Michaiah Shobek

Serial Killer

Michaiah Shobek: The "Angels of Lucifer" Killer

Background and Arrival in the Bahamas

Michaiah Shobek was an American serial killer responsible for murdering three American visitors in Nassau, Bahamas, during a period lasting from December 1973 through January 1974. Born James Michael Shoffner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1954, he adopted the name Michaiah Shobek shortly before the killings. His name has also appeared in historical accounts as Michiah Shobek. Shobek was raised by his mother, Juanita Spencer, who worked as a school cleaner in Milwaukee. He reportedly never knew his father. Accounts of his childhood describe serious behavioral and psychological difficulties. When he was approximately two years old, he contracted a viral illness that was said to have caused lasting brain damage. Members of his family also experienced significant mental-health problems, and at least two of his half-brothers were institutionalized. During his youth, Shobek repeatedly came into contact with the authorities. He was reportedly arrested numerous times as a juvenile for offenses that included theft, assault, purse-snatching, marijuana possession, setting off false fire alarms and using vehicles without authorization. Efforts were made to place him in structured institutions, but he continued to experience instability and behavioral problems. As a young adult, Shobek worked as a handyman and reportedly dreamed of becoming a songwriter. In November 1973, at approximately 19 years old, he traveled to the Bahamas. He began using the name Michaiah Shobek and moved among Nassau's tourist areas. Within weeks of his arrival, American visitors began dying in attacks that initially appeared unrelated.

The Murder of Paul V. Howell

The first known victim was Paul V. Howell, a 50-year-old attorney from Massillon, Ohio. Howell had traveled to Nassau to attend a professional convention. On the evening of December 5, 1973, he was inside his hotel room when someone knocked on his door. When Howell opened the door, he was immediately attacked. He was stabbed in the chest and throat and died from his wounds. The sudden nature of the assault left investigators with little immediate evidence concerning the attacker's identity or motive. Police initially considered the possibility that Howell had interrupted burglars or had been targeted during an attempted robbery. Because there was no obvious connection between Howell and his killer, the case remained difficult to explain. His body was returned to Ohio for funeral services, while the person responsible remained free in Nassau. ...

Confirmed Victims: (3)

Paul V. Howell Age: (50), Date of Death: 1973-12-05

Michaiah Shobek - Wikipedia