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“ If you want to kill somebody, you should make a plan and find a place to dump the body before you even pick a victim. „
Biography[]
Early life[]
William George Bonin was born on January 8, 1947, in Willimantic, Connecticut. Raised in a troubled household, he experienced physical abuse from his father. Bonin's troubled childhood and an early introduction to criminal activities set the stage for a disturbing path.
Military Service and Criminal Beginnings[]
In 1965, Bonin enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War. However, his military career was marred by disciplinary issues and accusations of sexual assault. After his discharge in 1968, Bonin returned to civilian life and soon began his criminal activities.
Criminal Convictions[]
Bonin's criminal record included convictions for child molestation and violent sexual assaults. Despite multiple arrests and incarcerations, he was released on parole and probation, allowing him to continue his predatory behavior.
The Freeway Killer[]
Between 1979 and 1980, Bonin terrorized Southern California as the Freeway Killer. He targeted young males, often hitchhikers or individuals he offered rides, brutally assaulting and murdering them. His victims numbered at least 21, though the actual count could be higher.
Modus Operandi[]
Bonin's modus operandi involved torturing, sexually assaulting, and murdering his victims. He often used ligatures to strangle them, earning him the nickname "the Trash Bag Killer" due to his habit of wrapping the victims' bodies in plastic bags before discarding them along freeways.
Capture and Trial[]
In 1980, Bonin's killing spree came to an end when he was arrested. Evidence found in his van, including bloodstains and ligatures, linked him to the murders. In 1982, he stood trial for the Freeway Killer murders, and in 1983, he was convicted and sentenced to death.
Executions[]
While on death row, Bonin continued to appeal his convictions. However, he exhausted all legal avenues. On February 23, 1996, William Bonin, along with several other death row inmates, was executed by lethal injection at San Quentin State Prison.
Legacy[]
William Bonin's crimes and the brutality of the Freeway Killer case left an indelible mark on criminal history. His reign of terror highlighted the vulnerabilities of hitchhikers and individuals accepting rides from strangers during a time when hitchhiking was more common. The case also contributed to discussions about parole policies for violent offenders and the challenges of managing individuals with a history of sexual violence.
Victims[]
Confirmed victims[]
Bonin and three of his four known accomplices were convicted of fourteen murders.
| Name | Age | Date of Death | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Grabs | 17 | August 5, 1979 | Stabbing |
| Donald Ray Hyden | 15 | August 27, 1979 | Bludgeoning |
| David Murillo | 17 | September 9, 1979 | Strangulation |
| Frank Dennis Fox | 17 | November 30, 1979 | Strangulation |
| Charles Miranda | 15 | February 3, 1980 | Strangulation |
| James Macabe | 12 | February 3, 1980 | Strangulation |
| Ronald Gatlin | 18 | March 14, 1980 | Strangulation |
| Glenn Norman Barker | 14 | March 21, 1980 | Strangulation |
| Russell Duane Rugh | 15 | March 21, 1980 | Strangulation |
| Harry Turner | 15 | March 25, 1980 | Strangulation |
| Steven Wood | 16 | April 4, 1980 | Strangulation |
| Darin Kendrick | 19 | April 29, 1980 | Stabbing |
| Lawrence Sharp | 17 | May 10, 1980 | Strangulation |
| Steven Wells | 18 | June 2, 1980 | Strangulation |
Survivors[]
| Name | Age | Date of Attack |
|---|---|---|
| David Allen McVicker | 14 | September 8, 1975 |
Suspected victims[]
Bonin was suspected of committing at least 21 murders but it could be more than 36.
| Name | Age | Date of Death | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Lundgren | 13 | May 28, 1979 | Strangulation |
| Mark Shelton | 17 | August 4, 1979 | Shock |
| Robert Wirostek | 18 | September 17, 1979 | Strangulation |
| "Kern County John Doe" | 19-25 | November 1, 1979 | Stabbing |
| John Kilpatrick | 15 | December 10, 1979 | Strangulation |
| Michael McDonald | 16 | January 1, 1980 | Strangulation |
| Sean King | 14 | May 19, 1980 | Strangulation |
Timeline[]
Bibliography[]
Literature[]
- Bonin, William (1991). Doing Time: Stories from the Mind of a Death Row Prisoner, Eagle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-879027-04-6
Articles[]
- Charles Montaldo (July 30, 2021). "Profile of Serial Killer William Bonin, The Freeway Killer". ThoughtCo.
- How ‘Freeway Killer’ William Bonin Took 21 Victims In Just One Year. All That's Interesting (October 30, 2021).
Documentaries[]
Television[]
- History's Mysteries: Infamous Murders — Horror on the Highways (January 23, 2001) on IMDb
- Killers: Behind the Myth — The Freeway Killer (May 13, 2014) on IMDb
- World's Most Evil Killers: William Bonin — The Freeway Killer (January 2021) on IMDb
- City of Angels, City of Death (2021 — ) on IMDb
- I Survived A Serial Killer: The Freeway Killer (February 25, 2022) on IMDb
- The Freeway Killer: Lost Murder Tapes (2022) on IMDb (Trailer on YouTube)
YouTube Documentaries[]
Podcasts[]
- William Bonin - Part 1. Serial Killers with Greg Polcyn & Vanessa Richardson.
- William Bonin - Part 2. Serial Killers with Greg Polcyn & Vanessa Richardson.
In popular culture[]
Film adaptation[]
- Freeway Killer (2010) on IMDb
Related Articles[]
See also[]
- Other serial killers also known as "The Freeway Killer":
Links[]
- William Bonin at Wikipedia
- William Bonin on IMDb
- William Bonin victims: a Virtual Cemetery at Find a Grave
- Trial clip of the "Freeway Killer" William Bonin (December 23, 1981) on YouTube
- William George Bonin #322. Clark County Prosecuting Attorney.
- Executed Inmate Summary – William George Bonin. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
- William George Bonin. Radford University.