Dayton Strangler: A Decade of Terror
Introduction
The Dayton Strangler, also known as "Strangler of Death Lane" and "Jack the Strangler," was an unidentified serial killer responsible for a series of brutal murders in Dayton, Ohio, from 1900 to 1909. The killer's identity remains unknown, and the murders have never been officially solved.
Victims
- Ada Lantz: An 11-year-old girl found in a vault in her parents' backyard on October 14, 1900. She had been mutilated, bruised, and sexually assaulted.
- Dona Gilman: A 20-year-old bindery department employee found in some weeds 200 yards from her home on November 20, 1906. She had been assaulted and strangled.
- Anna Markowitz and Abe Cohan: On August 4, 1907, Anna, a 24-year-old pawn broker's daughter, and her boyfriend, Abe, were attacked in McCabe Park. Abe was shot and later died, while Anna was raped and strangled.
- Mary Forschner: A 15-year-old girl found beaten, raped, and strangled in a barn on January 24, 1909. The killer's large handprints were found on her neck.
- Elizabeth "Lizzie" Fulhart: An 18-year-old girl found strangled in a cistern behind a synagogue on February 8, 1909. Her body was in a decomposed condition, making the cause of death difficult to determine.
Conclusion
The Dayton Strangler's reign of terror left a lasting impact on the community. Despite numerous arrests and confessions, the true identity of the killer remains a mystery. The murders continue to haunt the city of Dayton, serving as a chilling reminder of the unsolved crimes that once gripped the region.
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