David Elliott Penton
Child Molester and Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Dallas, Texas
TIME PERIOD
1984-1988
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
David Elliott Penton, born February 9, 1958, is an American child molester and serial killer, convicted of multiple murders spanning from 1984 to 1988. Initially convicted of manslaughter for the death of his infant son in Ohio in 1984, he fled during an appeal and was later apprehended in 2003 for the murders of three young girls in the Dallas area during the mid-1980s. Penton signed a plea agreement admitting to these murders and is currently incarcerated, serving a life sentence. Investigations are ongoing in several states, as authorities suspect he may be linked to additional unsolved cases, potentially marking him as one of the most prolific child killers in U.S. history.
David Elliott Penton is believed to be responsible for the deaths of multiple children across several states, with some investigators speculating he may be the most prolific child killer in American history. There is ongoing investigation into unsolved cases that may be linked to him, as officials suspect he could have more victims beyond those he has already confessed to. Additionally, his history of child abuse and the brutal nature of his crimes have led to theories about a deep-seated pattern of pedophilia and sexual sadism driving his actions.
The Dark Path of David Elliott Penton: Mechanic, Murderer, and Monster
Early Life and Military Service
David Elliott Penton was born on February 9, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio, a city that would soon become a distant memory as he embarked on a journey of darkness. An only child, Penton's early life was marked by his father's abandonment, leaving him to be raised by his mother. After high school, he sought structure and purpose by joining the U.S. Army in 1977, where he became a track vehicle mechanic. His military career, however, was not without blemishes. Described as an expert marksman and a "highly motivated" soldier by his commanding officer, Penton faced charges in 1980 for storing alcohol in his foot locker. Not long after, he was demoted from sergeant to specialist for lying about his marital status to gain military benefits.
His stint in Korea revealed a darker side. Penton admitted to soliciting numerous prostitutes, some underage, while indulging in illegal narcotics like LSD and cocaine. He nonchalantly claimed, "I was with a lot of prostitutes and some of them could have been underage," dismissing the matter as less about the age and more about "cleanliness." This cavalier attitude foreshadowed his later, more sinister acts.
A Trail of Tragedy: The Victims
The years between 1984 and 1988 were marked by a series of heinous crimes, with Penton at the center. It began with the tragic death of his own son, Michael James Penton, on November 23, 1984. Stationed at Fort Hood, Penton was charged with violently shaking his two-month-old son to death in Killeen, Texas, during a "fit of rage" because the child wouldn't stop crying. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a five-year prison sentence, also being honorably discharged from the Army. Yet, while out on bond appealing his case, Penton fled Texas authorities.
The Innocent Lives Taken
Christi Lynn Meeks, a five-year-old playing hide-and-seek outside her mother's apartment complex in Mesquite, Texas, was abducted on January 19, 1985. Her brother witnessed the kidnapping. Her body was found months later, floating in Lake Texoma, raped and strangled.
Tiffany Ibarra, ten, was abducted in Dallas on February 12, 1986, while walking to school. Although she was released, her account helped police create a sketch of the suspect. Recognition under hypnosis later confirmed Penton's identity.
Christie Diane Proctor, nine, disappeared on February 15, 1986, while walking through North Dallas. Her remains were discovered over two years later in a Plano field, hidden under a mattress.
Roxann Hope Reyes, four, was abducted on November 3, 1987, in Garland, Texas. Playing outside, she was lured into a car with promises of ice cream. Her body was found six months later, having suffered sexual assault and strangulation.
Nydra Anntionette Ross, nine, vanished from her aunt's home in Dayton, Ohio on March 31, 1988. Her remains surfaced in a dry creek bed months later. Penton, a co-worker of Ross's uncle, was last seen with her, and evidence of her blood was found in his van.
The Capture and Legal Proceedings
Penton's reckless path caught up with him in 1987 when he was arrested for the murder of a friend's niece in Ohio. Indicted for three murders in Texas in 2003, he avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty in 2005. His sentence ensures he remains in Ohio State Penitentiary until eligible for parole in 2027, after which he faces three consecutive life sentences in Texas.
The Shadows of Suspicion: Additional Cases
Authorities suspect Penton's involvement in numerous other unsolved cases, possibly making him one of the most prolific child killers in American history. His chilling claims of killing over 50 children are under investigation, with law enforcement estimating between 25 and 30 potential victims.
Potential Victims
Amber Nicole Crum, two, disappeared from Dallas on December 26, 1983, after being left in a parked pickup truck.
