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Description
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Montie Ralph Rissell: The Serial Killer Who Preyed on Women

Introduction

Montie Ralph Rissell is an American serial killer who terrorized the Alexandria, Virginia area in the mid-1970s. He was convicted of raping and murdering five women between 1976 and 1977, all while he was still a teenager. His crimes were brutal, and he showed no remorse for his actions. Rissell was sentenced to multiple life terms and remains incarcerated.

The Crimes

Montie Rissell’s killing spree began when he was just 18 years old. He targeted young women, many of whom were students or professionals in the Alexandria area. Below is a detailed list of his known victims, including their names, dates of death, and locations.
  • Helen Elizabeth Dowe - Murdered on March 23, 1976, in Alexandria, Virginia. She was 22 years old.
  • Deborah Kaye Davis - Murdered on April 10, 1976, in Alexandria, Virginia. She was 23 years old and a college student.
  • Genevieve "Jenny" Lynn Zukowski - Murdered on May 5, 1976, in Alexandria, Virginia. She was 21 years old and worked as a waitress.
  • Carolyn Diane Hamm - Murdered on July 8, 1976, in Alexandria, Virginia. She was 26 years old and worked as a social worker.
  • Gina Marie Gaitain - Murdered in September 1976, in Alexandria, Virginia. She was 18 years old.

Modus Operandi

Rissell’s attacks were characterized by extreme violence and a lack of remorse. He often gained access to his victims’ homes or abducted them before sexually assaulting and murdering them. In some cases, he posed as a helpful stranger before turning violent. His victims were strangled, stabbed, or drowned. After each murder, he would dispose of the bodies in secluded areas. ...Read More
Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (5)
  • Aura Marina Gabor Age: (26), Date of Death: 1976-08-04
  •     ...View 4 additional victims
    Links to Additional Sources (12)
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    Killer's Details

    Montie Ralph

    Rissell

    November 28, 1958 (age 66) Wellington, Kansas, United States

    Monte Rissell

    Male

    White

    Life imprisonment (five consecutive life sentences)

    5 murder victims, 12 rape victims

    August 4, 1976 - May 1977

    Virginia

    May 18, 1977

    Pocahontas State Correctional Center

    07/03/2025