Charles Howard Schmid

Serial Killer

Charles Howard Schmid: The "Pied Piper of Tucson"

Background and Reputation

Charles Howard Schmid Jr. was an American serial killer who murdered three teenage girls in Tucson, Arizona, during 1964 and 1965. Known by acquaintances as "Smitty," he became nationally infamous as the "Pied Piper of Tucson" because of his unusual ability to attract and influence teenagers. Although he was only about five feet four inches tall, Schmid attempted to make himself appear taller by stuffing newspapers, rags, flattened cans, and other material into his cowboy boots. The padding gave him a distinctive rolling walk that he falsely claimed resulted from injuries suffered during a fight with organized-crime figures. Schmid carefully constructed an appearance intended to make him resemble a rebellious celebrity. He dyed his naturally reddish-brown hair black, applied makeup, whitened his lips, and drew an artificial mole on his cheek. He was fascinated by Elvis Presley and adopted exaggerated facial expressions and mannerisms. His strange appearance, access to money, willingness to host parties, and open rejection of conventional authority made him appealing to some young people in Tucson. Born in Tucson on July 8, 1942, Schmid was adopted as a child by Charles and Katharine Schmid, who operated a nursing home. He was intelligent and athletically talented, becoming an accomplished gymnast who helped his high school win a state championship. However, he left school before graduating after being suspended for stealing tools. As a young adult, he lived in separate quarters on his family's property, received a generous allowance, and spent much of his time driving around Tucson, attending parties, and surrounding himself with teenagers who were impressed by his money and defiant personality.

The Murder of Norma Alleen Rowe

Schmid committed his first confirmed murder on May 31, 1964. The victim was 15-year-old Norma Alleen Rowe, who was generally known by her middle name, Alleen. Schmid had reportedly spoken about wanting to kill someone and selected Rowe after she resisted the sexual attention of members of his social circle. Rather than approach her alone, he involved his girlfriend, 17-year-old Mary French, and his friend John Saunders. French repeatedly contacted Rowe and eventually persuaded her to leave home by presenting the outing as a double date. Before picking her up, Schmid and Saunders obtained a shovel and placed it in the trunk of Schmid's car. The preparation of a burial tool before the group left for the desert demonstrated that Rowe's death was planned rather than the result of a sudden confrontation. After arriving in an isolated desert area outside Tucson, Rowe was restrained. Schmid blamed the situation on Mary French and claimed that French hated her. According to later testimony, Schmid assaulted Rowe and encouraged Saunders to participate. Saunders later stated that Schmid ordered him to strike Rowe with a rock, but Saunders refused. Schmid then killed Rowe by repeatedly striking her with a rock. Schmid, French, and Saunders buried the teenager in the desert. Rowe was initially considered a missing person, and her fate remained concealed for more than a year. Schmid treated the killing as proof of his power, eventually telling several acquaintances that he had murdered her. He also showed at least one person the approximate location of her grave. His willingness to boast about the crime would later contribute to his arrest. ...

Confirmed Victims: (3)

Alleen Rowe Age: (15), Date of Death: 1964-05-31

Charles Schmid - Wikipedia