John Wayne Gacy Posing With His Friends
John Wayne Gacy, captured here at a dance, appears to blend in seamlessly with his friends, masking his horrifying double life. Known for his alter ego as the Killer Clown called “Pogo the Clown”, Gacy was convicted of the deaths of 33 people, with 26 bodies found at his ranch house and others nearby. His criminal history includes a 1968 conviction for assaulting a teenage boy, from which he was released early for good behavior. Gacy's notorious spree began in 1972 and continued until his arrest in 1978.
This image of him enjoying a social event shows us just how good he is at hiding his true self, the master of manipulation and lies.
Jeffrey Dahmer Going to Prom With Bridget Geiger
Prom is often awkward for teenagers, but few experiences compare to Bridget Geiger’s. She attended prom with Jeffrey Dahmer, who became infamous as a serial killer and cannibal. Between 1978 and 1991, Dahmer took the lives of more than a dozen men. Diagnosed with multiple personality disorders, Dahmer was ruled legally sane and sentenced to 15 life terms in 1992, with an additional sentence added later. Dahmer's disturbing tendencies emerged early, with a childhood fascination for dead animals and isolation from his peers.
Despite his horrific crimes, his former classmates were shocked, as they remembered him as the awkward boy from prom. It goes to show that you really never can tell what’s going on inside a person’s mind.
Charles Albright, the Football Player
Charles Frederick Albright, known better as The Eyeball Killer, had a seemingly ordinary childhood before his criminal notoriety. Adopted at a young age, Albright was a bright student but failed to complete his pre-med degree. During his teenage years, he developed a disturbing fascination with taxidermy. He was encouraged by his mother to pursue this career after he began harming small animals. His early criminal behavior included theft and assault, culminating in a 1981 conviction for assaulting a teenage girl. Albright later claimed his guilty plea was to avoid complications.
Albright's darker tendencies would eventually lead him to commit the ultimate crime of taking people’s lives, making his innocent-seeming football photo all the more chilling later on.
Richard Ramirez Up Close With a Friend
Richard Ramirez, known best as the Night Stalker, is seen here smiling casually with a friend. This image doesn’t give a single hint as to his horrific crimes. Ramirez, active in the 1980s, was responsible for the deaths of 17 people and numerous assaults in the San Francisco area. His methods included breaking into homes at night to commit violent acts of assault and taking the lives of his victims, often with a disturbing religious element. Despite his friendly appearance in this photograph, Ramirez’s criminal actions were brutal and shocking.
His troubled childhood and exposure to violent influences played a role in his descent into crime, making this photo a chilling reminder of the duality of his personality - behind that smile is the face of evil.
Ted Bundy Playing With Local Children
Ted Bundy, seen in this picture playing with local neighborhood children, appears to have a friendly and carefree nature. This image is deeply unsettling for us, given Bundy’s later crimes, which included the abduction and assault of numerous young women who he later took the lives of. At the time that this photo was snapped, Bundy was in a relationship with Liz and lived with her and her young daughter Molly. The photo, taken just four years before Bundy’s crime spree began, starkly contrasts with his horrific actions.
Bundy’s charming public persona served as a great mask to hide his violent, criminal behavior, making the photograph both poignant and unsettling.
Joseph DeAngelo Spending Time With His Niece
In this seemingly normal family photo, Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, is pictured with his young niece. DeAngelo, who was an ex-police officer, used his law enforcement knowledge to evade capture for several years. He ended the lives of at least 13 people, committed over 50 assaults, and confessed to 120 burglaries between 1973 and 1986. The phone on the table in the photo is believed to have been used by DeAngelo to taunt authorities about his crimes. As if committing them wasn’t bad enough, he had to rub it in the police and public’s faces.
After being captured in 2018, he admitted to additional crimes to avoid the death penalty. The image of him with his niece juxtaposes with his violent past and criminal behavior, making it even more terrifying.
Dennis Rader Exploring the Grand Canyon
Dennis Rader, known as the BTK Killer, is shown at the Grand Canyon in this photo, looking just like any other tourist around. Rader was responsible for taking the lives of 10 people between 1974 and 1991, known for his method of binding and harming his victims. His public facade of normalcy included sending taunting letters and disturbing memorabilia to authorities. The serene setting of the Grand Canyon contrasts sharply with the gruesome nature of his crimes.
