Darren Dee Oneall

Serial Killer

Darren Dee O'Neall: Convicted Murderer and Suspected Serial Killer

Overview

Darren Dee O'Neall is an American convicted murderer, serial rapist and suspected serial killer whose known crimes followed a path through several western states during the 1980s. Born on February 26, 1960, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, O'Neall became a transient who frequently changed his name, appearance, occupation and location. Investigators connected him to crimes in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Colorado, while authorities also examined whether he could have been responsible for additional unsolved killings. O'Neall has been conclusively convicted of one murder: the 1987 killing of Robin Smith in Washington. He was also convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Oregon. Authorities later charged him with the presumed murder of Wendy Aughe, whose body has never been recovered, and investigators identified him as a suspect in the murder of Lia Elizabeth Szubert. Because only one homicide resulted in a completed murder conviction, he is most accurately described as a convicted murderer and suspected serial killer rather than a legally confirmed serial killer.

A Drifter Using Numerous Identities

O'Neall grew up in a military family and lived in several locations during his childhood. He later served in the United States Army before being discharged in 1982. As an adult, he traveled extensively and supported himself through temporary work, including jobs as a truck driver, bartender, laminator and woodworker. His mobility gave him opportunities to disappear whenever police began examining his activities. He used numerous aliases, including Herb Johnson, Mike James Johnson, Jerry Zebulun Macranahan, Larry Sackett and John Mayeaux. Several of the names were reportedly taken from characters appearing in western novels. Each identity allowed him to obtain employment, enter relationships and establish temporary residences without immediately revealing his criminal history. Long before the murder of Robin Smith, O'Neall had accumulated allegations involving indecent behavior and sexual violence. Colorado authorities investigated him for sexual assaults during the 1980s, but his movement between jurisdictions made it difficult for investigators to assemble a complete picture of his conduct. When he fled after new accusations arose, the trail frequently ended at a false name or abandoned vehicle. ...

Confirmed Victims: (2)

Robin Smith Age: (21), Date of Death: 1987-03-28

Suspected Victims:

Lia Elizabeth Szubert Age: (22), Date of Death: 1987-06-09

Survivors:

14-year-old girl Age: (14), Date of Attack: 1987-01-17

Darren Dee O'Neall - Wikipedia