Christopher Wilder
Australian-American Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Florida, United States
TIME PERIOD
February 26 – April 13, 1984
VICTIMS
8 confirmed
Christopher Wilder, an Australian-American serial killer, abducted at least twelve young women and girls, killing eight of them during a six-week crime spree across the United States from February 26 to April 13, 1984. His series of murders began in Florida and spanned multiple states, with victims often lured under the pretense of photography. The case is considered solved as Wilder died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a confrontation with law enforcement on April 13, 1984.
Theories surrounding Christopher Wilder suggest that he may be linked to numerous unsolved cases beyond his confirmed murders, particularly the 1965 Wanda Beach Murders in Australia. Community speculation also indicates that Wilder's initial victims were women he knew, which led to his shift towards targeting random women, potentially indicating a psychological evolution in his criminal behavior. Additionally, there is discussion about the methods he employed, such as using photography to lure his victims, which raises questions about his modus operandi and the psychological manipulation involved.
Christopher Wilder
Overview
Christopher Bernard Wilder (March 13, 1945 – April 13, 1984), infamously dubbed the "Beauty Queen Killer" and the "Snapshot Killer," was an Australian-American serial killer whose heinous crimes spanned a mere six weeks across the United States in early 1984. Wilder is believed to have abducted at least twelve young women and girls, with eight confirmed murders under his belt, as he embarked on a chilling cross-country crime spree that began in Florida and traversed several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Nevada, and California, with attempted abductions reported in Washington and New York.
Using his charm as a façade, Wilder lured his victims—many of whom were attractive young women—by promising to take their photographs. However, after subduing them, he would subject them to horrific torture and sexual violence before ultimately killing them, employing methods that included shooting, stabbing, strangling, and even electrocution with makeshift electrical cords.
Quick Facts
- Born: March 13, 1945, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Died: April 13, 1984 (aged 39), Colebrook, New Hampshire, United States
- Cause of Death: Gunshot wounds
- Other Names: The Beauty Queen Killer, The Snapshot Killer
- Children: 1
- Victims: 8+
- Span of Crimes: February 26 – April 13, 1984
- Date Apprehended: April 13, 1984 (killed)
Crime Spree
Wilder's murderous spree began on February 26, 1984, with the disappearance of 20-year-old Rosario Teresa Gonzalez, who was last seen at the Miami Grand Prix, where she worked as a spokesmodel. Witnesses reported seeing her leave the event with a man matching Wilder's description. Just days later, on March 5, former Miss Florida finalist Elizabeth Ann Kenyon vanished under similar circumstances, believed to have last been seen with Wilder before her car was discovered abandoned at the Miami Airport.
Florida and Georgia Murders
On March 18, 1984, Wilder lured 21-year-old Theresa Anne Ferguson away from Merritt Square Mall in Florida, only to murder her and dispose of her body in Canaveral Groves, which was found days later. His next victim, 19-year-old Linda Grover, was abducted from a mall in Tallahassee on March 20. Wilder attempted to photograph her, and when she refused, he assaulted her and subjected her to extreme torture, including blinding her and using electric shocks.
Texas and Kansas Murders
After abducting and killing Linda Grover, Wilder moved on to Texas, where he kidnapped 23-year-old Terry Diane Walden on March 21. Just two days later, he murdered her and discarded her body in a canal. Using Walden's vehicle, Wilder fled to Oklahoma, where he abducted 21-year-old Suzanne Wendy Logan. He later took her to Newton, Kansas, where he brutally stabbed her to death.
Utah and California Murders
Wilder's killing spree continued as he abducted 18-year-old Sheryl Lynn Bonaventura in Colorado on March 29, 1984, and murdered her shortly thereafter. He then turned his sights to Las Vegas, where he targeted 17-year-old Michelle Lynn Korfman during a Seventeen magazine cover model competition on April 1. Surveillance footage later captured Wilder stalking her, but her body would not be found until weeks later.
New York Murder
On April 4, 1984, in Torrance, California, Wilder abducted 16-year-old Tina Marie Risico after photographing her. Rather than killing her immediately, he kept her alive in hopes that she could assist him in obtaining more victims. Eventually, in New York, he kidnapped 33-year-old Beth Elaine Dodge, whom he shot and disposed of in a gravel pit.
