Daniel Joseph Blank: The River Parishes Serial Killer
Overview
Daniel Joseph Blank is an American convicted serial killer from Louisiana who became known as the River Parishes Serial Killer. His crimes took place between 1996 and 1997 in the River Parishes area, the region along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Blank worked as a mechanic and had personal or local connections to several of the people he targeted. His victims were attacked in or near their homes, usually during robberies or attempted robberies. The crimes were marked by home invasions, blunt-force attacks, stabbing, and theft.
Blank later confessed to six murders and to the attempted murders of Leonce and Joyce Millet, a married couple who survived being shot outside their Gonzales, Louisiana, home. Investigators believed that money was the main motive. Blank was described as having a gambling problem, and authorities argued that he robbed victims to obtain cash.
Confirmed Victims
- Victor J. Rossi, 41 - Murdered on October 27, 1996, in St. Amant, Ascension Parish, Louisiana. Rossi was one of Blank's former employers. He was killed during a robbery at his home.
- Barbara Bourgeois, 58 - Murdered on the night of March 18, 1997, or in the early morning of March 19, 1997, in Paulina, St. James Parish, Louisiana. Blank entered her home intending to steal money, disabled the telephone wires, and attacked her after she woke and confronted him.
- Lillian Philippe, 71 - Murdered on April 10, 1997, in Gonzales, Ascension Parish, Louisiana. She was attacked inside her home after Blank entered through the roof area and searched the house for money.
- Sam Arcuri, 76 - Murdered on May 9, 1997, in LaPlace, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. He and his wife were killed during a home-invasion robbery.
- Louella Arcuri, 69 - Murdered on May 9, 1997, in LaPlace, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. She was killed alongside her husband, Sam Arcuri, inside their home.
- Joan Brock, 55 - Murdered on May 14, 1997, in LaPlace, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. Brock was the wife of one of Blank's former employers. She was attacked during a robbery at her residence.
Attempted Murder Victims
- Leonce J. Millet Jr. - Shot during an armed robbery and attempted murder on July 6, 1997, in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. He survived.
- Joyce Millet - Shot during the same attack on July 6, 1997, in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. She survived.
...Read More
