Ray Van Buren Jackson

Serial Killer

Ray Van Buren Jackson: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life and Background

Ray Van Buren Jackson was born on March 1, 1870, in Missouri, United States. Details about his early life remain scarce, but he later became a schoolteacher, a profession that earned him the nickname "Professor." Despite his respectable occupation, Jackson's life was marred by criminal activities, including forgery, for which he was incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, Oregon.

Suspected Murders

Jackson is suspected of committing multiple murders between 1904 and 1930. While he was never convicted of these crimes, the following victims are associated with him:

• John Creed Conn: Found dead on March 4, 1904; cause of death was beating and shooting.
• Zelma Martin (11 years old): Discovered deceased on April 1, 1904; cause of death was poisoning.
• Julius Wallende: Found dead on December 27, 1907; cause of death was shooting.
• Emma Dobkins: Discovered deceased on March 2, 1910; details about the cause of death are limited.
• Harold Bradley: Found dead on December 29, 1925; cause of death was shooting.
• Ira Bradley: Discovered deceased on May 1, 1930; cause of death was beating.

These incidents occurred in various locations, primarily in Oregon.

Connection to the Lava Lake Murders

In January 1924, a gruesome triple murder took place near Little Lava Lake in the Deschutes National Forest, Oregon. The victims—Edward Nickols (50), Roy Wilson (35), and Dewey Morris (25)—were fur trappers who were found dead in April 1924. Each had suffered gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma. While the primary suspect was Charles Kimzey, author Melany Tupper's 2013 book "The Trapper Murders" suggests that Jackson, along with Kimzey, may have been involved in these murders. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (0)
Suspected Victims:

John Creed Conn , Date of Death: March 4, 1904

Zelma Martin Age: (11), Date of Death: April 1, 1904

Julius Wallende , Date of Death: December 27, 1907

Emma Dobkins , Date of Death: March 2, 1910

Harold Bradley , Date of Death: December 29, 1925

Ira Bradley , Date of Death: May 1, 1930

Schoolteacher Ray Jackson may have been a serial killer

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