William George Bonin: The Freeway Killer
Overview
William George Bonin, infamously known as the "Freeway Killer," was a serial killer who terrorized Southern California between 1979 and 1980. Alongside several accomplices, Bonin abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered at least 21 young men and boys, though some estimates suggest the number of victims could be as high as 36. His moniker, "Freeway Killer," stems from his practice of discarding his victims' bodies along various freeways in Southern California.
Modus Operandi
Bonin typically targeted male hitchhikers, schoolboys, or male sex workers, ranging in age from 12 to 19. He would lure them into his Ford Econoline van, where he overpowered and restrained them using handcuffs, wires, or cords. The victims were subjected to brutal acts of sexual assault, extensive beating, and torture before being killed, usually by strangulation with their own clothing and a tire iron. To prevent escape, Bonin had removed the interior door handles on the passenger side and rear doors of his van. After the murders, he disposed of the bodies along freeways in different counties to confuse investigators.
Accomplices
Bonin did not act alone; he was often assisted by several accomplices:
- Vernon Butts: Participated in at least nine murders. Butts was a factory worker and part-time magician who shared Bonin's violent fantasies.
- Gregory Miley: Involved in the murders of Charles Miranda and James Macabe. Miley was a young drifter who became entangled in Bonin's crimes.
- James Munro: Assisted in the murder of Steven Wells. Munro was a homeless youth whom Bonin had offered shelter.
- William Pugh: Present during the murder of Harry Todd Turner. Pugh was a teenager who accompanied Bonin on one occasion.
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Account