Death
On April 13, 1984, law enforcement officers in Colebrook, New Hampshire, confronted Wilder at a gas station while he attempted to acquire directions to Canada. In a dramatic turn of events, Wilder retreated to his vehicle to arm himself with a Colt Python .357 Magnum. During a struggle with the police, two shots were fired—one fatally wounding Wilder and the other injuring a state trooper. Wilder's death marked the abrupt end to a reign of terror that left many families shattered.
Early Life and Criminal History
Christopher Wilder was born the eldest of four sons in Sydney, Australia, to an American naval officer and an Australian mother. His early life was marred by troubling incidents, including a rape conviction at age 17 that resulted in probation. Throughout his life, Wilder faced numerous charges related to sexual assault but evaded significant prison time. His behavior raised red flags among psychologists, who labeled him a "mentally disordered sex offender."
In 1969, Wilder emigrated to the United States, settling in Florida, where he entered the real estate business and developed a passion for photography. However, his dark inclinations persisted, leading him to commit increasingly violent crimes against women.
Suspected Victims
Beyond the eight confirmed murders, Wilder has been linked to numerous unsolved cases, raising suspicions that he may have been involved in other crimes, including the notorious Wanda Beach Murders in Sydney in 1965. Several other women, including beauty queen Tammy Lynn Leppert and various others who disappeared or were found murdered, have been connected to Wilder, highlighting the possibility that his violent legacy extended far beyond his confirmed victims.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Christopher Wilder
- Various news articles and books detailing the crimes and investigations associated with Christopher Wilder.
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First Murder
Christopher Wilder abducts and murders Rosario Teresa Gonzalez in Florida.
Second Victim Missing
Wilder's former girlfriend, Elizabeth Ann Kenyon, goes missing after being last seen with him.
Third Murder
Wilder abducts and murders Theresa Anne Ferguson, dumping her body in Canaveral Groves.
Fourth Murder
Wilder kidnaps and murders Terry Diane Walden in Texas.
Fifth Murder
Wilder abducts and kills Michelle Lynn Korfman in Las Vegas.
Sixth Murder
Wilder abducts and murders Beth Elaine Dodge in New York.
Wilder's Death
Christopher Wilder is killed during a struggle with police in New Hampshire.
Victims' Families Compensated
A court rules that Wilder's estate be divided among the families of his victims.
Christopher Wilder, an Australian-American serial killer, abducted at least twelve young women and girls, killing eight of them during a six-week crime spree across the United States from February 26 to April 13, 1984. His series of murders began in Florida and spanned multiple states, with victims often lured under the pretense of photography. The case is considered solved as Wilder died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a confrontation with law enforcement on April 13, 1984.
Theories surrounding Christopher Wilder suggest that he may be linked to numerous unsolved cases beyond his confirmed murders, particularly the 1965 Wanda Beach Murders in Australia. Community speculation also indicates that Wilder's initial victims were women he knew, which led to his shift towards targeting random women, potentially indicating a psychological evolution in his criminal behavior. Additionally, there is discussion about the methods he employed, such as using photography to lure his victims, which raises questions about his modus operandi and the psychological manipulation involved.
Christopher Wilder
Overview
Christopher Bernard Wilder (March 13, 1945 – April 13, 1984), infamously dubbed the "Beauty Queen Killer" and the "Snapshot Killer," was an Australian-American serial killer whose heinous crimes spanned a mere six weeks across the United States in early 1984. Wilder is believed to have abducted at least twelve young women and girls, with eight confirmed murders under his belt, as he embarked on a chilling cross-country crime spree that began in Florida and traversed several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Nevada, and California, with attempted abductions reported in Washington and New York.
Using his charm as a façade, Wilder lured his victims—many of whom were attractive young women—by promising to take their photographs. However, after subduing them, he would subject them to horrific torture and sexual violence before ultimately killing them, employing methods that included shooting, stabbing, strangling, and even electrocution with makeshift electrical cords.
Quick Facts
- Born: March 13, 1945, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Died: April 13, 1984 (aged 39), Colebrook, New Hampshire, United States
- Cause of Death: Gunshot wounds
- Other Names: The Beauty Queen Killer, The Snapshot Killer
- Children: 1
- Victims: 8+
- Span of Crimes: February 26 – April 13, 1984
- Date Apprehended: April 13, 1984 (killed)
Crime Spree
Wilder's murderous spree began on February 26, 1984, with the disappearance of 20-year-old Rosario Teresa Gonzalez, who was last seen at the Miami Grand Prix, where she worked as a spokesmodel. Witnesses reported seeing her leave the event with a man matching Wilder's description. Just days later, on March 5, former Miss Florida finalist Elizabeth Ann Kenyon vanished under similar circumstances, believed to have last been seen with Wilder before her car was discovered abandoned at the Miami Airport.