What we see when we look at this photo is the disconnect between Rader’s outward appearance and his violent actions. How on earth do some serial killers maintain a facade of normalcy amidst all the crimes?
Jeffrey Dahmer Sunning at the Beach
Jeffrey Dahmer, pictured here at the beach, looks awkward yet relaxed in his swimming trunks. Dahmer, known for his brutal crimes, including eating and assaulting deceased human bodies, took the lives of 17 young men and boys. The beach photo shows us the lighter side of a man who had such a grisly nature in his actions. The creepiest thing about Dahmer (although it’s hard to pick) is that he would also dismember bodies and preserve the parts. Dahmer’s outward appearance of normalcy allowed him to lure his unsuspecting victims back to his apartment, where he committed his crimes.
No one would ever have guessed the dark undercurrents that must have been flowing within Jeffrey at the time this picture was taken. Imagine being the person who took this snap?!
John Wayne Gacy Meeting First Lady Rosalynn Carter
Pictured here with First Lady Rosalynn Carter, John Wayne Gacy maintained a facade of respectability during his crime spree, fooling even the higher-ups in government. Known as "Pogo the Clown," he was a prominent community figure, performing at events for sick children. Gacy's facade crumbled when he was linked to the disappearance of his last victim, leading to his arrest. His trial revealed the horrific truth: he assaulted and took the lives of many young men and boys, hiding several bodies under his home.
In spite of his charm and public persona, Gacy was sentenced to death, and was executed in 1994. This photo leaves us wondering about the monster hiding beneath his friendly exterior.
Aileen Wuornos Having a Bike Ride
Aileen Wuornos, captured here cycling on a sunny day, appears youthful and carefree. However, we now know that this image gives us no insight into her later life, which was marked by taking the lives of seven men. Wuornos, working as an adult worker in Florida, initially claimed self-defense against attempted assault, though she later retracted this claim. Her violent actions led to her execution in 2002. The photograph of her in a seemingly innocent moment underscores the disturbing reality of her criminal history and troubled life.
Her outward appearance and her violent past demonstrate how appearances can mask deeper, darker realities. If you look into Aileen’s eyes, you can see something brewing beneath the surface. Interesting fact: Aileen's story was captured in the award-winning film Monster.
Ed Kemper Holding a Newborn Infant
Ed Kemper, dubbed the 'Co-ed Killer,' is pictured here holding a newborn baby in what seems to be a joyful family moment, and we must say, it gives us the chills. Kemper, who is known for ending the lives of his mother and grandparents, looks so innocent, but behind the gentle smile is a mind capable of committing his violent crimes. Standing at 6’9” and possessing a high IQ, Kemper’s imposing presence and intelligence are at odds with his brutal actions. You would think a man of this caliber would do something good with his smarts, but he used his powers for evil instead.
To us, this photo gives us insight into the eerie duality of his personality, where a caring appearance betrays a history of horrific violence. The happy family moment and Kemper’s criminal history underscores the chilling nature of his facade.
John Wayne Gacy on His Wedding Day
This wedding photo of John Wayne Gacy and his bride, Carole Hoff, captures a moment of joy and new beginnings. Yet, Gacy led a horrifying double life. He was known later as "The Killer Clown" because he dressed as a clown and performed for kids in his community at children's events, concealing his violent nature. Between 1972 and 1978, Gacy lured young men to his home, where he committed unspeakable acts of torture and then took their lives. He buried many of his 33 victims in his crawl space.
This photo is a stark reminder of the facade Gacy maintained, deceiving family and community until his eventual capture and execution.
Joseph DeAngelo on a Fishing Trip
Joseph DeAngelo, famously known as the Golden State Killer, is shown here on a fishing trip, looking just like any other recreational angler. His criminal activities spanned over a decade and earned him multiple nicknames, including the East Area Rapist and the Original Night Stalker. This image of him enjoying a fishing trip shows that there was a normal man behind the evil monster who committed the dozens of acts he is guilty of.
