Nicholas Lee Wiley

Serial Killer

Nicholas Lee Wiley: The Syracuse Serial Killer

Overview

Nicholas Lee Wiley is an American serial killer and violent sex offender who murdered three women in Syracuse, New York, during the spring of 2004. The killings occurred within months of his release from prison, despite his classification as a Level 3 sex offender considered to present a high risk of committing additional offenses. Wiley later claimed responsibility for seven murders, but investigators were able to substantiate only the deaths of Tammy Sue Lynn Passineau, Lottie Mae Thompson and Hannah Finnerty. The three known victims were killed between April and the end of May 2004. Two were found in or near the West Onondaga Street apartment building where Wiley lived and worked as a handyman. The third victim disappeared after being seen in downtown Syracuse, and her remains have never been recovered. Wiley's statements, physical evidence and the similarities among the crimes eventually resulted in his conviction for all three murders.

Early Life and Criminal History

Nicholas Lee Wiley was born on July 17, 1962, in Syracuse, New York. His criminal record began while he was still a teenager and developed into a long pattern of sexual violence, robbery and serious physical attacks. Much of his adult life was spent in correctional institutions, but previous convictions were reduced or overturned on appeal, allowing him to return to the community on several occasions. In 1979, Wiley was convicted in connection with the sexual assault and stabbing of a 25-year-old woman. He served approximately four years in prison. His behavior after his release showed that the violence had not ended. In 1983, Wiley attacked an older woman inside her Syracuse home. The woman, identified in court records as Doris Lando, was struck repeatedly in the head with a claw hammer during a robbery. Her telephone lines were cut, and property and money were taken from the residence. Wiley was convicted, but the conviction was later overturned after an appellate court determined that he had not received effective legal representation. He eventually received a reduced sentence. Wiley was again imprisoned following a 1991 case involving the beating and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl. He received a lengthy prison sentence, although legal proceedings once again resulted in a reduction. He remained incarcerated until January 22, 2004, when he was released and returned to Syracuse. After his release, Wiley was registered as a Level 3 sex offender. This was New York's highest risk classification and indicated that authorities believed he presented a substantial danger of committing further sexual offenses. He took up residence in an apartment building on West Onondaga Street and reportedly performed maintenance or handyman work around the property. Less than three months later, Tammy Passineau disappeared. ...

Confirmed Victims: (3)

Tammy Passineau Age: (17), Date of Death: 2004-04-11

Nicholas Wiley - Wikipedia