Gerard John Schaefer

Serial Killer

Profile of Serial Killer Gerard John Schaefer

Early Life and Background

Gerard John Schaefer Jr. was born on March 26, 1946, in Neenah, Wisconsin. He was the eldest of three children in a family marked by frequent relocations and a turbulent household environment. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, and later in Atlanta, Georgia, Schaefer moved with his family to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1960. He had a strained relationship with his father, an alcoholic who often verbally abused his wife and children, while maintaining a close bond with his protective mother. During his adolescence, Schaefer developed disturbing behaviors, including voyeurism, cross-dressing, and sadomasochistic fantasies involving the torture of women. These early signs foreshadowed his later criminal activities.

Attempts at Professional Life

Schaefer pursued a career in teaching after graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1964. He enrolled at Broward Community College and later at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), aiming to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in education. In December 1968, he married Martha "Marti" Louise Fogg, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1970 due to Schaefer's erratic behavior and excessive demands. His teaching career was short-lived; he was dismissed from Plantation High School in November 1969 for imposing his personal views on students and refusing to accept guidance from superiors. After unsuccessful attempts to join the priesthood and another brief teaching stint, Schaefer turned to law enforcement.

Law Enforcement Career and Initial Crimes

In September 1970, Schaefer joined the Wilton Manors police department but was dismissed for misusing information about female traffic offenders. He then secured a position as a deputy sheriff in Martin County, Florida, in 1972. Schaefer exploited his authority to commit heinous crimes. On July 21, 1972, while on duty, he abducted two teenage hitchhikers, Pamela Sue Wells (17) and Nancy Ellen Trotter (18). He took them to a remote wooded area, tied them to trees, and threatened to kill them or sell them into prostitution. However, he was called away by his dispatcher, leaving the girls bound. They managed to escape and reported the incident, leading to Schaefer's arrest on charges of false imprisonment and assault. He was released on bail pending trial. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (2)

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

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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

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