Eli Stutzman

Serial Killer

Eli E. Jr. Stutzman: The Amish Serial Killer

Background

Eli E. Jr. Stutzman, born on September 30, 1950, was raised in an Amish community in Apple Creek, Ohio. Known for his quiet and withdrawn demeanor, Stutzman’s life took a dark turn after the death of his wife, Ida, in a barn fire in 1977. At the time, her death was ruled accidental, but suspicions lingered as she was eight months pregnant. Following this tragedy, Stutzman abandoned the Amish way of life, shaving his beard and adopting modern conveniences.

Crimes

Stutzman’s criminal activities spanned several years and states, leaving a trail of death and unanswered questions. Below are the known victims and details of their deaths:

• Ida Stutzman (1977): Eli’s wife, who died in a barn fire in Ohio. The fire was initially ruled accidental.
• Glen Pritchett (May 12, 1985): Found shot multiple times by the side of a road in Texas. Pritchett was Stutzman’s roommate at the time.
• Daniel Stutzman (December 24, 1985): Eli’s 9-year-old son, whose body was discovered frozen in a ditch along U.S. 81 in Chester, Nebraska. The cause of death remains undetermined.
• David Tyler (1985): Shot outside his autobody shop in Durango, Colorado. Tyler was a friend of Stutzman.
• Dennis Sleater (1985): Killed at the liquor store where he worked in Durango, Colorado. Sleater was also a friend of Stutzman.

Legal Proceedings

Stutzman was eventually apprehended and charged with multiple crimes. He was convicted of killing Glen Pritchett and sentenced to 40 years in prison in 1989. He was also charged with child abuse in connection to his son Daniel’s death, receiving an 18-month sentence for concealing a death and abandoning a body. Stutzman was paroled in 2005. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Glen Albert Pritchett Age: (24), Date of Death: 1985

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Suspected Victims:

Daniel Stutzman Age: (9), Date of Death: 1985-12-24

Eli Stutzman | Murderpedia

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