James Winkles: A Profile of a Florida Serial Killer
Overview
James Winkles was an American convicted rapist and suspected serial killer who operated primarily in Florida during the early 1980s. Though never convicted of murder, he confessed to multiple homicides and was sentenced to death for kidnapping and rape. His cases reflect disturbing patterns of manipulation, deceit, and brutality, targeting women he lured under the guise of legitimate business offers.
Modus Operandi
Winkles typically posed as a photographer or businessman to attract women seeking modeling opportunities. Once he gained their trust, he would abduct, restrain, sexually assault, and in several cases, murder them. He often used handcuffs and drugs to incapacitate his victims and boasted of keeping them captive for extended periods before killing them.
Confirmed and Suspected Victims
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Elizabeth Graham – Disappeared in 1981, in Florida. Graham had responded to a modeling ad Winkles placed. Her remains were later found buried on his property after he led authorities to the site in the 1990s.
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Margo Delimon – Last seen in 1981 in the Tampa Bay area. A legal secretary, Delimon vanished after reportedly meeting someone about a modeling job. Winkles later admitted to murdering her and burying her body in a remote area of Florida.
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Unidentified Woman – Winkles claimed responsibility for murdering an unidentified hitchhiker in Florida around 1982. He stated she was held captive and then murdered, but no body was ever recovered.
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Multiple Others – During his 1990s confessions, Winkles told authorities he had killed up to 12 women. Most of these claims remain unverified due to lack of physical evidence and the passage of time.
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