Douglas Edward Gretzler

Serial Killer

Douglas Edward Gretzler: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Background

Douglas Edward Gretzler, born on May 21, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, became infamous for a series of brutal murders committed in late 1973. Alongside his accomplice, Willie Luther Steelman, Gretzler was responsible for the deaths of 17 individuals across Arizona and California. Their crime spree, driven by motives ranging from robbery to the elimination of witnesses, left a lasting scar on the communities affected.

Chronology of Crimes

1. Murders of Kenneth Francis Unrein and Michael Raymond Adshade

• Date: October 18, 1973
• Location: Knights Ferry, California
• Details: Gretzler and Steelman abducted Kenneth Unrein (21) and Michael Adshade (19) at gunpoint. They were driven to a secluded area near Littlejohn Creek, bound, and murdered. Unrein was strangled and stabbed, while Adshade was similarly killed. Their bodies were concealed beneath bushes.

2. Murder of Steven Allan Loughran

• Date: October 23, 1973
• Location: Near the Superstition Mountains, Arizona
• Details: After a confrontation, Gretzler and Steelman forced Steven Loughran (18) into a sleeping bag and shot him in the head. His body was left in a deserted gully.

3. Murders of Robert G. Robbins and Katherine M. Mestites

• Date: October 24-25, 1973
• Location: Apache Junction, Arizona
• Details: Gretzler and Steelman killed Robert Robbins (19) by strangulation and a gunshot to the head. The following day, they shot Katherine Mestites (21) in the head while she was conducting a séance. Their bodies were discovered on October 28.

4. Murder of Gilbert Rodriguez Sierra

• Date: November 2, 1973
• Location: Near Gates Pass, Tucson, Arizona
• Details: Gretzler and Steelman abducted Gilbert Sierra (19), forced him into the trunk of his car, and later shot him multiple times in a deserted canyon.

5. Murders of Michael Bruce Sandberg and Patricia May Sandberg

• Date: November 3, 1973
• Location: Tucson, Arizona
• Details: The duo invaded the Sandbergs' apartment, bound the couple, and executed them. Michael Sandberg (28) was shot in the head, while Patricia Sandberg (32) was shot and bludgeoned.

6. The Victor Family Murders

• Date: November 7, 1973
• Location: Victor, California
• Details: In a horrific event, Gretzler and Steelman invaded the Parkin residence, holding multiple hostages. They executed nine individuals, including two children, Robert Allen Parkin (9) and Lisa Diane Parkin (11). The other victims were Walter George Parkin (32), Joanne Carol Parkin (33), Richard Allen Earl Sr. (38), Wanda Jean Earl (37), Debra Jean Earl (18), Richard Allen Earl Jr. (15), and Mark Allen Lang (20).

Apprehension and Conviction

Following the Victor family murders, authorities intensified their search for Gretzler and Steelman. On November 8, 1973, both were apprehended in Sacramento, California. Their arrest led to confessions detailing the 17 murders committed over a span of less than a month. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (17)

Kenneth Unrein Age: (21), Date of Death: 1973-10-18

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Douglas Gretzler - Wikipedia

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