Paul Bateson

American radiographer and convicted murderer

Paul Bateson (born August 24, 1940) is an American former radiographer and convicted murderer. He is best known for his appearance in the 1973 film The Exorcist and his subsequent conviction for the murder of film industry journalist Addison Verrill. Bateson has also been linked to a series of unsolved murders of gay men in New York City during the late 1970s, known as the "bag murders."

Early life and career

Paul Bateson was born on August 24, 1940. He pursued a career in radiography, eventually working at New York University Medical Center. Bateson gained some notoriety for his role in The Exorcist, where he appeared as a radiological technologist in a scene depicting a medical procedure. This scene was noted for its realism and contributed to the film's unsettling atmosphere.

The Exorcist

Paul Bateson in The Exorcist

Bateson's involvement in The Exorcist came about due to his professional expertise in radiography. Director William Friedkin sought authenticity for a scene involving a cerebral angiography, a procedure Bateson was familiar with. Bateson's performance, though brief, was impactful and added to the film's chilling realism.

Murder of Addison Verrill

On September 14, 1977, Addison Verrill, a journalist for Variety, was found murdered in his apartment in Greenwich Village, New York City. Verrill had been beaten and stabbed. The case initially baffled investigators until Bateson was arrested and confessed to the murder. He claimed the murder was not premeditated but occurred after a night of drinking and drug use with Verrill.

Trial and conviction

Bateson was charged with second-degree murder. During the trial, his confession played a significant role in securing a conviction. In 1979, Bateson was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison. He was released on parole in 2003 after serving 24 years.

Connection to the "bag murders"

While in custody, Bateson was implicated in a series of unsolved murders of gay men in New York City, known as the "bag murders." These victims were dismembered, and their remains were found in bags floating in the Hudson River. Although Bateson was never formally charged with these crimes, his alleged involvement was suggested by NYPD detectives and later dramatized in the 1980 film Cruising.

Later life

After his release from prison, Bateson has lived a relatively private life. Little is known about his activities post-incarceration, and he has remained out of the public eye.

Legacy

Bateson's life and crimes have been the subject of various media portrayals, including documentaries and films. His story continues to intrigue those interested in true crime and the darker aspects of human behavior.

Related pages

• The Exorcist (film)
• Cruising (film)
• List of serial killers in the United States