Milton Johnson: The Weekend Murderer
Overview
Milton Johnson was an American serial killer and mass murderer who terrorized Joliet and the surrounding communities of Will County, Illinois, during the summer of 1983. Known as the "Weekend Murderer," Johnson was convicted of five murders and was suspected by investigators of committing nine additional killings. The attacks attributed to him occurred between June and August 1983 and appeared to involve victims selected largely at random.
Johnson's crimes were notable for their suddenness, extreme violence and lack of an obvious motive. His suspected victims included young couples, elderly sisters, customers inside a ceramic shop and two auxiliary law-enforcement officers. Several people were attacked while sitting in parked vehicles or gathering in isolated rural areas. The apparent randomness of the violence created widespread fear throughout Will County, particularly on weekends, when many of the killings occurred.
Early Criminal History
Johnson was born on May 15, 1950, in Joliet, Illinois. His history of serious violence began years before the 1983 murders. In 1970, when he was approximately 19 years old, Johnson attacked and raped a woman in Joliet's Pilcher Park. During the assault, he tortured the victim with a cigarette lighter. He was convicted of rape and burglary and received lengthy prison sentences.
Despite the severity of the crime, Johnson was released from prison on parole in March 1983. He returned to the Joliet area and lived with members of his family. Less than four months after his release, a series of unexplained murders began. Investigators later concluded that Johnson had moved through rural roads and isolated locations searching for vulnerable victims.
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