We find it hard to marry the idea of a man who enjoys this peaceful hobby with a man who is capable of heinous crimes. DeAngelo’s ability to maintain a normal appearance while committing his crimes is enough to make us double-check our windows at night.
Dr. Harold Shipman With His Son
Dr. Harold Shipman, seen here with his son, was a respected physician whose criminal activities were hidden behind a facade of care and kindness. Shipman, convicted of taking the lives of 15 people, was known for his high patient mortality rate, which led to an investigation. Despite his outwardly normal life and family image, Shipman’s crimes included giving elderly patients lethal doses of medication. The photo of him with his child contrasts sharply with his uncaring, cold actions, revealing a disturbing mindset.
Shipman’s case remains a chilling example of how you should always vet the doctors who provide you with treatment, no matter how kind or caring they seem, it could be the last thing you ever do!
Ted Bundy Playing With Molly
As can be seen clearly in this tender photo, Molly viewed Ted Bundy as a father figure and adored him. Her family's connection to Bundy left a lasting impact, especially on Molly's mother, Liz, who nearly had a child with him. Given their unstable situation as Bundy started law school, they decided against it. Liz struggled with this choice, but Bundy was supportive. Later, Bundy fathered a child with Carole Ann Boone, whom he ‘married’ during his trial and impregnated in prison.
Molly's memories, like playing with Bundy, reflect the unsettling duality of Bundy's life as both a seemingly caring father figure and one of history's most infamous serial killers.
Myra Hindley Taking in the Sea Air
Myra Hindley, pictured by the sea, appears calm and peaceful, giving us no clues into her criminal activities. Hindley, involved in the Moors Murders with Ian Brady, was responsible for the deaths of five children. Her abusive childhood and troubled relationship with Brady led her to participate in these heinous crimes. The peaceful sea backdrop seems out of place with Hindley’s violent actions, making us wonder how many people know about her double life.
The way Myra is sitting in this picture, like she doesn’t have a care in the world, makes what she did even more chilling. How can someone be capable of hurting children yet look so at ease in life?
Ted Bundy Spending Time in Utah
This picture of Ted Bundy was taken in 1970 during a trip to Utah. In the snap, he appears playful and engaged with Liz and her daughter, Molly. This image leaves us feeling rather unsettled in light of Bundy’s later crimes, which included the abduction of numerous women, all of whom he later took the lives of. The irony of the situation is that, at the time, Liz hoped Bundy would be a positive influence on Molly, but his true nature soon emerged.
The creepy nature of this image is amplified by the knowledge that Bundy’s spree began just a few years later. We’re left wondering what was going on in Ted’s brain that moved him to decide to end people’s lives.
Ed Gein Walking in the Street
Ed Gein, known as the Butcher of Plainfield, is pictured walking in the street in 1984, a few years before his death. Gein’s gruesome activities included exhuming bodies and creating macabre items from their parts. Convicted of taking the lives of two people and known for his disturbing collection of body parts, Gein’s photo shows us a man who seems miles away from his violent actions. Gein was declared legally insane and spent his final years in a psychiatric institution.
Insane or not, this photo feels really eerie - he looks completely normal to the untrained eye, making what he did that much scarier. Also, who wants handmade crafts made with hands (or other body parts)? We guess he was insane, after all!
Karla Homolka Wearing a Stunning Blue Dress
Just because you end up a criminal doesn’t mean you can’t also look beautiful along the way. This photo of Karla Homolka in a pretty blue dress presents a charming appearance. So much so that you can almost forget what she did to become a criminal. Homolka was convicted of manslaughter in a plea deal after participating in the assaults and deaths of three minors with her husband, Paul Bernardo. The outwardly attractive image of her in a flattering dress makes us wonder if it was all just appearances with her.
At the end of the day, even the prettiest of faces can hide the ugliest of intentions, as is the case with Mrs. Homolka. It’s such a shame, really.
Ted Bundy at a Campsite in the Pacific Northwest
Ted Bundy's criminal spree began in the Pacific Northwest, where he vacationed with his girlfriend, Liz. Here, he's seen playfully jumping into the air during a camping trip. His charm and intelligence masked a sinister nature. Bundy targeted brunette women with hair parted in the middle. He lured victims with an arm sling before violently attacking them. Confessing to taking the lives of over 30 women, Bundy kept some victims' locations secret, maintaining control even in death.
