The Worst Murders To Ever Take Place In Louisiana

America has a dark and checkered past. From mass shootings to serial killers, the country has some of the most prolific and brutal killers ever recorded.

According to the FBI, a murderer becomes serial when they kill two or more people in separate events. While the majority of serial killers commit their crimes for the thrill and "enjoyment," others are done out of anger and financial reward. Though it's easy to think that nothing bad like that has happened in Louisiana, the Pelican State has seen plenty of heinous crimes through its history.

So, who are some of the most notorious criminals and serial killers in Louisiana history?

Derrick Todd Lee aka The Baton Rouge Serial Killer

Known as the Baton Rouge Serial Killer, Derrick Todd Lee was accused of stabbing several women to death between 1998 and 2003 before his arrest later that year. Prior to his murderous crimes, he was arrested several times for burglary and peeping. He was sentenced to death in 2004 but died of heart disease in 2016 while awaiting execution.

Ronald Joseph Dominique aka The Bayou Serial Killer

Ronald Joseph Dominique, also known as the Bayou Serial Killer, was accused of the sexual assault and murder of eight men between the ages of 16 and 46 over a 10-year period. He was arrested in 2006 after a man he had attempted to tie up filed a police report. Following his arrest, Dominique confessed to the sexual assault and murder of 23 men. Due to his confession, he avoided the death penalty and was convicted in 2008, receiving eight life sentences.

Sean Vincent Gillis

Between 1994 and 2004, Sean Vincent Gillis reportedly killed eight women ranging in age from 30 to 82. One prosecutor compared Gillis to notorious serial Ted Bundy, calling him a "narcissistic" serial killer who brutally attacked women and believed he was "playing a game of chess" with the FBI. He was eventually caught and convicted in 2007 and was sentenced to life in prison.

Danny Harold Rolling aka The Gainesville Ripper

Danny Harold Rolling, also called the Gainesville Ripper, was accused of several gruesome crimes including sexual assault, mutilation, sex with a corpse, and murder. Between 1989 and 1990, Rolling reportedly killed eight victims, ages 8 to 55, but was known for killing four University of Florida students in their apartments. His DNA was linked to three murders in Shreveport. He pleaded guilty to five murders while already serving a life sentence for other crimes. He was sentenced to death and was executed in Florida in 2006.

The Axeman Of New Orleans

The infamous Axeman of New Orleans is the only killer on this list never to have been identified. At least 12 victims were attacked between 1918 and 1919, receiving various wounds and most losing their lives. What set this string of attacks apart is that the attacker sent a letter to local newspapers saying he would go on a killing spree in New Orleans on a specific night but would spare anyone who was playing jazz music. Seemingly keeping his word, no murders were reported that night. A century later, and many theories continued to confound amateur sleuths and professional detectives alike.

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