In the late summer of 1993, the Hampton Roads region of Virginia was gripped by a series of unsolved homicides. On September 8th of that year, the body of 24-year-old Robert A. Neal, an African American male from Suffolk, was discovered. An investigation determined that he had been strangled to death. His body was found nude, a detail that would later become a significant link in a chain of horrific crimes that plagued the area's gay community. Robert's death was not an isolated incident but part of a string of murders that targeted gay men between 1987 and 1996.
The perpetrator was identified as Elton Manning Jackson, a serial killer who preyed on a vulnerable population. Jackson's method was chillingly consistent. He targeted gay men, many of whom were last seen in areas of Norfolk and Portsmouth. After strangling his victims, he would leave their nude bodies along deserted roads, often near interstates, allowing for a quick getaway. It is believed that Jackson was responsible for the deaths of at least twelve men during his decade-long reign of terror. The discovery of each victim sent waves of fear through the community as the killer remained at large.
The extensive investigation into these murders finally led to a breakthrough. On May 6, 1997, Elton Manning Jackson was apprehended by law enforcement. Following his arrest, the full scope of his crimes came to light as he was connected to numerous unsolved homicides, including the murder of Robert A. Neal. Jackson was subsequently convicted for the series of murders. On October 27, 1998, he was sentenced to life in prison, bringing an end to his murderous spree and a measure of justice for his victims and their families. He is currently incarcerated at the Augusta Correctional Center in Craigsville, Virginia.
