Arthur Shawcross

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Arthur Shawcross (June 6, 1945 – November 10, 2008), also known as the Genesee River Killer, was an American serial killer who was convicted of murdering 11 women in Monroe County, New York. Shawcross's crimes, which spanned from 1972 to 1989, shocked and perplexed law enforcement due to their brutality and the psychological profile of the killer. His criminal acts have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and investigative reports, making him one of the most notorious serial killers in American history.

Early Life

Arthur Shawcross was born in Kittery, Maine, but his family moved to Watertown, New York, when he was young. Reports about his early life indicate a troubled childhood with claims of being bullied and engaging in acts of arson and burglary. Shawcross dropped out of high school and was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He claimed to have seen and committed atrocities during his time in Vietnam, although these claims have been disputed by fellow soldiers and later investigations.

Crimes

Shawcross's criminal activities began in May 1972 with the rape and murder of 10-year-old Jack Blake after luring the boy into the woods. Four months later, he killed eight-year-old Karen Ann Hill, who was visiting Watertown with her mother. Shawcross was arrested and, in a plea deal, confessed to the murder of Hill in exchange for immunity from the charge for Blake's murder. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison but was released on parole in April 1987 after serving 14 years, due to being considered a low risk to society.

After his release, Shawcross moved to Rochester, New York, where he began killing again in March 1988. Over the next two years, he murdered 11 women, most of whom were prostitutes from the Rochester area. The bodies were often found in or near the Genesee River, leading to his nickname as the Genesee River Killer. Shawcross was known to return to the bodies of his victims to engage in post-mortem acts.

Capture and Conviction

Shawcross was arrested in January 1990 after being observed by police returning to the scene of one of his crimes. Upon his arrest, he confessed to the 11 murders. In November 1990, he was convicted of 10 counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 250 years in prison. Shawcross was not tried for the 11th murder due to a lack of physical evidence.

Death

Arthur Shawcross died on November 10, 2008, in the Albany Medical Center from cardiac arrest. At the time of his death, he was serving his sentence at the Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, New York.

Legacy

The case of Arthur Shawcross has been extensively analyzed by criminologists and psychologists, particularly regarding the failure of the justice system to predict his recidivism and the nature of his crimes. His life and crimes have been the subject of various media, including books, films, and television series, contributing to the enduring public fascination with serial killers.

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