Doug Clark (serial killer)

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Douglas Clark's mug shot 1980

Doug Clark (born March 10, 1948) is an American serial killer who, along with his accomplice Carol M. Bundy, became known as the "Sunset Strip Killers" after they were convicted of a series of murders in Los Angeles during the late 1970s. The duo targeted young women and girls, leading to widespread fear and media coverage during their crime spree.

Early Life

Doug Clark was born in Pennsylvania but moved frequently due to his father's job. Little is known about his early life, but it is reported that he exhibited some of the Macdonald triad behaviors, which are considered possible indicators of violent tendencies later in life. Clark had a troubled relationship with his family and struggled with authority figures throughout his adolescence.

Crimes

In 1980, Clark and Bundy's killing spree began, focusing on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, an area known for its nightlife. Their victims were often young women or girls who were either hitchhiking or working as prostitutes. The duo would lure their victims with promises of money, drugs, or shelter before murdering them. Their crimes were particularly brutal, involving sexual assault, decapitation, and necrophilia.

Clark was the one who primarily engaged in the killings, with Bundy assisting in the selection of victims and the disposal of their bodies. The pair communicated their actions to each other as part of a twisted romantic bond, with Bundy later claiming she was coerced into participation due to fear of Clark.

Arrest and Conviction

The break in the case came when Bundy confessed to a coworker about their involvement in the murders, leading to their arrest in 1980. During the trial, the gruesome details of their crimes were revealed, shocking the public and the jury. Clark was found guilty of six counts of murder and sentenced to death in 1983. He remains on death row in California, maintaining his innocence and filing numerous appeals over the years.

Impact

The case of Doug Clark and Carol M. Bundy has been the subject of various true crime books and documentaries, highlighting the dark underbelly of Los Angeles during the late 1970s. Their crimes contributed to the growing awareness and media coverage of serial killers in the United States.

See Also

• Serial killer
• Macdonald triad
• Death row in the United States