Gerald Stanley

Serial Killer

Gerald Frank Stanley: The California "Serial Wife Killer"

Overview

Gerald Frank Stanley, often identified simply as Gerald Stanley, is an American murderer and suspected serial killer whose known violence centered on women with whom he had intimate relationships. His criminal history includes the confirmed murders of two wives, the unexplained disappearance of another romantic partner, and suspicions connecting him to an additional woman's death. Because only two killings resulted in murder convictions, Stanley is sometimes described more precisely as a double murderer or suspected serial killer. News reports have also called him a "serial wife killer" because he repeatedly formed relationships with women before subjecting them to threats, abuse, and lethal violence. Stanley's confirmed murders occurred in California between 1975 and 1980. He killed his second wife, Kathleen, in front of their children and witnesses outside an elementary school. After serving only about four and a half years in prison, he was paroled and resumed relationships with other women. Within months, Diana Lynn Ramel disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Later in 1980, Stanley married Cynthia "Cindy" Rogers and fatally shot her with a scoped rifle after she separated from him and reported serious criminal conduct. He was eventually convicted of Cindy's murder and sentenced to death.

The Murder of Kathleen Stanley

On January 14, 1975, Kathleen Stanley was driving her children to Cambridge Elementary School in Concord, California. Gerald Stanley approached her vehicle after she stopped near the school. He entered through the unlocked passenger-side door and opened fire on Kathleen at close range. Their young son and daughter were inside the vehicle and witnessed the attack. After shooting Kathleen, Stanley pulled his daughter from the car and attempted to flee with her. Witnesses intervened, tackled him, and prevented his escape. Kathleen died from the gunshot wounds. The attack was especially disturbing because it occurred during the morning school trip, in a public location and in front of the couple's children. Stanley was convicted later in 1975 of second-degree murder. He received a ten-year prison sentence, but he did not remain incarcerated for the full term. He was paroled in October 1979 after serving approximately four and a half years. His early release allowed him to return to the community despite the deliberate and public nature of Kathleen's killing. ...

Confirmed Victims: (2)

Kathleen Stanley Age: (26), Date of Death: 1975-01-14

Suspected Victims:

Diana Lynn Ramel , Date of Death: 1980-02

Sheryl Ranee Wright , Date of Death: 1980

Gerald Frank Stanley - Wikipedia