Benjamin Thomas Atkins: The Woodward Corridor Killer
Early Life and Background
Born on August 26, 1968, in Detroit, Michigan, Benjamin Thomas Atkins endured a tumultuous childhood. Abandoned by his mother at the age of two, he was placed in an orphanage where he suffered physical abuse from peers and was sexually assaulted by a staff member at ten. At fifteen, he fled the orphanage to reunite with his mother, only to discover she was engaged in prostitution, often exposing him to her activities. This exposure fostered a deep-seated resentment towards women, particularly those involved in sex work.
The Killing Spree: December 1991 - August 1992
Over a span of nine months, Atkins terrorized the Detroit and Highland Park areas, claiming the lives of eleven women. His victims, primarily sex workers and drug addicts, were lured into abandoned buildings with promises of drugs or money. Once isolated, Atkins would sexually assault and strangle them, leaving their bodies to be discovered later. The rapid succession of these murders earned him the moniker "The Woodward Corridor Killer."
Detailed Account of Victims
- Debbie Ann Friday (30): Last seen on December 8, 1991; her body was discovered on December 14, 1991, in Highland Park. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled.
- Bertha Jean Mason (26): Found on December 30, 1991, in Detroit. She was raped and strangled.
- Patricia Cannon George (36): Discovered on January 3, 1992, in Detroit during the demolition of an abandoned building. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled.
- Vickie Truelove (39): Located on January 25, 1992, in Detroit. She was raped and strangled.
- Valerie Chalk (34): Found on February 17, 1992, in Room 68 of the Monterey Motel in Highland Park. She had been repeatedly sexually assaulted and strangled.
- Juanita Hardy (23): Discovered on February 17, 1992, in Room 35 of the Monterey Motel. She was raped and strangled.
- Unidentified Female: Found on February 17, 1992, in Room 18 of the Monterey Motel. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled.
- Brenda Mitchell (38): Located on April 9, 1992, in Highland Park. She was raped and strangled.
- Vicki Beasley-Brown (43): Discovered on April 15, 1992, in Highland Park. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled.
- Joanne O'Rourke (40): Found on June 15, 1992, in Highland Park. She was raped and strangled.
- Ocinena Waymer (22): Located on August 21, 1992, in Highland Park. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled.
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