Harvey Louis Carignan

Serial Killer

Harvey Louis Carignan: The "Want-Ad Killer"

Introduction

Harvey Louis Carignan, also known as the "Want-Ad Killer" and "Harv the Hammer," was an American serial killer whose crimes spanned decades. Born on May 18, 1927, in Fargo, North Dakota, Carignan's violent tendencies and criminal activities left a trail of devastation. He was convicted of multiple murders and assaults, with his modus operandi often involving the use of a hammer to bludgeon his victims.

Early Crimes

Carignan's first known murder occurred on July 31, 1949, when he killed 58-year-old Laura Showalter during an attempted rape in Anchorage, Alaska. He was arrested shortly after attempting to rape another woman, Christine Norton, on September 16, 1949. Although initially sentenced to death, his conviction was overturned in 1951 due to procedural issues, and he served a reduced sentence for assault.

Later Crimes

After his release, Carignan continued his violent spree. He was convicted of multiple murders in the 1970s, targeting young women and girls. His victims were often lured through want ads or other deceptive means. Below are details of some of his known victims:

• Laura Showalter - Murdered on July 31, 1949, in Anchorage, Alaska.
• Kathy Sue Miller - A 15-year-old girl murdered in May 1973. Her body was discovered on an Indian reservation near Everett, Washington.
• Leslie Laura Brock - A 19-year-old victim whose murder occurred in the early 1970s.
• Eileen Hunley - Another victim of Carignan's brutal attacks.
• Kathy Schultz - Murdered during Carignan's killing spree in the 1970s.

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Confirmed Victims: (3)

Laura Showalter Age: (58), Date of Death: July 31, 1949

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Suspected Victims:

Leslie Laura Brock Age: (19)

Kathy Sue Miller Age: (15), Date of Death: May 1, 1973

Survivors:

Christine Norton , Date of Attack: September 16, 1949

Jerri Billings Age: (13), Date of Attack: September 9, 1973

Sally Versoi , Date of Attack: September 18, 1974

Diane Flynn , Date of Attack: September 18, 1974

Harvey Carignan - Wikipedia

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