Gerard John Schaefer

Serial Killer

Gerard John Schaefer: The "Killer Cop" of Florida

Background and Early Life

Gerard John Schaefer Jr. was born on March 26, 1946, in Neenah, Wisconsin. He later lived in Georgia and Florida, where he developed a public image that sharply contrasted with the violent behavior investigators eventually attributed to him. As a young man, Schaefer briefly considered entering the priesthood and worked as a teacher before pursuing a career in law enforcement. Behind this outwardly respectable appearance, he reportedly developed increasingly disturbing fantasies involving the abduction, restraint, humiliation and murder of young women. Schaefer attempted to join several law-enforcement agencies. The Broward County Sheriff's Office rejected him after psychological testing, but he was hired by the Wilton Manors Police Department in September 1969. He was dismissed approximately six months later, reportedly because supervisors believed he showed poor judgment. Despite this setback, Schaefer obtained another law-enforcement position in 1971 when he became a deputy with the Martin County Sheriff's Office. His position as a uniformed deputy gave him authority, mobility and an appearance of trustworthiness. Investigators later believed he used those advantages to approach young women, particularly hitchhikers, without immediately alarming them. Schaefer became known in the press as the "Killer Cop," the "Hangman" and the "Butcher of Blind Creek." He was ultimately convicted of two murders, although authorities investigated him in connection with numerous additional disappearances and killings.

The Abduction of Nancy Trotter and Paula Wells

The incident that exposed Schaefer occurred in July 1972. While working as a Martin County deputy, he encountered 18-year-old Nancy Ellen Trotter and 17-year-old Paula Sue Wells, two young women who were hitchhiking through Florida. Schaefer initially presented himself as a helpful police officer and warned them about the dangers of accepting rides from strangers. He then offered to transport them to Jensen Beach the following day. On July 22, 1972, Schaefer met the young women while off duty and dressed in civilian clothing. He claimed that he was performing undercover work and persuaded them to enter his personal vehicle. Instead of taking them directly to their intended destination, he drove them to an isolated area near Hutchinson Island and Blind Creek. Schaefer restrained Trotter and Wells near trees and placed ropes or nooses around their necks. He threatened them and told them that he intended to teach them a lesson about hitchhiking. He temporarily left the area after receiving a police radio call or realizing that he needed to report for duty. During his absence, the two women managed to escape their restraints and reach safety. Trotter and Wells immediately reported the attack. Schaefer was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and false imprisonment. He attempted to portray the incident as an unauthorized effort to frighten the women into abandoning hitchhiking. His explanation did not prevent his dismissal from the sheriff's office, but he was released on bond while the criminal case was pending. ...

Confirmed Victims: (2)

Susan Place Age: (17), Date of Death: 1972-09-27

Suspected Victims:

Mary Alice Briscolina Age: (14), Date of Death: 1972-10-26

Elsie Lina Farmer Age: (13), Date of Death: 1972-10-26

Susan Poole Age: (15), Date of Death: 1972-12

Collete Marie Goodenough Age: (19), Date of Death: 1973-01-10

Barbara Ann Wilcox Age: (19), Date of Death: 1973-01-10

Survivors:

Nancy Ellen Trotter Age: (18), Date of Attack: 1972-01-22

Paula Sue Wells Age: (17), Date of Attack: 1972-01-22

Gerard John Schaefer - Wikipedia