Hubert Geralds Jr.: The Englewood Strangler
Background
Hubert Geralds Jr., born on November 13, 1964, became known as the Englewood Strangler due to his series of murders in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. Little is documented about his early life, but it is known that he faced significant challenges, including abandonment by his father and abuse from his mother's boyfriend. Prior to his criminal activities in Chicago, Geralds resided in New York, where he had a history of incarceration. He was paroled from a New York prison on June 19, 1992, and later moved to Chicago. In Chicago, he was convicted of residential burglary in 1993 and sentenced to five years in prison, from which he was paroled on October 29, 1994. Geralds struggled with drug addiction, particularly to crack cocaine, which played a role in his interactions with his victims.
Modus Operandi
Geralds targeted female sex workers, often luring them with the promise of drugs. Once in a secluded location, he would employ a technique referred to as the "Guardian Angel Chokehold" to strangle his victims. This method involved covering their noses while pressing his thumb on their throats, leading to asphyxia without leaving the typical marks associated with strangulation. His crimes occurred between December 1994 and June 1995, all within the Englewood neighborhood.
Victims
- Doretha Withers: Found deceased on December 22, 1994, at the age of 37.
- Alonda Tart: Found deceased on March 14, 1995, at the age of 23.
- Joyce Wilson: Found deceased on March 26, 1995, at the age of 28.
- Millicent "Peanut" Jones: Found deceased on June 12, 1995, at the age of 25.
- Mary Blackman: Found deceased on June 17, 1995, at the age of 42.
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