San Diego Serial Murders

Serial Killer

San Diego Serial Murders: A Detailed Account

Overview

Between 1985 and 1990, San Diego, California, was gripped by a series of brutal murders targeting women, primarily sex workers and drug users. Initially believed to be the work of a single serial killer, investigations later revealed multiple perpetrators operating independently. At least 28 victims were identified, with four remaining unidentified.

Victims

• Tara Mia Simpson (19) - August 29, 1985: Found burned inside a dumpster near El Cajon Boulevard. Autopsy revealed a nasal injury, a stab wound to the abdomen, signs of asphyxiation, and evidence of sexual assault.
• Trina Carpenter (23) - February 11, 1986: Discovered in a duffel bag in a dumpster near 51st Street. She had ingested crack cocaine, was beaten, and strangled. Her body was located less than a block from Simpson's.
• JoAnn Sweets (34) - May 9, 1986: Found in a dumpster on 51st Street. She was strangled, with fractures to her cervical vertebrae, ribs, and collarbone. DNA evidence linked Bryan Maurice Jones to her murder.
• Sophia Glover (37) - August 15, 1986: Discovered in a dumpster on Madison Avenue in Normal Heights. She was strangled and suffered severe blunt force trauma. DNA testing linked Jones to her murder.
• Susan Lynn Knoll - April 12, 1984: Found strangled in a closet in her Culver City apartment. Personal items were missing.
• Jillette Leonora Mills - April 12, 1984: Roommate of Knoll, also found strangled in the same closet. Her white Datsun 280 ZX was missing.
• Bonnie Ann Guthrie - April 12, 1984: Discovered strangled in her Culver City apartment. Personal items were missing; her purse was later found in San Diego.
• Janette Anne Cullins - April 14, 1984: Found strangled in her San Diego apartment. Evidence indicated a forced entry; she had met Dean Carter two months prior.
• Tok Chum Kim - April 13, 1984: A hairdresser from Lafayette, found strangled in her apartment. Her vehicle and personal items were missing; her car was found near Knoll and Mills' apartment.
• Cara Evelyn Knott (20) - December 27, 1986: Disappeared while driving from Escondido to El Cajon. Her body was found in a ravine near the Mercy Road offramp from Interstate 15. She had been bludgeoned and strangled by CHP officer Craig Alan Peyer.

Investigation and Perpetrators

The murders led to public outcry and the formation of specialized task forces. Initially, authorities believed a single serial killer was responsible, but investigations revealed multiple perpetrators:

• Craig Alan Peyer: A California Highway Patrol officer convicted of murdering Cara Knott in 1986. He had a history of targeting women drivers.
• Dean Carter: Convicted of murdering four women in April 1984, including Susan Knoll, Jillette Mills, Bonnie Guthrie, and Janette Cullins. He was linked to the victims through prior acquaintances and evidence found in their apartments.
• Bryan Maurice Jones: Known as "The Dumpster Killer," he was convicted of murdering at least two women in 1985 and 1986, including JoAnn Sweets and Sophia Glover. He disposed of their bodies in dumpsters around San Diego.

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Confirmed Victims: (10)

Tara Mia Simpson Age: (19), Date of Death: 1985-08-29

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San Diego serial murders - Wikipedia

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