Lucky Ward

Serial Killer

Lucky Ward: The Houston Strangulation Murders

Overview

Lucky Ward is an American convicted murderer who was sentenced to death for strangling two people in Houston, Texas, during September 2010. Investigators also examined his possible involvement in several other strangulation deaths, causing police and prosecutors to describe him as a serial killer. However, Ward was convicted only of the murders of Carlos "Gypsy" Rodriguez and Reita Lafaye Long. He was never convicted of the additional deaths discussed during the investigation and trial. The known and suspected cases connected to Ward involved people living in particularly vulnerable circumstances, including homeless women and transgender women. Several victims were found in isolated outdoor locations or in areas of downtown Houston frequented by people without permanent housing. Strangulation was a recurring feature of the cases, but the strength of the evidence differed considerably from one investigation to another.

Early Life and Criminal History

Lucky Ward was born on November 1, 1964, in Brazoria County, Texas. His life before the murders included a lengthy history of criminal behavior and incarceration. His prior convictions included robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of cocaine and possession of a deadly weapon while confined in a penal institution. Ward spent substantial periods of his adult life in the Texas prison system. After his release, he experienced homelessness and struggled with crack cocaine addiction. Records and testimony from his later proceedings also described serious mental-health problems. By 2010, he was living in and around downtown Houston, where he became acquainted with other homeless residents and people who visited the neighborhood's shelters, churches, clubs and public spaces. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Myra Chanel Ical Age: (51), Date of Death: 2010-01-18

Suspected Victims:

Birdell Louis , Date of Death: 1985

Lucky Ward - Wikipedia