Nathan Trupp

Serial Killer

Nathan Trupp: The 1988 New Mexico and California Killing Spree

Background

Nathan Nicholas Trupp was an American killer whose violent rampage claimed five lives in New Mexico and California during a period of only four days in late 1988. Although he is often classified as a serial killer, the short duration and continuous nature of the crimes also fit the definition of a spree killing. His attacks were closely connected to severe psychiatric illness, paranoid delusions and his belief that ordinary people around him were poisoning or persecuting him. Long before the murders, Trupp had experienced serious mental-health problems and had spent time in psychiatric institutions. He reportedly suffered from psychosis, hallucinations and elaborate beliefs involving Nazis, divine commands and public figures. At different times, he believed television actor Michael Landon was a Nazi and imagined that Landon was part of a threatening conspiracy. These delusions eventually became central to the violence that unfolded in Albuquerque and at Universal Studios.

Purchase of the Murder Weapon

On November 28, 1988, Trupp purchased a .38-caliber snub-nosed revolver from the Gun Room, a firearms store in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A cabdriver later told investigators that he drove Trupp to the store and then transported him to the Tijeras Canyon area, where Trupp practiced firing the weapon while the driver waited. During the ride, Trupp discussed Bagel Lovers, a business located near his apartment in Albuquerque's Northeast Heights. He reportedly claimed that the shop had served him poisoned bagels. There was no evidence that the food had been poisoned. The accusation was instead a product of his deteriorating mental condition and growing paranoia. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

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

Nathan Trupp - Wikipedia