Rod Thorpe, a 21-year-old male, was tragically murdered on April 12, 1974. His death was linked to David Allen Likens, a convicted serial killer. Thorpe was last seen at Likens' apartment in Los Angeles before his body was discovered in a bathtub, bearing multiple stab wounds and scratches on his chest and abdomen. The crime was particularly gruesome, as Likens had mutilated Thorpe before ultimately strangling him.
Following the discovery of Thorpe's body, Likens was arrested and charged
with second-degree murder. At trial, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years to life in prison. His incarceration spanned multiple facilities, including San Quentin State Prison and the Sierra Conservation Center in Sonora. During his time in prison, Likens was described as a model inmate, working as an office clerk and receiving commendations for his behavior.
Likens' criminal history extended beyond Thorpe's murder, as he was suspected of multiple serial killings between 1974 and 1978. His crimes spanned various locations in California, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, before he could stand trial for these additional murders, Likens took his own life in San Mateo County Jail on January 18, 1979. In his suicide note, he denied committing the murders he was charged with but expressed a sense of hopelessness and vulnerability to accusations.
The case of Rod Thorpe remains a chilling example of violent crime, highlighting the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals and the complexities of criminal investigations. Despite Likens' conviction, the full extent of his crimes and the motivations behind them continue to be subjects of speculation and analysis.
