Timothy Wilson Spencer: The Southside Strangler
Introduction
Timothy Wilson Spencer was an American serial killer active in Virginia in the 1980s. Known as the "Southside Strangler," Spencer was the first person convicted using DNA evidence in Virginia, a landmark case in forensic history. His crimes were brutal, involving sexual assault and strangulation, often using the victims' own belongings.
Crimes and Victims
Spencer's killing spree occurred between 1984 and 1987, primarily in Richmond and Arlington, Virginia. His modus operandi involved breaking into women's homes, sexually assaulting them, and strangling them with ligatures, often using household items like socks or belts. Below is a list of his known victims:
- Debbie Dudley Davis - Murdered on September 18, 1987, in Richmond, Virginia. Spencer broke into her home, sexually assaulted, and strangled her.
- Susan Elizabeth Hellams - Killed on October 2, 1987, in Richmond, Virginia. Hellams, a neurosurgeon’s wife, was found strangled with a ligature.
- Diane Cho - Murdered on November 22, 1987, in Richmond, Virginia. The 15-year-old girl was found strangled in her home.
- Susan Tucker - Killed between November 27 and December 1, 1987, in Arlington, Virginia. Spencer broke into her home, raped, and strangled her.
Investigation and Capture
Authorities noticed a pattern in the killings, which were linked by DNA evidence. This was groundbreaking at the time, as DNA analysis was still a new forensic tool. Spencer was arrested in January 1988, and DNA testing confirmed his involvement in multiple murders. The evidence left at the crime scenes was an exact match to Spencer, leading to his conviction.
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