In the summer of 1987, a gruesome discovery was made in a North Philadelphia apartment that would unravel the horrific tale of serial killer Harrison Graham and the tragic death of Patricia Franklin. Franklin, a 24-year-old woman, was one of seven victims whose remains were found in Graham's apartment after he was evicted due to a foul odor.
The investigation revealed that Graham had strangled his victims, including Patricia Franklin, often during or after encounters involving drugs and sex. For an extended period, the apartment on North 19th Street became a house of horrors, with the bodies of his victims left to decompose. The time of death for the victims was estimated to be anywhere from ten days to several months before they were discovered.
Harrison Graham, who was known for carrying a Cookie Monster doll, confessed to the murders. During his trial, which began on March 7, 1988, he waived his right to a jury and pleaded guilty. His defense attorney argued for leniency, citing Graham's intellectual disability and severe drug addiction as contributing factors to his impulsive and violent actions.
Ultimately, on April 28, 1988, Graham was found guilty on all counts. He received six death sentences and one life sentence for the murders. The court stipulated that the death sentences would only be carried out after he served his life sentence.
