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Description
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Jerry Marcus: The Tuskegee Strangler

Overview

Jerry Marcus, born in 1951 in Tuskegee, Alabama, is a convicted serial killer known for his charm and seemingly benign demeanor, which concealed his violent tendencies. Active between 1971 and 1987, Marcus confessed to the murders of several women across multiple states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia. His ability to appear trustworthy allowed him to evade suspicion for years, leading to a series of tragic deaths.

Early Life and Modus Operandi

Growing up in Tuskegee, Marcus was perceived as a "nice guy"—helpful at home, academically inclined, an athlete, and consistently employed. However, beneath this facade lay a dangerous individual who exploited his charm to gain the trust of his victims. He often used his unassuming personality to make women feel safe, masking his lethal intentions. This duality enabled him to approach and overpower his victims without raising immediate suspicion.

Known Victims

  • Francine Laverne Davis
    • Age: 30
    • Date of Death: October 31, 1984
    • Cause of Death: Drowning
    • Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Dorothy Davis
    • Age: 26
    • Date of Death: April 16, 1987
    • Cause of Death: Strangulation
    • Location: Starkville, Mississippi
  • Wydeane Ellerbee
    • Age: 26
    • Date of Disappearance: September 16, 1986
    • Date Body Found: April 17, 1987
    • Cause of Death: Asphyxial strangulation
    • Location: Tuskegee, Alabama
  • Wybett Chambers
    • Date of Death: Early May 1986
    • Location: Not specified
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Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (2)
  • Francine Laverne Davis Age: (30), Date of Death: 1984-10-31
  •     ...View 1 additional victims
    Suspected Victims:
  • Wybett Chambers Age: (25), Date of Death: 1986-05-15
  • Wydeane Brown Ellerbee Age: (26), Date of Death: September 16, 1986
  • Killer's Details

    Jerry

    Marcus

    1951 (age 73–74) Tuskegee, Alabama, United States

    Male

    Black

    Trasient rape-slayer of women

    Murder (AL, MS)

    Life imprisonment (AL, MS)

    2 - 15

    1971 - 1987

    Mississippi (Confirmed), Alabama (Confirmed), Tennessee (Suspected), Georgia (Suspected)

    Knoxville (TN), Tuskegee (AL), Webster (MS)

    April 17, 1987

    07/03/2025