Anthony H. Cook

Serial Killer

Anthony H. Cook: The Toledo Serial Killer

Background

Anthony H. Cook was born on March 9, 1949, in Mobile, Alabama, and later grew up in the Toledo, Ohio, area. He became one of the most prolific serial killers in Toledo history, eventually admitting involvement in nine murders committed between 1973 and 1981. Several of the killings were committed with his younger brother, Nathaniel Cook, while others were carried out by Anthony alone. Cook's crimes were characterized by sudden attacks on people who appeared vulnerable or isolated. Young couples sitting in parked cars were frequent targets, as were women walking alone. Sexual violence accompanied several of the murders. Victims were shot, strangled, or beaten to death, and Cook frequently attempted to conceal bodies inside vehicles or in isolated areas of Lucas County. Anthony had a criminal history before the serial murders became known. After committing his first known murder in 1973, he spent much of the middle and late 1970s in prison for an unrelated armed robbery. His incarceration created a lengthy break between his first known victim and the series of murders that began after his release. By 1980, Anthony had begun committing crimes with his brother Nathaniel.

The Murder of Vicky Lynn Small

Anthony Cook's first known murder occurred on December 20, 1973. Vicky Lynn Small, 22, was with friends when they experienced automobile trouble during a severe winter storm in Toledo. Cook presented himself as someone willing to help and ultimately gave Small a ride. Instead of safely taking her to her destination, Cook abducted and sexually assaulted her. Small was beaten and shot multiple times. Her body was abandoned in Ottawa Park in Toledo and discovered later that same day. The murder remained unsolved for more than twenty-six years. Investigators did not know that it was connected to Cook until he confessed in 2000. Shortly after Small's murder, Cook returned to prison following an armed robbery conviction. He remained incarcerated for much of the remainder of the 1970s. After his release in 1979, the violence resumed. ...

Confirmed Victims: (9)

Thomas Gordon Age: (24), Date of Death: 1980-05-14

Anthony and Nathaniel Cook - Wikipedia