Stephen Peter Morin

Serial Killer

Stephen Peter Morin: The Chameleon Killer

Early Life and Criminal Background

Stephen Peter Morin was an American serial killer, kidnapper and sexual predator whose violent crimes stretched across several western and southwestern states. He was born on February 19, 1951, in Providence, Rhode Island. By his teenage years, Morin had begun using drugs and committing crimes. He was arrested for automobile theft while still young and spent time in a Florida juvenile institution before beginning the transient lifestyle that later made him exceptionally difficult for authorities to track. Morin traveled frequently and rarely remained in one location for long. He lived for periods in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Texas, supporting himself through temporary employment, theft and other criminal activity. He used numerous aliases, including Rich Clark, Rich Clarke, Robert Fred Generoso, Thomas David Hones and Ray Constantino. His ability to change names, appearances, vehicles and companions led some investigators and later writers to call him "The Chameleon." Morin's constant movement complicated efforts to determine the true number of people he killed. He was convicted of three murders and was formally accused or strongly investigated in connection with several others. During the nationwide investigation, authorities examined whether he could have been responsible for dozens of murders, kidnappings and assaults committed across the United States. Claims that he killed 30, 40 or more people were never established in court, and many of the suspected cases remained unresolved.

Pattern of Violence

Morin generally targeted young women whom he encountered in parking lots, motels, bars or other public places. He sometimes approached victims under a false identity and appeared friendly before producing a firearm or otherwise taking control of them. His crimes included abduction, imprisonment, sexual assault, robbery, attempted murder and homicide. Several women survived prolonged captivity with Morin. Their accounts described an unpredictable offender who could alternate between calm conversation, manipulation and extreme threats of violence. He frequently forced captives to travel with him, change their appearance or assist him in avoiding police. His dependence on stolen vehicles and temporary motel rooms allowed him to move rapidly from one jurisdiction to another. Morin did not use a single method of killing. His confirmed victims were shot, strangled or stabbed. Other women whose deaths were investigated as possible Morin crimes had been shot, strangled or left in isolated desert locations. This variation, combined with his aliases and constant travel, made it harder for investigators in different states to recognize that they might be pursuing the same offender. ...

Confirmed Victims: (3)

Shelia Whalen Age: (23), Date of Death: 1981-11-06

Survivors:

Cheryl Ann Daniel Age: (20), Date of Attack: 1980-06-27

Sheila Griffith Age: (22), Date of Attack: 1979-09

Susan Belote Age: (18), Date of Attack: 1980-05-26

Stephen Morin - Wikipedia