206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
⚠️ Warning: Viewer Discretion Advised ⚠️ The following section contains detailed information about serial killers, their crimes, and case details. Some content may be disturbing or graphic, including descriptions of violence, criminal behavior, and sensitive subject matter.
Description
See any errors? Let us know!

David Allen Likens: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life

David Allen Likens was born on July 12, 1949, in Tucson, Arizona, to Allen W. Likens and Hedwig Lindenburg. Little is known about his early years. In the 1960s, he relocated to California, where he worked as a field coordinator for a construction firm in Hollywood and as a bartender. From July 26, 1966, to May 1967, Likens served in the United States Army but was discharged for unknown reasons.

First Known Murder: Rod Thorpe

On April 12, 1974, Likens was arrested for the murder of 21-year-old Rod Thorpe, a hitchhiker last seen at Likens' Los Angeles apartment. Thorpe's body was discovered in the bathtub with stab wounds and scratches on his chest and abdomen. Notably, Likens had mutilated Thorpe's genitalia before strangling him. Likens pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 5-years-to-life imprisonment.

Subsequent Murders

Between 1974 and 1978, Likens was implicated in several additional murders in California. His known victims include:
  • 1974: An unidentified male victim in Los Angeles.
  • 1975: An unidentified female victim in San Francisco.
  • 1977: An unidentified male victim in Los Angeles.
  • 1978: An unidentified female victim in San Francisco.
The exact dates and identities of these victims remain unknown. ...Read More
Victims
See any mistakes? Let us know!
Confirmed Victims: (4)
  • Rod Thorpe Age: (21), Date of Death: April 12, 1974
  •     ...View 3 additional victims
    Suspected Victims:
  • Raymond Oscar Wilson Age: (23), Date of Death: 1978-06-07
  • San Mateo County John Doe , Date of Death: May - June 1978
  • Killer's Details

    David Allen

    Likens

    July 12, 1949 Tucson, Arizona, United States

    January 18, 1979 (aged 29) San Mateo County Jail, San Mateo, California, United States

    Suicide by hanging

    Male

    White

    Second-degree murder

    5-years-to-life (Thorpe), N/A (died before trial) [serial murders]

    4 - 6

    1974 - 1978

    California

    Los Angeles, San Francisco

    October 12, 1978

    San Mateo County Jail — San Mateo, California

    07/03/2025