Executed by the electric chair in 1989, his chilling duality remains infamous, leaving a legacy of terror and psychological study into the mind of a serial killer.
Rodney Alcala With His Arm Around An Unknown Girl
Rodney Alcala, seen here with an unidentified girl, demonstrates why it can be so scary to be around other people. In this picture, he seems to have an open, calm temperament and a friendly face. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Known for his role in numerous deaths across New York and California, Alcala’s photo collection included images of over 100 potential victims. Despite his outwardly charming appearance, Alcala’s crimes were horrific, involving the assault and deaths of women and children.
The girl’s identity remains unknown, adding to the chilling nature of Alcala’s case. This photograph shows just how different someone’s public persona can be from the reality of their dark or violent actions.
Ted Kaczynski On His Way to College
At the tender age of 16, Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, was photographed heading off to college, reflecting his early academic achievements. Kaczynski’s later life took a dark turn with his bombing campaign against modern technology, resulting in three deaths and 23 injuries. Despite his intellectual promise and academic success, Kaczynski’s actions revealed a deeply troubled individual. Unfortunately, his early potential was overshadowed by his later criminal behavior.
This image serves as a stark reminder that no matter how smart, talented, or successful someone is, they can still have destructive tendencies.
Richard Ramirez Taking a Load Off
Richard Ramirez was known as the Night Stalker after terrorizing the city of San Francisco for almost 18 months. This picture captures Ramirez relaxing in an apartment, looking calm, cool, and collected. His violent spree included taking the lives of at least 15 people, with crimes marked by brutality and dark religion. This relaxed demeanor hides the evil inside, which he brought out only for his victims. He would break into homes at night to commit assault and end their lives.
Ramirez’s ability to appear so normal while engaging in such extreme violence in the shadows of the night is next-level scary. Remember that you never truly know what’s lurking beneath the surface of another human.
Russell Williams With His Devoted Wife Mary
Russell Williams led a double life that his wife, Mary, was apparently unaware of. As a Canadian Armed Forces officer, he flew for high-profile figures like the Prime Minister and the Queen. Secretly, he broke into homes to steal lingerie and photograph himself wearing it. Williams was charged with 88 counts, including assault, burglary, and taking people’s lives. He pled guilty and received a life sentence. In 2011, Laurie Massicotte, one of his victims, sued Williams and his wife for nearly $7 million.
Laurie claimed Mary knew about his crimes and withheld information from police. The settlement's details remain undisclosed, leaving lingering questions about Mary's involvement or ignorance. Looking at this picture, we are left wondering, too.
Peter Sutcliffe on His Wedding Day
This wedding day photo captures Peter Sutcliffe and his new wife Sonia Szurma, who married in 1974. Living in West Yorkshire, Sutcliffe earned the infamous moniker "The Yorkshire Ripper." Before their marriage, he was arrested for attacking a prostitute, but no charges were filed. A year after their wedding, Sutcliffe began his secret activities, ultimately taking the lives of 13 women and leaving seven others injured. His actions terrorized the region, particularly women traveling alone at night.
Sonia remained unaware of Sutcliffe's identity as The Yorkshire Ripper until his 1981 arrest. This chilling photograph serves as a haunting reminder of the facade Sutcliffe maintained, deceiving those closest to him.
Dennis Rader During His Time in the Armed Forces
In the 1960s, Dennis Rader served in the Armed Forces, shown here in uniform. Initially seen as a hero, Rader led a double life as the BTK killer, terrorizing Wichita, Kansas. He coined his own nickname, "BTK," and taunted police with letters about his crimes. After a decade of silence, he resumed writing in 2004, ultimately leading to his capture. A floppy disk he sent police revealed his identity despite his belief otherwise.
His arrest in 2005 shocked his family, who saw him as a devoted husband, father, and church leader, never suspecting his hidden life.
Richard Kuklinski and His Beautiful Family
Richard Kuklinski, known as "The Iceman," led a chilling double life. Seen here with his handsome young family, they believed he was a successful salesman. Secretly, he worked as a mafia hitman. Kuklinski was charged with the deaths of six people, though he claimed to have taken the lives of up to 300 people. His arrest in 1986 stunned his family, who saw no signs of his criminal activities. His wife, Barbara, insisted she had no idea, maintaining that Kuklinski never brought weapons home.
