Profile of Serial Killer David James Roberts
Early Life and Initial Crimes
David James Roberts was born in January 1944 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. His early adulthood was marked by criminal activities. In 1966, he committed robberies and rapes in Gary and Crown Point, Indiana. Convicted for these crimes, he received a 12-year prison sentence but was released on parole after serving six years, on December 12, 1972.
The Patrick Family Murders
In January 1974, Roberts attempted to evade payment for new tires by driving off without settling the bill. The store manager, Bill Patrick, filed a complaint against him. In retaliation, Roberts set fire to Patrick's house using gasoline, resulting in the tragic deaths of:
- Bill Patrick
- Ann Patrick (Bill's wife)
- Heidi Patrick (their 2-year-old daughter)
Despite the severity of his actions, Roberts was granted bail set at $10,000 and was subsequently released.
Kidnapping and Murder of 1974
Shortly after his release, in March 1974, Roberts kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Indianapolis. He callously left her 6-year-old son to die from exposure to the cold. This heinous act led to his incarceration without the possibility of bail.
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