Roy Mitchell

Serial Killer

Roy Mitchell: The Lover's Lane Killer

Background

Roy Mitchell was an African-American man from Waco, Texas, who became infamous for a series of brutal crimes in the early 1920s. His actions terrorized the community, leading to heightened racial tensions and a notorious trial that culminated in his public execution in 1923.

Crimes

Mitchell's criminal activities primarily targeted couples in secluded areas, commonly referred to as "lover's lanes." His modus operandi involved sudden attacks on these couples, often resulting in murder and sexual assault. The following is a detailed account of his known crimes:

• May 7, 1922: Victim: William Driskell. Driskell, a cotton buyer and part-time deputy constable in Waco, was attacked in his garage. He was axed to death, and his pistol, watch, and ring were stolen. This incident was initially perceived as a robbery gone wrong.
• May 25, 1922: Victims: Harvey Bolton and his girlfriend. While parked outside Waco, 21-year-old Bolton and his companion were confronted by an armed assailant. Bolton was shot three times, resulting in his immediate death. The attacker then raped Bolton's girlfriend. In the aftermath, Jesse Thomas, an innocent black man, was wrongfully accused and lynched by a mob.
• November 20, 1922: Victims: Grady Skipworth and Naomi Boucher. The couple was parked near "Lover's Leap" in Cameron Park when they were attacked. Skipworth was killed with a shotgun blast to the head, and his body was discarded over a cliff. Boucher was pushed over the edge but survived due to a tree breaking her fall.
• January 10, 1923: An attempted attack occurred when a black gunman tried to board a car passing through Cameron Park. The assailant was knocked down without firing a shot, leaving behind a checkered cap that later became crucial evidence.
• January 20, 1923: Victims: W.E. Holt and Ethel Denecamp. The couple was parked five miles from Waco when they were attacked. Holt was shot in the head, and Denecamp was beaten to death. Their car was found abandoned in Waco the following morning.

Investigation and Arrest

The breakthrough in the investigation came after the January 10, 1923, incident. A witness identified the owner of the checkered cap left at the crime scene as 30-year-old Roy Mitchell, a Louisiana native residing in Waco. Mitchell was arrested on January 30, 1923, initially on a gambling charge. A search of his residence uncovered Driskell's handgun and holster, along with a watch fob belonging to Skipworth. After three days in custody, Mitchell confessed to five murders, although he later recanted these confessions during his trial. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (5)

William Driskell , Date of Death: 1922-05-07

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Survivors:

Naomi Boucher , Date of Attack: 1922-11-20

Roy Mitchell | Murderpedia

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