Joseph Ernest Atkins

Serial Killer

The Life and Crimes of Joseph Ernest Atkins

Early Life and Background

Joseph Ernest Atkins was born in June 1947 in South Carolina. As an unwanted child, he was adopted by Benjamin Frank Atkins and Gladys Atkins, residing in North Charleston. His upbringing was marred by frequent abuse; his adoptive father often subjected him to physical and verbal assaults, and his older half-brother, Charles Edward Atkins, also inflicted harm upon him. Notably, Joseph required surgery after Charles stabbed him multiple times in the abdomen. Additionally, Joseph witnessed his father's abuse toward his mother, Gladys, which he believed contributed to the brain tumor that led to her death when he was 15 years old.

Military Service

In the late 1960s, Joseph Atkins served in the Vietnam War, engaging in combat along the borders of Cambodia and Laos. During his service, he was exposed to severe wartime atrocities, including witnessing deaths and mutilations, and hearing the torture of captured fellow soldiers. He returned to the United States in October 1969 and was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

The 1969 Murder of Charles Atkins

On December 31, 1969, tensions between Joseph and his half-brother Charles escalated fatally. While visiting a friend's house, the two engaged in a heated argument. Joseph left the premises, retrieved a shotgun from his father's home, and returned to confront Charles. In the ensuing altercation, Joseph fatally shot 23-year-old Charles Atkins and proceeded to shoot out the windows of the residence. In March 1970, Joseph was indicted for murder. Although a plea agreement for manslaughter was initially considered, it fell through when Joseph claimed self-defense. Consequently, the case went to trial, and he was found guilty of murder. The jury recommended mercy, leading to a life sentence. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (3)

Charles Atkins Age: (23), Date of Death: 1969-12-31

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Joseph Ernest Atkins - Wikipedia

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