Johnny Joe Avalos

Serial Killer

Serial Killer Johnny Joe Avalos: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life and Background

Johnny Joe Avalos was born on December 1, 1986, and spent most of his life in San Antonio, Texas. Despite facing intellectual disabilities, Avalos managed to secure employment as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. However, his personal life was marred by multiple arrests for offenses such as making terroristic threats, criminal mischief, and possession of controlled substances. These incidents foreshadowed the more heinous crimes he would later commit.

Modus Operandi

Avalos's criminal activities spanned from 2012 to 2015, during which he targeted vulnerable women, often those involved in prostitution. His method involved offering money for sexual favors, luring victims to secluded areas, and then overpowering them. He would strangle his victims using his hands or plastic bags, sometimes sexually assaulting them post-mortem. In some instances, he also robbed his victims. Avalos claimed that at least 20 intended victims managed to escape before he could carry out his lethal intentions, though these claims remain unverified.

Victims and Crime Details

Vanessa Lopez

In early October 2012, 25-year-old Vanessa Lopez became Avalos's first known victim. Her body was discovered floating in the San Antonio River near Mission Reach. The cause of death was initially undetermined, and it wasn't until later that Avalos was connected to her murder through DNA evidence.

Natalie Chavez

On December 18, 2014, Avalos murdered 15-year-old runaway Natalie Chavez. Her naked body was found under the Vera Cruz Street bridge over Apache Creek on San Antonio's West Side. Signs of a struggle were evident, and her death was ruled a homicide. DNA evidence from the crime scene later linked Avalos to her murder.

Rosemary Perez

Around January 10, 2015, 28-year-old Rosemary Perez fell victim to Avalos. Her body was discovered wrapped in a sheet along a sidewalk in the 2100 block of San Fernando Street two days after her murder.

Genevieve Ramirez

On April 4, 2015, Avalos attacked 46-year-old Genevieve Ramirez. She was found unconscious in a grassy alley along the 100 block of Avondale, naked from the waist down and bearing bruises. Despite being rushed to a hospital, Ramirez succumbed to her injuries two months later.

Celia Lopez

The decomposing body of 29-year-old Celia Lopez was found on April 15, 2015, at the 4400 block of South Presa Street. She had sustained trauma to her head and face. Investigators recovered DNA from men's underwear found near her body, which eventually linked Avalos to the crime. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Vanessa Lopez Age: (25), Date of Death: 2012-10

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Johnny Avalos - Wikipedia

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