206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
⚠️ Warning: Viewer Discretion Advised ⚠️ The following section contains detailed information about serial killers, their crimes, and case details. Some content may be disturbing or graphic, including descriptions of violence, criminal behavior, and sensitive subject matter.
Description
See any errors? Let us know!

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. ...Read More
Victims
See any mistakes? Let us know!
Confirmed Victims: (9)
  • John Doe 1 , Date of Death: Summer 1950
  •     ...View 8 additional victims
    Killer's Details

    Lloyd

    Gomez

    1923 Nevada, United States

    October 16, 1953 (aged 29–30) San Quentin, California, United States

    Executed by Gas chamber

    Harry Jenks

    Male

    Native American/Hispanic

    The Phantom Hobo Killer, The Hobo Jungle Killer

    Murder

    Death

    9

    1950 - 1951

    California

    January 15, 1952

    San Quentin State Prison — San Quentin, California

    07/03/2025