Chicago Strangler

Overview

The Chicago Strangler is a chilling term that refers to an unidentified serial killer—or possibly a group of killers—believed to be responsible for the deaths of numerous women in Chicago over the span of nearly two decades. With a timeline stretching from 2001 to 2018, this case is a haunting reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities.

Quick Facts

• Span of Crimes: 2001–2018
• Victim Count: Estimated between 51 to 76 women
• Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Connection of Crimes

Since the onset of the 21st century, at least 51 women aged 18 to 58 have been murdered in a disturbingly similar manner throughout Chicago. The victims were predominantly Black, many of whom were engaged in sex work and had prior interactions with the justice system. What makes these murders particularly horrifying is the modus operandi: nearly all the women were strangled, often partially or fully stripped, and their bodies discarded in abandoned buildings, alleys, garbage bins, parks, or even snowdrifts.

In a shocking revelation, the Murder Accountability Project (MAP) conducted an analysis in 2018 that examined 51 unsolved strangulation and asphyxiation cases dating back to 2001. The MAP utilized an algorithm that sorts unsolved homicides by factors such as location, victim characteristics, and methods of killing. This data led to the identification of clusters of crimes that were not only geographically concentrated but also exhibited alarmingly low homicide clearance rates. According to MAP, these indicators pointed toward the unsettling possibility of an active serial killer preying on vulnerable women in Chicago.

Geographical Patterns

A closer look at the statistics reveals that several of the strangulations occurred within just three police districts, primarily on the South and West sides of Chicago. Areas like Washington Park and Garfield Park, which have histories marked by violent crime and drug activity, have been common locations for these heinous acts. The sheer concentration of these crimes in specific neighborhoods raises questions about systemic issues and the potential for an ongoing threat to residents.

Police Response

In response to mounting pressure from community activists and concerned citizens, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) announced a review of the unsolved murders of these women. However, despite the alarming patterns and the advocacy for a more thorough investigation, the CPD maintained that there was no evidence linking a serial killer to any of the 51 killings. This dismissal sparked further outrage and skepticism, especially among those who had been advocating for the victims and their families.

Victims

Below is a detailed list of the 51 known victims of unsolved strangulations in Chicago from 2001 to 2018, compiled by the Murder Accountability Project using data from the FBI and various news sources:

Conclusion

The string of unsolved murders of women in Chicago known as the Chicago Strangler case remains a haunting puzzle. The investigation, ongoing for years, highlights not only the dark underbelly of urban crime but also raises critical questions about the systemic issues that allow such violence to persist. As activists continue to push for justice and accountability, the names of the victims serve as a solemn reminder of lives lost and the urgent need for change.

Sources

1. Chicago Tribune: Chicago police are taking a new look at the unsolved slayings of 55 women — and the possibility a serial killer is involved
2. Vice: Chicago police are finally investigating whether a serial killer murdered 51 women since 2001
3. Chicago Tribune: 75 women have been strangled or smothered in Chicago since 2001. Most of their killers got away
4. A&E: Is There a Serial Killer in Chicago Right Now, Strangling Women and Burning Their Bodies?
5. Public Tableau: Chicago's Unsolved Female Strangulations

For further exploration, you can also check the original article here.