Alvin Johnson (Serial Killer)
Interstate Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Klamath Falls, Oregon
TIME PERIOD
1972-1983
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Johnson, a convicted serial killer, was linked to three murders across Oregon, California, and Utah between 1972 and 1983. On September 26, 1972, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, he murdered 50-year-old Roger E. Geller by beating and strangling him, subsequently stealing his wallet. Johnson was apprehended shortly after the crime but attempted to escape custody in January 1973, resulting in a brief recapture. He was later convicted of manslaughter and served ten years before being released. In 1983, he was involved in another homicide in Utah, leading to a life sentence. Although he was linked to a third murder with fellow serial killer Wilbur Lee Jennings in California, he was not charged due to his life sentence. Johnson died in prison on May 21, 2016. Significant evidence includes witness testimonies and forensic links to the victims, which solidified his convictions.
Some believe that Alvin Johnson's violent behavior may have been influenced by his childhood trauma, particularly the head injury that caused amnesia and dizziness, along with potential symptoms of schizophrenia. There is speculation that his transient lifestyle contributed to his ability to evade capture and commit crimes across multiple states. Additionally, discussions among investigators suggest that Johnson may have had more victims than the three officially linked to him, particularly due to his association with fellow serial killer Wilbur Lee Jennings.
Alvin Johnson: A Life of Transience and Murder
The Early Years
In 1941, Alvin Johnson entered the world in Smithville, Texas, as one of fourteen children born to impoverished tenant farmers. His childhood was marked by a traumatic accident when he was struck on the head with an axe handle, leading to persistent amnesia and dizziness. These injuries may have been the early signs of schizophrenia, a condition that would haunt him throughout his life. As an adult, Johnson led a transient existence, wandering the United States and working various labor jobs on farms.
The Murders Begin
The Death of Roger Geller
On September 26, 1972, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Alvin Johnson's path of violence began. He broke into the hotel room of Roger E. Geller, a 50-year-old cook who had recently left his job to return to Nebraska. Johnson brutally beat Geller before strangling him to death, stealing his wallet and money, and fleeing the scene. The next day, a maid discovered Geller's lifeless body, prompting an immediate investigation.
Johnson was swiftly apprehended and charged with Geller's murder. While awaiting trial in jail, he attempted a daring escape on January 1, 1973, with fellow inmate Wolfred Dean Hill. After locking a jailer in a supply closet, the two overpowered a police officer, stealing his gun and patrol car. Their freedom was short-lived as Johnson was shot in the shoulder during a confrontation. The pair was recaptured within hours, with Johnson abandoned in a ditch and Hill surrendering at a basketball court. Johnson's trial resulted in a manslaughter conviction and a ten-year prison sentence.
A Deadly Partnership: Clarice Reinke
After serving his sentence, Johnson was released in early 1983. His restless spirit drove him to Fresno, California, where he met Wilbur Lee Jennings, another serial killer known for targeting prostitutes. On June 23, 1983, the two men broke into the Easton home of 76-year-old Clarice Lula Reinke. They raped and strangled her, leaving no immediate clues to their identities. The murder quickly turned cold as Johnson and Jennings parted ways, each continuing their criminal activities separately.
The Tragic End of James Clark
In August 1983, Johnson found himself in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he encountered James M. Clark and his wife, Ann Lee, visiting from Texas. On August 7, Johnson kidnapped the couple, holding them in a warehouse. He forced James to undress, tying him up before beating him unconscious with a shovel handle. Johnson then assaulted Ann, forcing her to strike her husband before he raped her. Afterward, Johnson beat James to death and left Ann unconscious.
Ann regained consciousness, freed herself, and sought help at the nearest police station, recounting the horrific events. Police issued an arrest warrant for Johnson, who was captured the following day in Lincoln, Nebraska, aboard a freight train. Despite his resistance, Johnson was extradited back to Utah for trial.
Trial and Imprisonment
In court, Johnson's defense highlighted his intellectual disability and chronic alcoholism, factors that spared him the death penalty. Instead, he received two life sentences with the possibility of parole. His parole was set for June 9, 2009, but in 2008, a breakthrough occurred. DNA evidence linked Johnson and Jennings to the semen found at the murder scene of Clarice Reinke. Despite this revelation, neither man faced charges for her murder. Jennings passed away in 2014, while Johnson remained in prison, where he died on May 21, 2016, at the Utah State Prison.
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First Murder Committed
Alvin Johnson murders Roger E. Geller in Oregon.
Escape Attempt
Johnson attempts to escape from jail but is recaptured.
Second Murder Committed
Johnson and Wilbur Lee Jennings murder Clarice Reinke in California.
Kidnapping and Third Murder
Johnson kidnaps and murders James M. Clark in Utah.
Arrest Made
Johnson is arrested aboard a freight train in Nebraska.
Trial and Sentencing
Johnson is sentenced to two life sentences in Utah.
Parole Hearing Scheduled
Johnson's parole is scheduled but revoked due to DNA evidence.
