Dawn Marie Berryhill, a 20-year-old woman, was tragically murdered on June 22, 1987, in Shasta County, California. Her death was part of a series of killings committed by Robert Edward Maury, a serial killer known as the "Tipster Killer". Maury was infamous for anonymously calling tip lines to report the locations of bodies, often collecting reward money for his own crimes.
Berryhill was one of three confirmed victims of Maury, alongside Averill Weeden and Belinda Jo Stark. Maury strangled his victims, and Berryhill's case was no exception. The investigation into her murder led authorities to Maury, who had a disturbing pattern of reporting his own crimes to law enforcement while maintaining an air of anonymity. His actions ultimately led to his arrest on November 7, 1987.
Maury was convicted of first-degree murder for Berryhill's death, along with the other two victims. The trial revealed extensive circumstantial evidence, including fingerprint analysis, witness testimonies, and Maury's own incriminating statements. He was sentenced to death on October 27, 1989, and remains incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, awaiting execution. His case remains one of the most bizarre and chilling examples of a murderer manipulating law enforcement for personal gain.
