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Description
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Joseph Edward Duncan III: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Overview

Joseph Edward Duncan III was a convicted serial killer and child molester responsible for a series of horrific crimes that included murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping. His criminal activities spanned several years, ultimately leading to his capture and sentencing to death.

Early Crimes and Convictions

Duncan had a history of violent offenses dating back to his teenage years. In 1980, at the age of 16, he was arrested for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in Tacoma, Washington. This led to his imprisonment in a juvenile facility and later, further convictions for sexual offenses.

The 2005 Idaho Kidnappings and Murders

One of Duncan’s most infamous crimes occurred in 2005 when he targeted the Groene family in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He stalked their home before breaking in and committing a brutal attack.
  • Victims:
    • Brenda Groene (40) - Murdered on May 16, 2005
    • Mark McKenzie (37) - Murdered on May 16, 2005
    • Slade Groene (13) - Murdered on May 16, 2005
After killing the adults and the teenage boy, Duncan kidnapped two younger children, Dylan and Shasta Groene, taking them to a remote campsite in Montana. He repeatedly assaulted them before eventually murdering Dylan.
  • Dylan Groene (9) - Murdered sometime in June 2005
  • Shasta Groene (8) - Survived and was rescued on July 2, 2005
...Read More
Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (5)
  • Brenda Groene Age: (40), Date of Death: 2005-05-16
  •     ...View 4 additional victims
    Survivors:
  • Shasta Groene Age: (8)
  • Killer's Details

    Joseph Edward Iii

    Duncan

    February 25, 1963 Tacoma, Washington, United States

    March 28, 2021 (aged 58) Terre Haute, Indiana, United States

    Glioblastoma (brain cancer)

    JET, Jazzi Jet

    Male

    White

    Murder (x5)

    5-8 killed, 3-16 raped

    1978 - July 2, 2005 (confirmed)

    Idaho, California (convicted), Washington (confessed)

    July 2, 2005

    United States Penitentiary

    07/03/2025