Even though his profession was brutal, he was a devoted husband and father, raising three children and regularly attending Mass, leaving his family in disbelief upon his capture.
Ian Brady When He Was Still a Young Man
Ian Brady, infamous for the Moors Murders with Myra Hindley, led a troubled youth. From 1963 to 1965, Brady and Hindley took the lives of five children in Manchester, England, committing assaults and burying bodies on Saddleworth Moor. Keith Bennett's body remains undiscovered. Brady had a history of theft and housebreaking, with rumors of animal torture, though he denied these claims. This childhood photo offers a glimpse into Brady's early life, marked by behavioral issues and criminal tendencies.
Despite his dark path, those who knew him in childhood couldn't have predicted the extent of his later atrocities. It must have been quite a shock for them to learn the sweet-looking young boy had grown into a monster.
Dennis Rader With His Young Daughter
Discovering a loved one's dark side is shocking, as seen in Dennis Rader's case. He maintained a facade as a loving husband, father, church leader, and scout leader. Unbeknownst to his family, he was responsible for a series of brutal killings. Upon his 2005 arrest, his family was appalled, with Rader admitting his actions made them his "final victims." His daughter, Kerri, expressed her anguish, writing, "You have had these secrets, this 'double life' for 30 years; we have only had knowledge of it for three months."
This revelation shattered his family's perception of the man they loved. As most could imagine, it sent shockwaves through the family, leaving them all wondering how they never noticed anything.
Charles Manson Sitting in His Cell in Jail
Charles Manson, though never directly taking someone’s life, inspired a cult following that carried out gruesome acts. In 1967, he formed the "Manson Family," convincing members to take the lives of 9 people between July and August 1969, aiming to incite a race war he called "helter-skelter." Manson's manipulation of followers led to his conviction and sentencing. Here, he is finally behind bars, serving a life sentence. Manson's charisma and influence highlight the dangerous potential of cult leaders.
Many of these leaders exert psychological control over followers can result in horrific outcomes. His imprisonment marked the end of a terrifying chapter in criminal history.
Andrei Chikatilo and His Whole Family
Andrei Chikatilo, known for his brutal crimes across Soviet territories, lived a double life. Between 1978 and 1990, he lured victims from train stations to isolated areas, committing heinous acts. Despite being a husband and father, Chikatilo struggled with chronic impotence, possibly conceiving his children through alternative methods. This family photo, with his son Yuri, who later faced prison for attempting to take someone’s life, highlights the chilling duality of Chikatilo's life.
His violent tendencies seemed to have affected his family, with Yuri developing a criminal streak. Chikatilo's eventual capture and trial revealed the monstrous reality beneath his facade, leading to his execution in 1994.
Dennis Nilsen Serving in the Army
This photo of Dennis Nilsen during his Army service years depicts a seemingly ordinary young man who later became one of Britain's most notorious serial killers. Between 1978 and 1983, Nilsen claimed the lives of at least 12 young men in London, engaging in terrible acts once they’d passed. He preserved bodies for extended periods before disposing of them, often boiling heads in an attempt to destroy evidence. Nilsen's calm demeanor and intelligence deceived those around him.
This allowed him to commit his crimes unnoticed for years. His arrest in 1983 shocked the nation, leading to a life sentence. Nilsen died in 2018, leaving behind a chilling legacy of terror.
Myra Hindley, Ian Brady, and Maureen Smith
This photo features Myra Hindley and Ian Brady with Hindley's sister, Maureen Smith. Known as the Moors Murderers, Hindley and Brady committed awful acts in the 1960s, abducting and taking the lives of five children in Manchester, England. They recorded the torture of their victims, burying bodies on Saddleworth Moor. Maureen was unaware of her sister's crimes until Hindley and Brady's arrest. The couple's final victim, Edward Evans, was witnessed by Maureen's husband, who eventually reported the event, leading to their capture.
The chilling image of the trio serves as a reminder of the deceptive normalcy they maintained while committing unspeakable atrocities, marking one of Britain's darkest criminal cases.