Leroy Snyder

Serial Killer

Leroy Snyder: The 1969 Camden Serial Murders

Background and Early Criminal History

Leroy Snyder, sometimes known by the nickname "Duke," was born on February 13, 1931, in Camden, New Jersey. Long before he became responsible for one of the most frightening sequences of murders in Camden's history, Snyder accumulated an extensive record of violent and threatening behavior. His early offenses revealed a willingness to attack strangers, particularly women, and repeatedly returned him to jails and prisons. In December 1949, when Snyder was 18 years old, he attempted to strangle a woman with a clothesline. After his release, he was arrested again for making threats of sexual violence against two young women. Snyder later served prison sentences for robbery, assault and armed robbery. He was confined at New Jersey State Prison until December 1968, when he was released on parole. Within months, people began dying in a series of attacks concentrated in Camden.

A City Confronted by Repeated Murders

Snyder's confirmed murder series began on February 14, 1969, and continued until September 8, 1969. During that period, six women and one man were killed. Several victims were attacked inside homes, abandoned buildings or small businesses where they were isolated from immediate help. The crimes involved combinations of stabbing, shooting, beating, strangulation and sexual assault. The murders initially appeared to have different circumstances. Some victims were killed inside stores, while others were discovered in residences or abandoned properties. However, investigators gradually recognized similarities in the violence, robbery elements and vulnerability of the victims. The continuing attacks created intense fear in Camden, particularly among women who worked alone or lived in neighborhoods containing vacant buildings. ...

Confirmed Victims: (7)

Lula Crawley Age: (45), Date of Death: 1969-02-14

Leroy Snyder - Wikipedia