Anthony J. Jackson: The 'Hitch-Hike Murderer'
Overview
Anthony J. Jackson, infamously known as the "Hitch-Hike Murderer," was a serial killer active in Massachusetts during the early 1970s. His crimes predominantly targeted young women, leading to a series of abductions and murders that sent shockwaves through the community.
Criminal Activities
Jackson's modus operandi involved abducting young women, often hitchhikers, whom he would subsequently assault and murder. His known victims include:
- Kathleen Randall
- Age: 18
- Disappeared: September 1972
- Body Found: September 1972
- Cause of Death: Strangulation
- Debra Stevens
- Age: 19
- Disappeared: September 1972
- Body Found: September 1972
- Cause of Death: Strangulation
- Ellen Reich
- Age: 19
- Disappeared: November 9, 1972
- Body Found: November 14, 1972
- Cause of Death: Strangulation
- Sandra Ehramjian
- Age: 21
- Disappeared: November 27, 1972
- Body Found: November 28, 1972
- Cause of Death: Strangulation
- Synge Gillispie
- Age: 22
- Disappeared: November 29, 1972
- Body Found: February 3, 1973
- Cause of Death: Strangulation
Jackson's final known victim, Synge Gillispie, was a 22-year-old college student from Cambridge, Massachusetts. She disappeared on November 29, 1972, while en route to her job at the Jazz Workshop in Boston. Her decomposed body was discovered on February 3, 1973, in a wooded area of Billerica, Massachusetts. The autopsy revealed she had been strangled with her brassiere.
Investigation and Arrest
Following Gillispie's disappearance, her family and friends launched an extensive search, distributing leaflets and setting up a hotline. During this period, Jackson made several phone calls to the hotline, providing information about Gillispie's personal belongings and acquaintances. Witnesses later identified Jackson's voice as that of the caller.
Further investigation revealed that Jackson had left a hooded brown fur coat, matching the description of Gillispie's, at a local dry cleaner. The coat had bloodstains and the initials "DSG" embroidered on the lining. Additionally, a witness testified that Jackson had confessed to killing someone and had been driving around with the body in his car.
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