Death in Prison
Alvin Johnson dies while serving his life sentence.
Johnson, a convicted serial killer, was linked to three murders across Oregon, California, and Utah between 1972 and 1983. On September 26, 1972, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, he murdered 50-year-old Roger E. Geller by beating and strangling him, subsequently stealing his wallet. Johnson was apprehended shortly after the crime but attempted to escape custody in January 1973, resulting in a brief recapture. He was later convicted of manslaughter and served ten years before being released. In 1983, he was involved in another homicide in Utah, leading to a life sentence. Although he was linked to a third murder with fellow serial killer Wilbur Lee Jennings in California, he was not charged due to his life sentence. Johnson died in prison on May 21, 2016. Significant evidence includes witness testimonies and forensic links to the victims, which solidified his convictions.
Some believe that Alvin Johnson's violent behavior may have been influenced by his childhood trauma, particularly the head injury that caused amnesia and dizziness, along with potential symptoms of schizophrenia. There is speculation that his transient lifestyle contributed to his ability to evade capture and commit crimes across multiple states. Additionally, discussions among investigators suggest that Johnson may have had more victims than the three officially linked to him, particularly due to his association with fellow serial killer Wilbur Lee Jennings.
Alvin Johnson: A Life of Transience and Murder
The Early Years
In 1941, Alvin Johnson entered the world in Smithville, Texas, as one of fourteen children born to impoverished tenant farmers. His childhood was marked by a traumatic accident when he was struck on the head with an axe handle, leading to persistent amnesia and dizziness. These injuries may have been the early signs of schizophrenia, a condition that would haunt him throughout his life. As an adult, Johnson led a transient existence, wandering the United States and working various labor jobs on farms.
The Murders Begin
The Death of Roger Geller
On September 26, 1972, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Alvin Johnson's path of violence began. He broke into the hotel room of Roger E. Geller, a 50-year-old cook who had recently left his job to return to Nebraska. Johnson brutally beat Geller before strangling him to death, stealing his wallet and money, and fleeing the scene. The next day, a maid discovered Geller's lifeless body, prompting an immediate investigation.
Johnson was swiftly apprehended and charged with Geller's murder. While awaiting trial in jail, he attempted a daring escape on January 1, 1973, with fellow inmate Wolfred Dean Hill. After locking a jailer in a supply closet, the two overpowered a police officer, stealing his gun and patrol car. Their freedom was short-lived as Johnson was shot in the shoulder during a confrontation. The pair was recaptured within hours, with Johnson abandoned in a ditch and Hill surrendering at a basketball court. Johnson's trial resulted in a manslaughter conviction and a ten-year prison sentence.
A Deadly Partnership: Clarice Reinke
After serving his sentence, Johnson was released in early 1983. His restless spirit drove him to Fresno, California, where he met Wilbur Lee Jennings, another serial killer known for targeting prostitutes. On June 23, 1983, the two men broke into the Easton home of 76-year-old Clarice Lula Reinke. They raped and strangled her, leaving no immediate clues to their identities. The murder quickly turned cold as Johnson and Jennings parted ways, each continuing their criminal activities separately.
The Tragic End of James Clark
In August 1983, Johnson found himself in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he encountered James M. Clark and his wife, Ann Lee, visiting from Texas. On August 7, Johnson kidnapped the couple, holding them in a warehouse. He forced James to undress, tying him up before beating him unconscious with a shovel handle. Johnson then assaulted Ann, forcing her to strike her husband before he raped her. Afterward, Johnson beat James to death and left Ann unconscious.
Ann regained consciousness, freed herself, and sought help at the nearest police station, recounting the horrific events. Police issued an arrest warrant for Johnson, who was captured the following day in Lincoln, Nebraska, aboard a freight train. Despite his resistance, Johnson was extradited back to Utah for trial.
Trial and Imprisonment
In court, Johnson's defense highlighted his intellectual disability and chronic alcoholism, factors that spared him the death penalty. Instead, he received two life sentences with the possibility of parole. His parole was set for June 9, 2009, but in 2008, a breakthrough occurred. DNA evidence linked Johnson and Jennings to the semen found at the murder scene of Clarice Reinke. Despite this revelation, neither man faced charges for her murder. Jennings passed away in 2014, while Johnson remained in prison, where he died on May 21, 2016, at the Utah State Prison.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder Committed
Alvin Johnson murders Roger E. Geller in Oregon.
Escape Attempt
Johnson attempts to escape from jail but is recaptured.
Second Murder Committed
Johnson and Wilbur Lee Jennings murder Clarice Reinke in California.
Kidnapping and Third Murder
Johnson kidnaps and murders James M. Clark in Utah.
Arrest Made
Johnson is arrested aboard a freight train in Nebraska.
Trial and Sentencing
Johnson is sentenced to two life sentences in Utah.
Parole Hearing Scheduled
Johnson's parole is scheduled but revoked due to DNA evidence.
Death in Prison
Alvin Johnson dies while serving his life sentence.