The Co-Ed Killer, the 6'9" giant who terrorized the United States in 1980s

Edmund Kemper, born in 1948 in Burbank, California, is considered one of the most notorious serial killers in American history, earning the nickname "Co-Ed Killer" due to his tendency to target and murder young women, particularly college students. He gained notoriety for his large stature and his intelligence, which he used to outsmart police.

Kemper had a difficult childhood, with his parents divorcing when he was just nine years old. After the divorce, he was raised by his mother, Clarnell Strandberg, who was reportedly abusive towards him. As a result, Kemper had a strained relationship with his mother, and his troubled childhood was marked by violent outbursts and behavioral issues.

Image for representational purposes onlyPhoto byToby OsbornonUnsplash

In 1964, at the age of 15, Kemper shot and killed his grandparents in their home after an argument with his grandmother. He was found guilty of murder but was deemed to be mentally ill and was sent to a state hospital for juvenile offenders.

After his release from the hospital, Kemper went to live with his mother in Santa Cruz, California, where he began his killing spree. Between 1969 and 1973, Kemper murdered ten people, including his mother, six young women, and his mother's best friend and her husband.

Kemper's murders were particularly gruesome, with him often mutilating the bodies of his victims and engaging in acts of necrophilia. Despite the brutality of his crimes, Kemper was able to avoid detection for several years, as he was a large, articulate man who was able to blend in with society.

In 1973, Kemper turned himself in to the police. He confessed to the murders of ten people, including his mother. Kemper was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. He has been incarcerated at the California Medical Facility since his conviction.

Edmund Kemper, April 28, 1973Photo byBy Santa Cruz County Sheriff Department

Experts believe that Kemper's behavior was the result of a combination of factors. Kemper had a history of mental illness and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and personality disorders. He also had a complicated relationship with his mother, whom he saw as controlling and abusive. Many experts believe that Kemper's murders were a way for him to exert control over women.

Source: Murderpedia