Cold case solving expert Paul Holes, who was responsible for catching the notorious Golden State Killer, has estimated that there are around 2,000 serial killers free in the US at the moment.
Joseph James DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, murdered at least 13 people across California between 1974 and 1986 and was only caught after decades of investigation.
According to the New York Post, Holes believes there are many more serial killers running free who have yet to be caught, and part of the reason is because they are picking victims who will 'not be noticed by society'.
Advert
He said murderers go after marginalised people such as prostitutes, drug addicts and the homeless, and are not caught because many of their victims can go missing for long periods of time without raising alarm.
Holes also criticised some of the behaviours behind the investigation of crimes and determining causes of death as to blame for the potential lack of catching serial killers who may be preying on the vulnerable.
Writing in his newly released book, Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases, he said: "I've seen statistics that some 2,000 serial killers are operating in the United States today."
Advert
"It's a rough estimate, for sure, but it’s absolutely a realistic figure," he added to the Post, "often these predators are preying on people whose lives have spiralled down, so when they go missing, no one is really paying attention.
"Killers are hiding behind the opioid crisis. Pathologists can write off these cases too fast: 'This is an OD'. They’re not paying attention to a small bruise around the neck, especially if the investigator is saying, 'Let's kiss this off and get back to the bona fide homicides'."
The cold-case investigator pointed towards the case of Samuel Little, the most prolific serial killer in US history who murdered 93 women between 1970 and 2012.
Advert
He explained that Little was able to make it difficult for experts to work out exactly what had happened, meaning potential clues to a possible spate of serial killings went unnoticed.
Even scarier than the possibility of 2,000 serial killers running around on the loose, is how easily they can blend in with the rest of society. As the saying goes, 'they look like everyone else'.
Holes explained that serial killers with a spate of murders behind them 'can and do function as your friendly next-door neighbour' as most are not the outcasts or loners people might assume them to be.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Advert
Or alternatively, if you've been affected by any of the issues in this story, you can speak in confidence about where to get help from Mind free on 0300 123 3393, 9am–6pm Monday to Friday
Topics: Crime, True crime, US News
