Brandon Tholmer: The West Side Rapist

Overview

Brandon Tholmer (born 1949) is a notorious American serial killer and rapist whose heinous crimes claimed the lives of at least 12 elderly women in Los Angeles between January 1981 and October 1983. His chilling moniker, "The West Side Rapist," stems from the area where most of these tragic killings took place. The broader investigation uncovered a staggering total of 34 murders that exhibited similar patterns, leading to a complex web of crime that left the community in fear. In 1986, Tholmer was ultimately convicted of 12 murders, resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Quick Facts

• Born: 1949 (Age 75-76)
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Other Names: "The West Side Rapist"
• Conviction: Murder
• Criminal Penalty: Life imprisonment
• Victims: 12-34
• Span of Crimes: 1981-1983
• Country: United States
• State: California
• Date Apprehended: November 7, 1983
• Current Status: Imprisoned at California Medical Facility

Biography

Brandon Tholmer's early life is shrouded in mystery, with little documented about his upbringing. Born into an African-American family in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1949, Tholmer displayed signs of an intellectual disability from a young age. His childhood was marred by abuse, which led him to leave home in the late 1950s, ultimately adopting a vagrant lifestyle alongside other street children. This tumultuous environment severely hampered his social development.

From 1960 onward, Tholmer faced frequent arrests for various offenses. His delinquency landed him in institutions for juvenile offenders, where he endured both physical and sexual abuse from other inmates. These traumatic experiences significantly impacted his mental health, leading to the emergence of a mental disorder and early indications of paraphilia.

In the early 1970s, Tholmer relocated to Los Angeles, where he struggled to find stable employment, frequently taking on low-skilled jobs. During this time, his attraction to older women began to manifest as gerontophilia. In 1975, he was arrested for the assault and rape of an elderly woman. Following a forensic evaluation, he was deemed insane and was subsequently committed to Patton State Hospital for treatment.

After his release in June 1979, Tholmer returned to Los Angeles, renting a house in Hollywood. He dabbled in casual work while pursuing a music career as a drummer in a little-known rock band called "The Hostages." At the time of his arrest, he was employed at a shoe factory in Monterey Park and had a girlfriend. Interestingly, his favorite song was "Killer on the Loose" by the Irish rock band Thin Lizzy, which adds an eerie layer to his story.

Arrest and Exposure

The investigation into Tholmer began in late October 1983, following the murders of 82-year-old Lucille Pyle and 72-year-old Mary Pauquette. Suspicion mounted, leading police to surveil him starting November 2. Just five days later, Tholmer was arrested while attempting to break into the home of 85-year-old Irene Rogers, who was paralyzed.

Following his arrest, investigators searched Tholmer's apartment, uncovering a trove of over 200 pieces of jewelry, watches, photographs, and other personal belongings. These items were later identified by relatives of 34 elderly women who had died under suspicious circumstances in the area between January 1981 and October 1983. Most victims lived alone within a half-mile radius of Tholmer's residence, highlighting the chilling proximity of his crimes.

In January 1984, Tholmer was formally charged with the murders of several elderly women, including Mary Pauquette, Rose Lederman, Wollomooloo Woodcock, Lorraine Wells, and Dorothy Fain. In addition to murder, he faced charges of sodomy, arson, and the rape of a 38-year-old woman. Despite compelling evidence linking him to at least seven other murders, he was not charged for those cases.

Trial

The trial commenced in early 1986, unveiling a complex tapestry of evidence against Tholmer. Alongside physical evidence, his fingerprints were found at multiple crime scenes. The prosecution presented over 100 witnesses, many of whom spoke to Tholmer's troubling behavior around older women, often observed at supermarkets where his girlfriend worked.

During the trial, Tholmer struggled to explain his actions and failed to provide a credible alibi for the time periods of the murders. Ultimately, in July 1986, he was convicted on all charges. The trial prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Lance Ito, would later gain notoriety for presiding over high-profile cases, including the infamous O.J. Simpson trial.

Tholmer's defense team attempted to argue that his violent tendencies were a result of childhood bullying and trauma, which fostered his mental and emotional issues. However, this plea was not enough to spare him from a life sentence. In November 1986, he was sentenced to multiple consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.

Current Status

As of October 2022, the now 72-year-old Brandon Tholmer remains incarcerated at the California Medical Facility, where he is receiving treatment for multiple health-related issues.

Sources

• "A convicted rapist allegedly caught prowling outside the home...NOV. 7, 1983".
• "Four life terms for murders of elderly women. NOV. 21, 1986".
• "Man Convicted of Raping and Killing Four Elderly Women. JULY 26, 1986". Los Angeles Times.
• "Murder suspect arrested. 8 November 1983".
• "A paroled rapist suspected of the sex slayings of 32 elderly women. MARCH 30, 1984".
• "Hot prow killings in L.A. have subsided since arrest. 14 January 1984".
• "Sex offender convicted of serial killings. JULY 25, 1986".
• "Killer of Four Elderly Women Given 4 Consecutive Life Terms. Nov. 22, 1986".
• "Inmate Information The information displayed below is subject to change and may update daily Inmate Name THOLMER, BRANDON CDCR Number D44766 Age 69 Admission Date 12/10/1986 Current Location California Medical Facility".

For the complete and original details, you can view the article on Wikipedia.