Norma Caroline Senini Marglon, a 78-year-old woman, passed away on September 2, 1987, in Richmond, Contra Costa County, California. She was born on August 28, 1909, in Santa Cruz, California. Marglon was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, remembered by her family and loved ones. However, her death was not a natural one—it was part of a series of brutal murders that terrorized the elderly community in San Leandro, California, during the summer of 1987.
Marglon was one of
several elderly women targeted by Franklin Lynch, a serial killer known as 'The Day Stalker'. Lynch preyed on elderly white women who were widowed or living alone, breaking into their homes and beating them to death. His crimes followed a pattern: he would force his way into their residences, violently attack them, and steal money and valuables. Despite the brutality of his actions, there was no evidence of sexual assault. Marglon, along with other victims such as Pearl Larson Adeline Figuerido Anna Constantin Agnes George and Marie Lovardi fell victim to his reign of terror.
The investigation into these murders led authorities to suspect Lynch, an ex-convict with a history of robbery and drug-related offenses. In October 1987, neighbors alerted investigators to Lynch's suspicious behavior, prompting law enforcement to search his home. Inside, they discovered stolen items belonging to multiple victims, including Pearl Larson, Adeline Figuerido, and Anna Constantin. This evidence solidified Lynch's connection to the murders, leading to his arrest.
Lynch was convicted of three murders and two non-fatal attacks, receiving a death sentence in 1992. He was transferred to San Quentin State Prison, where he awaited execution. Over the years, Lynch attempted to appeal his sentence, arguing for the right to represent himself in court, but his efforts were unsuccessful. His crimes left a lasting impact on the community, with families of the victims continuing to seek justice and closure.
