Stephen A. Nash

Serial Killer

Stephen A. Nash: California's Boastful "Thrill Killer"

Overview

Stephen A. Nash was an American serial killer whose crimes terrorized several California communities during 1955 and 1956. A transient with a long criminal record, Nash drifted between cities, inexpensive hotels, temporary jobs and homeless encampments. His victims were men and boys whom he encountered in apartments, public places, industrial districts and waterfront areas. He attacked most of them with knives, although at least one confirmed victim was beaten with a metal pipe. Nash claimed that he murdered eleven people, describing the killings with a disturbing mixture of pride, resentment and indifference. Investigators were able to confirm five homicides that matched details he provided. Six additional killings remained unverified because Nash refused to identify the victims or disclose enough information to locate their bodies. He was ultimately prosecuted and convicted for the murders of 27-year-old John William Berg and 10-year-old Lawrence "Larry" George Rice.

Early Life and Criminal History

Nash was born in New York in 1924 and was adopted during infancy by a couple living in the Bronx. Accounts of his youth describe him as repeatedly running away from home. As he grew older, he accumulated arrests and prison sentences for offenses including robbery, burglary and grand theft. His documented criminal history extended back to the 1940s. In December 1951, Nash entered the United States Air Force. His military service was brief and troubled. He went absent without leave on more than one occasion, faced military disciplinary proceedings and was eventually discharged. By then, he had already spent substantial periods in correctional institutions. Between 1948 and 1954, he served approximately six years at San Quentin State Prison for robbery. He later spent several months in custody following a violent altercation. Psychiatrists examined Nash before his murder prosecution, but the evaluations did not establish that he was legally insane. During his eventual trial, medical witnesses concluded that he understood the nature of his actions and knew that murder was prohibited by law. Nash himself openly admitted that he knew the killings could lead to his execution. ...

Confirmed Victims: (2)

John Berg , Date of Death: 1956-11-26

Suspected Victims:

Floyd Leroy Barnett Age: (27), Date of Death: 1956-10

Survivors:

Dennis Butler , Date of Attack: 1956-11-16

Stephen Nash | Murderpedia