Bernard Eugene Giles

Serial Killer

Bernard Eugene Giles: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life

Bernard Eugene Giles was born on April 9, 1953, in Titusville, Florida. He was raised in a family with three siblings. His parents led a law-abiding lifestyle, though they were described as not very good at parenting. Friends and acquaintances often spoke positively of him. Giles attended Titusville High School, where he developed an interest in visual arts. However, he soon lost interest in academics, leading to chronic absenteeism and poor performance. At the age of 16, he left school and trained as an electrician. In 1972, he married 17-year-old Leslie Jo Ann, and by July 1973, they had a daughter.

Murder Spree

Between September and November 1973, Giles embarked on a series of heinous crimes in Brevard County, Florida. He targeted young female hitchhikers, whom he would lure into his car, drive to secluded areas, and then assault and murder. His known victims include:

• Nancy Gerry, 18: Disappeared on September 26, 1973. Her fully clothed body was found in a palmetto thicket, shot in the head, on December 10, 1973.
• Sharon Mary Wimer, 14: Disappeared on November 5, 1973. She was found strangled, wearing only a St. Christopher's necklace; her shirt and sweater were found near her remains.
• Krista Jean Melton, 14: Reported missing on November 14, 1973. On January 31, 1974, she was found fully clothed with a gunshot to the head.
• Carolyn Jan Bennett, 17: Disappeared on November 15, 1973. Her skeleton was found on Christmas Day. She had been shot in the head.
• Paula Darlene Hamric, 22: Disappeared November 17, 1973. Her nude body was found strangled, hands bound, eight days later.

Arrest and Investigation

On December 10, 1973, Giles attempted to abduct two underage hitchhikers. He drove them to a secluded area near Titusville and tried to assault them. The girls resisted, and when Giles attempted to shoot them, his gun malfunctioned, allowing them to escape. They reported the incident to the police, providing a description of Giles and his vehicle, even recalling his name from a book in his car. Giles was arrested the following day. A search of his vehicle led to the seizure of a .22-caliber pistol. Initially charged with assault and attempted rape, Giles became a suspect in the disappearances of several other young women in the area. Ballistic tests later confirmed that his pistol was used in the murder of Nancy Gerry. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Nancy Gerry Age: (18), Date of Death: September 26, 1973

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The Monster You Never Knew: Bernard Eugene Giles Day 5

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