Lorenzo Jerome Gilyard

Serial Killer

Lorenzo Jerome Gilyard Jr.: The Kansas City Strangler

Overview

Lorenzo Jerome Gilyard Jr., born on May 24, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, is an American serial killer known as "The Kansas City Strangler." Between 1977 and 1993, Gilyard is believed to have raped and murdered at least 13 women and girls, primarily targeting sex workers. His crimes went undetected for years, allowing him to lead a seemingly ordinary life as a trash-company supervisor. Gilyard was convicted of six counts of first-degree murder on March 16, 2007, and is currently serving life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Early Life and Criminal Background

Gilyard's early life was marked by aggression and a propensity for violence. He dropped out of school after the 10th grade due to poor academic performance and chronic absenteeism. In 1968, at the age of 18, he married Rena Hill, but the marriage was troubled by his abusive behavior. His criminal activities escalated over time:

• In 1969, Gilyard was arrested for assaulting and raping a girl he knew, but charges were dropped after a reconciliation agreement.
• In 1970, his father, Lorenzo Gilyard Sr., was convicted of rape, indicating a family history of sexual violence.
• In 1972, Gilyard faced another arrest for rape and assault; however, the charges were dismissed due to questionable testimony.
• In 1973, he was arrested for assaulting his wife, leading to a fine and subsequent divorce.
• In 1974, Gilyard was convicted of sexual acts with a minor and served a nine-month sentence in the Jackson County jail.
• In 1979, he was arrested for assaulting a young couple and raping the woman but was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
• Throughout the early 1980s, Gilyard faced multiple arrests for assault and theft, resulting in a four-year prison sentence for violating probation.

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Confirmed Victims: (6)

Catherine M. Barry Age: (34), Date of Death: March 14, 1986

Suspected Victims:

Stacie L. Swofford Age: (17), Date of Death: 1977-04-10

Gwendolyn Kizine Age: (15), Date of Death: 1980-01-23

Margaret J. Miller Age: (17), Date of Death: 1982-05-09

Debra Sue Blevins Age: (32), Date of Death: 1986-11-27

Angela Mayhew Age: (19), Date of Death: 1987-09-12

Connie Lynne Luther Age: (29), Date of Death: 1993-01-11

Helga Kruger Age: (26), Date of Death: 1989-02

Lorenzo Gilyard - Wikipedia