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Description
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Serial Killer Asbury Respus: Crimes and Victims

Introduction

Asbury Respus was an American serial killer active in the early 20th century. He was responsible for a series of brutal murders in North Carolina and was eventually captured, convicted, and executed for his crimes. His violent acts left a lasting impact on the communities where they occurred.

Crimes and Victims

Asbury Respus's crimes involved burglary, assault, and murder. His victims were primarily women, and his attacks often took place in their homes. Below is a list of his known victims:
  • Alice Page (April 2, 1931) - Goldsboro, North Carolina: Respus entered Page's home and attacked her, ultimately beating her to death. Evidence later linked him to the crime.
  • Letha Strickland (July 20, 1931) - Goldsboro, North Carolina: Strickland, another woman living alone, was brutally murdered in her home. Witnesses placed Respus in the area on the night of the attack.
  • Mary T. Best (September 16, 1931) - Fayetteville, North Carolina: Best was found dead in her home, having suffered a violent attack. The crime scene bore similarities to Respus’s previous murders.

Arrest and Conviction

Respus was apprehended in late 1931 after authorities linked him to the string of murders. Evidence, including fingerprints and witness testimony, tied him to multiple crime scenes. He was swiftly brought to trial, where he was convicted of multiple counts of murder. ...Read More
Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (0)
Links to Additional Sources (12)
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Killer's Details

Asbury

Respus

c. 1878 North Carolina, United States

January 8, 1932 (aged 53-54) Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Executed by electric chair

Asbury Respass, Respass Asbury, Will Moore

Second degree murder (Ed Wynne murder), First degree murder (Vera Leonard murder)

15 years imprisonment (Ed Wynne murder), Death (Vera Leonard murder)

8+

1910 - 1931

North Carolina, Virginia

1931

Central Prison

07/03/2025