On March 31, 1978, Ronald Young, a 27-year-old white male, was found dead under circumstances that would later be linked to serial killer David Allen Likens. Young's body was discovered with signs of mutilation and strangulation, consistent with the modus operandi of Likens, who had a history of targeting young men. The victim's age, gender, and ethnicity matched the profile of Likens' previous victims, suggesting a pattern in his selection.
David Allen Likens, born on July 12, 1949, in Tucson, Arizona, was a convicted serial killer responsible for multiple murders between 1974 and 1978. His first known victim was 21-year-old Rod Thorpe, a hitchhiker last seen at Likens' Los Angeles apartment. Thorpe's body was found in a bathtub, showing signs of stab wounds and mutilation. Likens pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 5 years to life in prison.
After his release, Likens continued his killing spree, with victims including unidentified males and females in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The exact number of his victims remains uncertain, but authorities confirmed at least four. Likens was arrested on October 12, 1978, and charged with multiple counts of murder. However, he died by suicide on January 18, 1979, while awaiting trial in San Mateo County Jail.
The connection between Likens and Ronald Young's murder was established through similarities in the victims' profiles and the nature of the crimes. While Likens was never formally charged with Young's murder due to his death, investigators believe he was responsible. The case remains a somber reminder of the dangers posed by serial offenders and the importance of thorough investigative work in bringing justice to victims and their families.
