David Elliott Penton

Serial Killer

David Elliott Penton: The Child Murders in Texas and Ohio

Overview

David Elliott Penton is an American serial killer and child predator convicted of causing the deaths of five children between 1984 and 1988. His victims included his infant son, three young girls abducted in the Dallas, Texas, area, and a nine-year-old girl kidnapped in Ohio. The cases occurred in different jurisdictions and remained disconnected for years before investigators recognized similarities in the victims, abduction methods, sexual assaults, and causes of death. Penton frequently denied responsibility after his convictions, but he ultimately pleaded guilty to the three Texas murders in order to avoid a possible death sentence. Investigators also examined him in connection with several unresolved disappearances involving children in Texas and Indiana. Those additional cases have not resulted in convictions and must be distinguished from the five deaths for which he was held criminally responsible.

Background and Military Service

David Elliott Penton was born on February 9, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio. He entered the United States Army in 1977 and worked as a tracked-vehicle mechanic. His military assignments included service at Fort Hood, now known as Fort Cavazos, near Killeen, Texas. Although he was regarded as a capable mechanic and marksman, disciplinary problems damaged his military career. Penton later admitted using illegal drugs and soliciting prostitutes while stationed overseas. He was also accused of lying about his marital status to obtain military benefits, resulting in a reduction in rank. His military career ended in 1984, the same year that his infant son died from violent physical abuse. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Christie Proctor Age: (9), Date of Death: 1984-10-01

Suspected Victims:

Shannon Sherrill Age: (6), Date of Death: 1986-10-05

Amber Nicole Crum Age: (2), Date of Death: 1983-12-26

Angelica Maria Gandara Age: (11), Date of Death: 1985-07-14

Ara �Niecie� Denise Johnson Age: (5), Date of Death: 1986-04-02

David Elliott Penton - Wikipedia