Lana Alice Torgerson, a 23-year-old white female from Austin, Minnesota, was tragically murdered on June 30, 1973. Born on January 25, 1950, as Lana Alice Iverson, she was the daughter of Vernon Stanley Iverson and Darlene Sylvia Hare. She married David James Torgerson and had two children: Sylvia Ann Torgerson, age 3, and John David Torgerson, age 1. On the day of her death, Lana, along with her two children and a 14-year-old babysitter named Rebecca Rathbun, were all found dead in their home.
Each victim had been strangled.
The primary suspect in the case was Lana's husband, 30-year-old white male David James Torgerson. He was later identified as a serial killer and mass murderer responsible for at least six confirmed deaths between 1969 and 1973. His methods consistently involved strangulation, and his victims included young women and members of his own family. Prior to the murders, David had a documented history of mental illness and violent behavior. He had spent time in the Rochester State Hospital psychiatric ward and had previously assaulted female staff members. He also had a criminal record that included breaking and entering and assault.
Following the murders of his wife Lana Alice Torgerson, their two children, and the babysitter, David was apprehended and returned to prison. During his incarceration, he confessed to additional murders, including those of 18-year-old white females Julie Mehrman and Linda Wandrus, both of whom had also been strangled. Two other women reportedly survived his attacks, though their identities were never publicly disclosed.
David James Torgerson never stood trial for his crimes. Before legal proceedings could begin, he died by suicide in his prison cell on November 6, 1973, by hanging. His death closed the case without a formal conviction, leaving behind a legacy of violence that deeply affected the Austin, Minnesota community.
