Tommy Lynn Sells

Serial Killer

Tommy Lynn Sells: The Coast-to-Coast Killer

Introduction

Tommy Lynn Sells, born on June 28, 1964, in Oakland, California, was a notorious American serial killer often referred to as the "Coast-to-Coast Killer" due to his transient lifestyle and crimes committed across multiple states. Over two decades, Sells claimed responsibility for over 70 murders, though investigators confirmed his involvement in at least 22 cases. His victims ranged from children to adults, and his methods were notably brutal and varied.

Early Life

Sells faced a tumultuous childhood marked by instability and trauma. At 18 months old, both he and his twin sister, Tammy Jean, contracted meningitis; Tammy succumbed to the illness. Following this tragedy, Sells was sent to live with his aunt in Holcomb, Missouri, until age five. His upbringing was further marred by exposure to sexual abuse, leading to early substance abuse and behavioral issues. By age 14, Sells had become a drifter, traveling across the United States and engaging in petty crimes to sustain himself.

Notable Crimes

Sells's criminal activities spanned numerous states, with many of his crimes remaining unconnected for years due to his nomadic lifestyle. Below is a chronological list of some of his confirmed and suspected victims:

• July 5, 1979 – Port Gibson, Mississippi: John Cade, 39, was killed with a .32 caliber pistol during a home invasion. A man resembling Sells was observed near the crime scene.
• July 31, 1983 – St. Louis, Missouri: Tiffany Gill, 4, and her mother, Colleen Gill, 33, were found bludgeoned to death in their home. A man matching Sells's description was seen leaving the scene.
• July 26, 1985 – Forsyth, Missouri: Ena Cordt, 28, and her son Rory, 4, were brutally murdered in their home. Sells, working at a local carnival, admitted to the killings, claiming he attacked Ena after she attempted to steal from him, then killed Rory to eliminate a witness.
• October 15, 1987 – Lovelock, Nevada: Stefanie Stroh, 21, disappeared while hitchhiking. Sells confessed to picking her up, taking LSD together, strangling her, and disposing of her body in a hot spring. Her remains were never recovered.
• November 17, 1987 – Ina, Illinois: The Dardeen family—Keith, 29; Elaine, 30; their son Peter, 3; and a newborn daughter—were brutally murdered. Sells confessed to the crime, stating he killed Keith after a sexual advance and then murdered the rest of the family to eliminate witnesses.
• October 13, 1997 – Lawrenceville, Illinois: Joel Kirkpatrick, 10, was stabbed to death in his home. His mother, Julie Rea, was initially convicted but later exonerated after Sells confessed to the murder.
• April 18, 1999 – San Antonio, Texas: Mary Beatrice Perez, 9, was abducted from a festival, raped, and strangled. Her body was found in a creek ten days later. Sells was convicted of her murder.
• December 31, 1999 – Del Rio, Texas: Kaylene "Katy" Harris, 13, was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death. Sells also attacked 10-year-old Krystal Surles, slashing her throat; she survived and provided crucial information leading to his capture.

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Confirmed Victims: (20)

John Cade Age: (39), Date of Death: 1979-07-05

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Tommy Lynn Sells - Wikipedia

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