Christopher Bernard Wilder

Serial Killer

Christopher Bernard Wilder: The Cross-Country "Beauty Queen Killer"

Early Life and Public Persona

Christopher Bernard Wilder was born on March 13, 1945, in Sydney, Australia. He later immigrated to the United States and became a naturalized American citizen. By the early 1980s, Wilder had established himself in South Florida as a wealthy electrical contractor, real-estate investor, photographer and amateur race-car driver. He owned an expensive home in Boynton Beach, drove luxury automobiles and appeared financially successful. His polished appearance and comfortable lifestyle allowed him to present himself as a legitimate businessman rather than as a dangerous predator. Behind that carefully maintained image was a long history of sexual misconduct and violence against women. Wilder had been accused of sexual offenses in Australia and the United States years before his final killing spree. He developed a method of approaching young women in shopping centers, at fashion events and in other public places while carrying photographic equipment. He frequently claimed that he was a professional photographer or talent scout who could help women begin modeling careers. The camera, business cards and promises of paid work gave his story an appearance of credibility.

A Predator Disguised as a Photographer

Wilder generally selected young women whom he believed could be persuaded by an offer involving fashion, photography or modeling. Once a woman accepted his invitation or entered his vehicle, his behavior changed. Survivors described being threatened with a firearm, restrained, sexually assaulted and subjected to electric shocks. Wilder carried equipment that could be used to control and torture his captives, including tape, cords, knives and electrical devices. His crimes were not spontaneous encounters that unexpectedly became violent. He traveled with the equipment necessary to restrain victims, conceal their identities and prevent escape. He also changed vehicles, stole license plates and crossed state lines in an effort to avoid detection. During the spring of 1984, his movements created a trail of abductions, murders and abandoned bodies extending from Florida through the central and western United States and back toward the Northeast. ...

Confirmed Victims: (8)

Rosario Teresa Gonzalez Age: (20), Date of Death: 1984-02-26

Suspected Victims:

Marianne Schmidt Age: (15), Date of Death: 1965-01-11

Christine Sharrock Age: (15), Date of Death: 1965-01-1

Wilhelmina Kruger Age: (56), Date of Death: 1966-01-29

Anna Toskayoa Dowlingkoa Age: (27), Date of Death: 1966-02-16

Tammy Jo Alexander Age: (16), Date of Death: 1979-11-10

Mary Opitz Age: (17), Date of Death: 1981-01-16

Mary Elizabeth Hare Age: (18), Date of Death: 1981-02-11

Tina Marie Beebe Age: (17), Date of Death: 1981-01-20

Shari Lynne Ball Age: (20), Date of Death: 1983-06-27

Tammy Lynn Leppert Age: (18), Date of Death: 1983-07-06

Lori Jane Kearsey Age: (23), Date of Death: 1983

Melody Marie Gay Age: (19), Date of Death: 1984-03-07

Colleen Emily Orsborn Age: (15), Date of Death: 1984-03-15

Survivors:

Linda Grover Age: (19), Date of Attack: 1984-03-20

Dawnette Sue Wilt Age: (16), Date of Attack: 1984-04-10

Christopher Wilder - Wikipedia