hair, her killer used henna to dye her hair red. She had been tortured for three days before her death.
First communication of the killer: he carved the initials "BD" into her thigh (these were actually multiple criss-cross lacerations in the suprapubic area. It's not really known if they were initials). He made several phone calls to the police and sent numerous letters to the police and the media. The killer sent a packet with the message and address composed of pasted up letters and which contained 23 items Elizabeth Short was known to keep in her purse.
The Grim Sleeper of California left a note on one victim, it said, "AIDs"
No study on serial killer communication would be complete without Jack the Ripper: (mistakes are his)
Dear Boss, I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they wont fix me just yet. I have laughed when they look so clever and talk about being on the right track. That joke about Leather Apron gave me real fits. I am down on whores and I shant quit ripping them till I do get buckled. Grand work the last job was. I gave the lady no time to squeal. How can they catch me now. I love my work and want to start again. You will soon hear of me with my funny little games. I saved some of the proper red stuff in a ginger beer bottle over the last job to write with but it went thick like glue and I cant use it. Red ink is fit enough I hope ha. ha. The next job I do I shall clip the ladys ears off and send to the police officers just for jolly wouldn't you. Keep this letter back till I do a bit more work, then give it out straight. My knife's so nice and sharp I want to get to work right away if I get a chance. Good Luck.
Yours truly Jack the Ripper. Dont mind me giving the trade name. PS Wasnt good enough to post this before I got all the red ink off my hands curse it No luck yet. They say I'm a doctor now. ha ha
I was not codding dear old Boss when I gave you the tip, you'll hear about Saucy Jacky's work tomorrow double event this time number one squealed a bit couldn't finish straight off. ha not the time to get ears for police. thanks for keeping last letter back till I got to work again. Jack the Ripper
From hell. Mr Lusk, Sor I send you half the Kidne I took from one woman and prasarved it for you tother piece I fried and ate it was very nise. I may send you the bloody knif that took it out if you only wate a whil longer. signed Catch me when you can Mishter Lusk
You though your-self very clever I reckon when you informed the police. But you made a mistake if you though I dident see you. Now I known you know me and I see your little game, and I mean to finish you and send your ears to your wife if you show this to the police or help them if you do I will finish you. It no use your trying to get out of my way. Because I have you when you dont expect it and I keep my word as you soon see and rip you up. Yours truly Jack the Ripper. PS You see I know your address
Beware I shall be at work on the 1st and 2nd inst. in the Minories at 12 midnight and I give the authorities a good chance but there is never a policeman near when I am at work. Yours Jack the Ripper.
What fools the police are. I even give them the name of the street where I am living. Prince William Street.
Old boss you was rite it was the left kidny i was goin to hoperate agin close to you ospitle just as i was going to dror mi nife along of er bloomin throte them cusses of coppers spoilt the game but i guess i wil be on the jobn soon and will send you another bit of innerds. Jack the Ripper
O have you seen the devle with his mikerscope and scalpul a-lookin at a kidney with a slide cocked up.
Dear Boss So now they say I am a Yid when will they lern Dear old Boss! You an me know the truth dont we. Lusk can look forever hell never find me but I am rite under his nose all the time. I watch them looking for me an it gives me fits ha ha I love my work an I shant stop until I get buckled and even then watch out for your old pal Jacky.
Catch me if you Can. Jack the Ripper. Sorry about the blood still messy from the last one. What a pretty necklace I gave her.
The Jewes are not the men that will be blamed for nothing
Eight little whores, with no hope of heaven, Gladstone may save one, then there'll be seven. Seven little whores beggin for a shilling, One stays in Henage Court, then there's a killing. Six little whores, glad to be alive, One sidles up to Jack, then there are five. Four and whore rhyme aright, So do three and me, I'll set the town alight Ere there are two. Two little whores, shivering with fright, Seek a cosy doorway in the middle of the night. Jack's knife flashes, then there's but one, And the last one's the ripest for Jack's idea of fun.
Communications from serial killers are not given nearly the careful study that they deserve.
Editor's note: this article was written by Chris Bartholomew in February 2009 and is now reproduced in full, with the documents it quotes given as the author gave them. An earlier edition on this site described those documents rather than transcribing them; that decision has been reversed and this is the complete text. Two names are corrected against the archive's own record: Dennis Rader, and William Heirens, both misspelled in the original. Beyond that nothing has been altered, including the spelling inside the letters, which is the writers' own.
Several points have moved since 2009. The Grim Sleeper, whose note is the shortest quotation in the piece, is Lonnie Franklin Jr, identified in 2010 through California's first familial DNA search and convicted in May 2016 of ten murders and one attempted murder. John Allen Muhammad was executed in Virginia on November 10, 2009, nine months after this was written. Heriberto Seda was convicted in June 1998 of three murders and a series of attempted murders and sentenced to eighty-three years. Thomas Lee Dillon pleaded guilty to five counts in Ohio and was sentenced in July 1993. Paul Michael Stephani was convicted of three killings, sentenced to forty years in 1983, and died of cancer in prison in 1998. David Berkowitz pleaded guilty and received six consecutive terms of twenty-five years to life in June 1978.
On the Atlanta letters, the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit judged that the one signed by the ghost killer did not come from the killer, and the article says so. Wayne Williams was convicted in 1982 of two adult murders. He has always denied the child killings, and the great majority of them were never charged against him or anyone else. The psychic's letter is included as the author included it, as a curiosity of the file rather than as evidence.
On the Jack the Ripper material, the provenance is weaker than the presentation suggests and the author's own "might be a hoax" is the right instinct applied too narrowly. Most of these letters are regarded as hoaxes. The Dear Boss letter and the Saucy Jacky postcard, which supplied the name the world still uses, are widely believed to have been written by a journalist. The From Hell letter, sent to George Lusk with half a kidney, is the one a number of scholars still take seriously, and it is the one that carries no signature. The verse beginning "Eight little" has no contemporary provenance at all. The Goulston Street graffito is not a letter and may have nothing to do with the case; it was written in chalk on a wall near a piece of bloodied apron and was ordered washed off before dawn, before it could be photographed, so what is printed here is a transcription of a transcription.
Two entries are not serial cases. Elizabeth Short, the Black Dahlia, was one victim of an unsolved murder in 1947, and the Cleveland Torso letter is attached to a series in which nobody was ever charged. The Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, has no entry in this archive.
One line in the Jesperson section carries more than it appears to. His wall message says that two people got the blame so he can kill again. Those two were Laverne Pavlinac and John Sosnovske, who had been convicted of the murder of Taunja Bennett and served four years for a killing Jesperson committed. He began writing precisely because of that, and this archive records his confession as the thing that freed them.