Joel David Rifkin: The Infamous New York Serial Killer
Introduction
Joel David Rifkin is one of the most notorious serial killers in New York's history, convicted of murdering nine women, though he is suspected of killing 17 between 1989 and 1993. His crimes primarily targeted sex workers, and his brutal methods of murder and body disposal shocked the public. He was finally apprehended in June 1993 when police pulled him over for a missing license plate and discovered a decomposing body in his vehicle.
Early Crimes and Victims
Rifkin's pattern involved picking up women, strangling them, and then disposing of their bodies in various locations across New York and New Jersey. His victims, mostly sex workers, were often dismembered or dumped in remote areas. Below is a list of some of his known victims:
- Heidi Balch - March 1989, body never found. Thought to be Rifkin’s first victim.
- Julie Blackbird - July 1989, last seen in Brooklyn, body never recovered.
- Barbara Jacobs - July 1991, found in the Hudson River.
- Mary Ellen DeLuca - September 1991, strangled and dumped.
- Yun Lee - September 1991, body found in the East River.
- Anna Lopez - March 1992, found in the Hudson River.
- Mary Catherine Williams - December 1992, found in Yorktown.
- Iris Sanchez - December 1992, found in Brooklyn.
- Jenny Soto - November 1992, found in Harlem River.
- Leah Evans - 1992, found in the South Bronx.
- Lauren Marquez - 1993, found in Central Islip.
- Tiffany Bresciani - June 1993, her body was found in Rifkin’s truck, leading to his arrest.
Apprehension and Conviction
Rifkin's reign of terror ended on June 28, 1993, when police attempted to stop him for a traffic violation in East Meadow, New York. During the stop, officers noticed a foul smell coming from his truck and discovered the body of Tiffany Bresciani inside. Upon his arrest, Rifkin confessed to 17 murders, although he was only convicted of nine.
He was sentenced to 203 years to life in prison and is currently incarcerated at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York.
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