Robert Berdella

Robert Berdella Kansas City December 1986

Robert Andrew Berdella Jr. (January 31, 1949 – October 8, 1992) was an American serial killer known as "The Kansas City Butcher" and "The Collector". Berdella kidnapped, raped, tortured, and murdered at least six men between 1984 and 1987 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Early Life

Robert Berdella was born on January 31, 1949, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He was the first of two sons born to Robert Berdella Sr. and Mary Berdella. Berdella's father was a devout Roman Catholic of Italian descent, and his mother was of Polish descent. Berdella was raised in a deeply religious household and attended parochial schools.

Criminal Activities

Berdella moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1967 to attend the Kansas City Art Institute. He initially aspired to become a professor but dropped out after becoming involved in drug dealing and other criminal activities. Berdella opened a shop called Bob's Bazaar Bizarre, where he sold oddities and antiques.

Between 1984 and 1987, Berdella lured young men to his home, where he would drug, torture, and eventually kill them. He documented the torture in extensive notes and photographs. Berdella's methods of torture included electrical shocks, injections of various substances, and physical mutilation.

Arrest and Trial

Berdella was arrested on April 2, 1988, after one of his victims, Christopher Bryson, managed to escape and alert authorities. Upon searching Berdella's home, police found a detailed log of his crimes, photographs of his victims, and human remains.

Berdella was charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault. He pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty and was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Death

Robert Berdella died of a heart attack on October 8, 1992, while incarcerated at the Missouri State Penitentiary.

Legacy

Berdella's crimes shocked the Kansas City community and brought attention to the issue of serial killers in the United States. His case has been the subject of several books and documentaries.

See Also

• List of serial killers in the United States
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Missouri State Penitentiary