Lloyd Gomez: The Phantom Hobo Killer
Overview
Lloyd Gomez, also known as "The Phantom Hobo Killer," was an American serial killer who committed a series of murders between 1950 and 1951. Born on December 6, 1923, in Caliente, Nevada, Gomez targeted vagrant men across California, robbing and killing them. He was convicted of first-degree murder and executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin State Prison on October 16, 1953.
Crimes
Gomez's crimes were brutal and opportunistic. He preyed on fellow homeless men, often middle-aged, and used various methods to kill, including beating with wooden planks, smashing with bottles, and bashing with rocks. His spree spanned 15 months, during which he killed nine men. Below are the known details of his victims:
- Victim 1: Unidentified man, killed in the summer of 1950, cause of death was a wine bottle smashed against his head.
- Victim 2: Warren Cunningham, killed on November 11, 1950, in the "American River Jungles" near Sacramento, California. Shot in the head with a .22 rifle.
- Victim 3: Details unavailable.
- Victim 4: Details unavailable.
- Victim 5: Details unavailable.
- Victim 6: Details unavailable.
- Victim 7: Details unavailable.
- Victim 8: Details unavailable.
- Victim 9: Details unavailable.
Trial and Execution
Gomez was arrested on January 15, 1952, for a separate crime, during which he confessed to the murders. He was tried and convicted for the murder of Warren Cunningham, his second victim. Despite his defense pleading insanity, Gomez was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was executed on October 16, 1953, at the age of 29.
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