Joseph Gerard Christopher

Serial Killer

Joseph Gerard Christopher – The .22-Caliber Killer and Midtown Slasher

Background

Joseph Gerard Christopher was an American serial killer whose racially motivated attacks terrorized communities across New York during a concentrated period of violence in 1980 and early 1981. Born on July 26, 1955, in Buffalo, New York, Christopher became known by two notorious nicknames: the ".22-Caliber Killer," after a series of shootings in western New York, and the "Midtown Slasher," after a later series of knife attacks in Manhattan. Christopher deliberately targeted men and boys who were Black or, in at least one case, Hispanic. His crimes were notable not only for their racial motivation but also for the abrupt changes in his method of attack. He used a .22-caliber firearm during his first known series of murders, while later crimes involved stabbing, slashing and other forms of violence. Twelve killings have commonly been attributed to his crime spree, although the strength of the evidence differs considerably from case to case.

Mental Health Problems Before the Killings

Shortly before the murders began, Christopher sought psychiatric help. In September 1980 he went to the Buffalo Psychiatric Center and attempted to have himself admitted. He was evaluated but was reportedly considered not to pose an immediate danger to himself or anyone else and was instead directed toward outpatient counseling. Approximately two weeks later, the first of the killings associated with him occurred. Christopher would later be diagnosed with serious mental illness, and questions about his competency and mental condition became central issues during his criminal proceedings. Those issues eventually resulted in one set of his murder convictions being overturned, although they did not prevent him from later being convicted in connection with the Manhattan attacks. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Glenn Dunn Age: (14), Date of Death: 1980-09-22

Suspected Victims:

Parler W. Edwards Age: (71), Date of Death: 1980-10-08

Ernest Jones Age: (40), Date of Death: 1980-10-09

Antone Davis Age: (30), Date of Death: 1980-12-22

Richard Renner Age: (20), Date of Death: 1980-12-22

Carl Ramsey , Date of Death: 1980-12-22

Roger Adams Age: (31), Date of Death: 1980-12-29

Wendell Barnes Age: (26), Date of Death: 1980-12-30

Survivors:

John Adams Age: (25), Date of Attack: 1980-12-22

Ivan Frazier Age: (31), Date of Attack: 1980-12-30

Collin Cole Age: (37), Date of Attack: 1980-10-10

Albert Menefee Age: (32), Date of Attack: 1980-12-31

Larry Little , Date of Attack: 1981-01-01

Calvin Crippen Age: (23), Date of Attack: 1981-01-01

Leonard Coles , Date of Attack: 1981-01-18

Joseph Christopher - Wikipedia