Nathan Trupp

Serial Killer

Serial Killer Nathan Nicholas Trupp

Background

Nathan Nicholas Trupp (born 1947) is an American serial killer who embarked on a deadly spree in late 1988. Suffering from severe mental illness, he believed his victims were Nazis and that he was acting on divine instruction. This delusion drove him to murder five people across New Mexico and California within days.

Crime Spree Timeline & Details

• November 29, 1988 (his 41st birthday): Purchased a .38‑caliber snub‑nosed revolver from a gun shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then practiced shooting in Tijeras Canyon .
• November 29, 1988: Entered Bagel Lovers shop in Northeast Heights, Albuquerque, believing its bagels were poisoned by "Nazis." He fatally shot the shop owners:
  • Jeanne Wilt, 37
  • Joseph Famiglietta, 63 (Jeanne’s father)
  • Richard Wilt, 39 (Jeanne’s husband), shot as he chased Trupp from the scene .
• November 30, 1988: Returned to his apartment, paid rent, and evaded a SWAT team. He fled Albuquerque later that day via bus .
• December 1, 1988: Arrived in Los Angeles, checked into a motel in Hollywood near Universal Studios .
• December 1, 1988, ~5:45 p.m.: While on a studio tour at Universal Studios, asked multiple employees for Michael Landon, whom he believed was a Nazi. At the guardhouse, he asked to use a phone to call Landon. Upon refusal, he opened fire:
• Jeren Beeks, 27, from La Crescenta, shot and killed instantly
• Armando Enrique Torres, 18, from Los Angeles, shot and died the next day at St. Joseph Medical Center .
• Shortly after, an L.A. County deputy engaged Trupp; in the ensuing confrontation Trupp was shot in the chest and arm, hospitalized, and taken into custody .

Legal Proceedings & Mental Health

Trupp was charged with five counts of murder—three in New Mexico and two in California. He had a documented history of delusions and mental instability, including beliefs about being on a “mission from God” and that his victims were Nazis . He was found incompetent to stand trial in Los Angeles Superior Court, and committed to Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino County. In May 1990, he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and was ordered to remain hospitalized indefinitely . ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Jeanne Wilt Age: (37), Date of Death: 1988-11-29

    ...View 4 additional victims

Nathan Trupp - Wikipedia

    ...View 16 additional sources