Melvin Johnson

Serial Killer

Melvin Johnson: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Background

Melvin Johnson (1958 – October 2003) was an American serial killer, rapist, and sex offender who was posthumously linked to at least four murders committed in Decatur, Illinois, from 1984 to 1988. Despite his criminal activities, he was never convicted of murder during his lifetime and died before he could be brought to trial for these crimes.

Criminal Record

Born in 1958, Johnson's first known conviction dates back to 1978, when he was sentenced to six years imprisonment for sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy. He was paroled in 1982 and subsequently moved to Decatur, where he began a relationship with John L. Woods, who provided him with financial and emotional support throughout his numerous incarcerations.

Known Victims

• Sherry Gordon
  • Age: 12
  • Date of Murder: October 31, 1984
  • Location: Decatur, Illinois
  • Details: Sherry and her 10-year-old cousin, Theresa Hall, were abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered while trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Their deaths caused widespread panic in their community. Both were buried in Greenwood Cemetery more than a week after the murders, but authorities were unable to apprehend the killer at the time.
• Theresa Hall
  • Age: 10
  • Date of Murder: October 31, 1984
  • Location: Decatur, Illinois
  • Details: Alongside her cousin Sherry Gordon, Theresa was abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered while trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Their tragic deaths instilled fear throughout their neighborhood, leading to increased caution among residents.
• Sandra J. Hopson
  • Age: 25
  • Date of Murder: April 2, 1985
  • Location: Decatur, Illinois
  • Details: Sandra was found nude in her apartment by her 5-year-old son, Arcadio. She had been sexually assaulted, smothered with a pillow, and stabbed multiple times. Based on her son's testimony, two relatives were initially arrested, but charges were eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence, and the case went cold.
• John L. Woods
  • Age: 46
  • Date of Murder: April 30, 1988
  • Location: Decatur, Illinois
  • Details: Woods, Johnson's partner, was stabbed to death in his apartment. Johnson attempted to stage the scene as a burglary. An anonymous caller, later identified as Johnson, informed the police of Woods' "bloody murder." Despite being a prime suspect, Johnson was not arrested due to insufficient evidence at the time.

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Confirmed Victims: (3)

Sherry Gordon Age: (12), Date of Death: 1984-10-31

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Melvin Johnson (serial killer) - Wikipedia

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