Richard Chase

RichardTrentonChase

Richard Trenton Chase (May 23, 1950 – December 26, 1980) was an American serial killer who killed six people in Sacramento, California, in the span of a month from December 1977 to January 1978. He was nicknamed "The Vampire of Sacramento" because he drank his victims' blood and cannibalized their remains.

Early Life

Richard Chase was born on May 23, 1950, in Santa Clara County, California. He exhibited signs of severe mental illness from a young age, including zoosadism and pyromania. His parents' tumultuous relationship and eventual divorce further exacerbated his psychological issues.

Criminal Activity

Chase's criminal activities began with smaller offenses, but his behavior escalated rapidly. He was institutionalized in 1975 after being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. During his time in the institution, he was found to have a fascination with blood, earning him the nickname "Dracula" among the staff.

Murders

Chase's killing spree began on December 29, 1977, when he murdered Ambrose Griffin, a 51-year-old engineer, in a drive-by shooting. His subsequent murders were increasingly brutal and involved necrophilia, cannibalism, and mutilation of the victims' bodies. His final and most gruesome crime occurred on January 27, 1978, when he murdered Evelyn Miroth, her six-year-old son Jason, and her 22-month-old nephew David Ferreira.

Arrest and Trial

Chase was apprehended on January 28, 1978, after police found evidence linking him to the crimes. During his trial, he was found guilty of six counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. He was incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison.

Death

On December 26, 1980, Richard Chase was found dead in his cell from an overdose of prescribed medication. His death was ruled a suicide.

Legacy

Richard Chase's case has been studied extensively in the fields of criminal psychology and forensic science. His life and crimes have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and television shows.

See Also

• List of serial killers in the United States
• Paranoid schizophrenia
• Cannibalism