Paul Frederick Runge: The Serial Killer Who Preyed on Women
Introduction
Paul Frederick Runge is an American serial killer who was convicted of brutally raping and murdering multiple women in the Chicago area during the 1990s. His crimes were particularly heinous, as he targeted women under the guise of offering to buy items they were selling. Runge’s violent acts involved sexual assault, strangulation, and arson, leaving a trail of destruction before his arrest in 2000.
Crimes and Victims
Runge’s crimes took place between 1995 and 1997, with his victims all being women he lured into a false sense of security before attacking them. Below are details of his known victims:
- Yolanda Gutierrez (35) and Jessica Muniz (10) – March 1995, Chicago, Illinois. Runge raped and murdered Gutierrez before setting her apartment on fire. Her 10-year-old daughter, Jessica, also perished in the blaze.
- Darlene Stack (28) – January 1997, Chicago, Illinois. Runge raped and strangled Stack after responding to an ad she had placed to sell books.
- Charlotte Kozak (35) – 1997, DuPage County, Illinois. Kozak was raped and killed in a similar manner after meeting Runge through a classified advertisement.
- Anne Lisenko (38) – 1997, Cook County, Illinois. Lisenko was raped and strangled in her home.
- Patricia Dooling (48) – 1997, Cook County, Illinois. Dooling was another victim who fell prey to Runge’s brutal methods.
Investigation and Arrest
Paul Runge was arrested in 2000 after DNA evidence linked him to the crimes. He had been on the police radar for some time due to his history of violent offenses, but forensic advancements ultimately sealed his fate. The evidence connected him to multiple murder scenes, leading to his indictment.
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