Florida and Georgia Murders
On March 18, 1984, Wilder lured 21-year-old Theresa Anne Ferguson away from Merritt Square Mall in Florida, only to murder her and dispose of her body in Canaveral Groves, which was found days later. His next victim, 19-year-old Linda Grover, was abducted from a mall in Tallahassee on March 20. Wilder attempted to photograph her, and when she refused, he assaulted her and subjected her to extreme torture, including blinding her and using electric shocks.
Texas and Kansas Murders
After abducting and killing Linda Grover, Wilder moved on to Texas, where he kidnapped 23-year-old Terry Diane Walden on March 21. Just two days later, he murdered her and discarded her body in a canal. Using Walden's vehicle, Wilder fled to Oklahoma, where he abducted 21-year-old Suzanne Wendy Logan. He later took her to Newton, Kansas, where he brutally stabbed her to death.
Utah and California Murders
Wilder's killing spree continued as he abducted 18-year-old Sheryl Lynn Bonaventura in Colorado on March 29, 1984, and murdered her shortly thereafter. He then turned his sights to Las Vegas, where he targeted 17-year-old Michelle Lynn Korfman during a Seventeen magazine cover model competition on April 1. Surveillance footage later captured Wilder stalking her, but her body would not be found until weeks later.
New York Murder
On April 4, 1984, in Torrance, California, Wilder abducted 16-year-old Tina Marie Risico after photographing her. Rather than killing her immediately, he kept her alive in hopes that she could assist him in obtaining more victims. Eventually, in New York, he kidnapped 33-year-old Beth Elaine Dodge, whom he shot and disposed of in a gravel pit.
Death
On April 13, 1984, law enforcement officers in Colebrook, New Hampshire, confronted Wilder at a gas station while he attempted to acquire directions to Canada. In a dramatic turn of events, Wilder retreated to his vehicle to arm himself with a Colt Python .357 Magnum. During a struggle with the police, two shots were fired—one fatally wounding Wilder and the other injuring a state trooper. Wilder's death marked the abrupt end to a reign of terror that left many families shattered.
Early Life and Criminal History
Christopher Wilder was born the eldest of four sons in Sydney, Australia, to an American naval officer and an Australian mother. His early life was marred by troubling incidents, including a rape conviction at age 17 that resulted in probation. Throughout his life, Wilder faced numerous charges related to sexual assault but evaded significant prison time. His behavior raised red flags among psychologists, who labeled him a "mentally disordered sex offender."
In 1969, Wilder emigrated to the United States, settling in Florida, where he entered the real estate business and developed a passion for photography. However, his dark inclinations persisted, leading him to commit increasingly violent crimes against women.
Suspected Victims
Beyond the eight confirmed murders, Wilder has been linked to numerous unsolved cases, raising suspicions that he may have been involved in other crimes, including the notorious Wanda Beach Murders in Sydney in 1965. Several other women, including beauty queen Tammy Lynn Leppert and various others who disappeared or were found murdered, have been connected to Wilder, highlighting the possibility that his violent legacy extended far beyond his confirmed victims.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Christopher Wilder
- Various news articles and books detailing the crimes and investigations associated with Christopher Wilder.
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
Christopher Wilder abducts and murders Rosario Teresa Gonzalez in Florida.
Second Victim Missing
Wilder's former girlfriend, Elizabeth Ann Kenyon, goes missing after being last seen with him.
Third Murder
Wilder abducts and murders Theresa Anne Ferguson, dumping her body in Canaveral Groves.
Fourth Murder
Wilder kidnaps and murders Terry Diane Walden in Texas.
Fifth Murder
Wilder abducts and kills Michelle Lynn Korfman in Las Vegas.
Sixth Murder
Wilder abducts and murders Beth Elaine Dodge in New York.
Wilder's Death
Christopher Wilder is killed during a struggle with police in New Hampshire.
Victims' Families Compensated
A court rules that Wilder's estate be divided among the families of his victims.