Charles Howard Schmid: The Pied Piper of Tucson
Introduction
Charles Howard Schmid Jr., also known as "The Pied Piper of Tucson," was an American serial killer who terrorized Tucson, Arizona, in the 1960s. Schmid was a manipulative and charismatic figure who lured teenagers into his world of crime and violence. His crimes shocked the nation and became the basis for multiple books and films.
The Murders
Schmid committed at least three known murders between 1964 and 1965. His fascination with crime, combined with his desire for control and attention, led him to kill young women from his own social circle. His crimes were brutal and premeditated, involving deception and manipulation.
Victims
- Alleen Rowe – May 31, 1964, Tucson, Arizona
Schmid's first known victim was Alleen Rowe, a 15-year-old girl. Schmid, with the help of his girlfriend Mary French and his friend John Saunders, lured Rowe out of her home under the pretense of a social outing. Instead, he took her to the desert, where he raped and bludgeoned her to death with a rock before burying her body in a shallow grave. Her disappearance remained a mystery for over a year.
- Gretchen Fritz – August 16, 1965, Tucson, Arizona
Gretchen Fritz, an 18-year-old girl from a wealthy family, was Schmid's girlfriend at the time. She knew about his involvement in Rowe’s murder and used this knowledge to manipulate him. Fearing that she might expose his crimes, Schmid decided to kill her. He strangled Gretchen and her 13-year-old sister Wendy in their home.
- Wendy Fritz – August 16, 1965, Tucson, Arizona
Wendy Fritz, only 13 years old, became an unintended victim. After killing Gretchen, Schmid realized Wendy was home and feared she could also expose him. He strangled her as well. He later dumped both bodies in the desert and attempted to cover them with debris.
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Account