Angelica Maria Gandara, eleven, last seen in Temple, Texas, in a pickup truck near her grandmother's home on July 14, 1985.
Ara "Niecie" Denise Johnson, five, taken from her Big Sandy, Texas home on April 2, 1986, along with her bedspread.
Shannon Marie Sherrill, six, vanished from Thorntown, Indiana on October 5, 1986, while playing hide-and-seek. Her scent was traced to a nearby cornfield before disappearing.
Conclusion
The story of David Elliott Penton is a chilling reminder of the evil that can lie beneath a seemingly ordinary exterior. As investigators continue to unravel the full extent of his crimes, the hope remains that justice will prevail for all his victims and their families.
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Infant Son Murdered
David Penton violently shakes his 2-month-old son to death in Texas.
Christi Meeks Abducted
5-year-old Christi Lynn Meeks is abducted while playing outside her apartment.
Christi Meeks Found
The body of Christi Meeks is discovered in Lake Texoma, identified weeks later.
Tiffany Ibarra Abducted
10-year-old Tiffany Ibarra is abducted but later released by her captor.
Christie Proctor Missing
9-year-old Christie Diane Proctor is reported missing in North Dallas.
Nydra Ross Missing
9-year-old Nydra Anntionette Ross is reported missing in Dayton, Ohio.
Penton Indicted in Texas
David Penton is indicted for the murders of three young girls in Texas.
Plea Deal Signed
Penton signs a plea agreement admitting to the murders of three Texas girls.
Penton Apprehended
David Penton is apprehended and extradited to Texas for his crimes.
David Elliott Penton, born February 9, 1958, is an American child molester and serial killer, convicted of multiple murders spanning from 1984 to 1988. Initially convicted of manslaughter for the death of his infant son in Ohio in 1984, he fled during an appeal and was later apprehended in 2003 for the murders of three young girls in the Dallas area during the mid-1980s. Penton signed a plea agreement admitting to these murders and is currently incarcerated, serving a life sentence. Investigations are ongoing in several states, as authorities suspect he may be linked to additional unsolved cases, potentially marking him as one of the most prolific child killers in U.S. history.
David Elliott Penton is believed to be responsible for the deaths of multiple children across several states, with some investigators speculating he may be the most prolific child killer in American history. There is ongoing investigation into unsolved cases that may be linked to him, as officials suspect he could have more victims beyond those he has already confessed to. Additionally, his history of child abuse and the brutal nature of his crimes have led to theories about a deep-seated pattern of pedophilia and sexual sadism driving his actions.
The Dark Path of David Elliott Penton: Mechanic, Murderer, and Monster
Early Life and Military Service
David Elliott Penton was born on February 9, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio, a city that would soon become a distant memory as he embarked on a journey of darkness. An only child, Penton's early life was marked by his father's abandonment, leaving him to be raised by his mother. After high school, he sought structure and purpose by joining the U.S. Army in 1977, where he became a track vehicle mechanic. His military career, however, was not without blemishes. Described as an expert marksman and a "highly motivated" soldier by his commanding officer, Penton faced charges in 1980 for storing alcohol in his foot locker. Not long after, he was demoted from sergeant to specialist for lying about his marital status to gain military benefits.
His stint in Korea revealed a darker side. Penton admitted to soliciting numerous prostitutes, some underage, while indulging in illegal narcotics like LSD and cocaine. He nonchalantly claimed, "I was with a lot of prostitutes and some of them could have been underage," dismissing the matter as less about the age and more about "cleanliness." This cavalier attitude foreshadowed his later, more sinister acts.
A Trail of Tragedy: The Victims
The years between 1984 and 1988 were marked by a series of heinous crimes, with Penton at the center. It began with the tragic death of his own son, Michael James Penton, on November 23, 1984. Stationed at Fort Hood, Penton was charged with violently shaking his two-month-old son to death in Killeen, Texas, during a "fit of rage" because the child wouldn't stop crying. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a five-year prison sentence, also being honorably discharged from the Army. Yet, while out on bond appealing his case, Penton fled Texas authorities.
The Innocent Lives Taken
Christi Lynn Meeks, a five-year-old playing hide-and-seek outside her mother's apartment complex in Mesquite, Texas, was abducted on January 19, 1985. Her brother witnessed the kidnapping. Her body was found months later, floating in Lake Texoma, raped and strangled.
Tiffany Ibarra, ten, was abducted in Dallas on February 12, 1986, while walking to school. Although she was released, her account helped police create a sketch of the suspect. Recognition under hypnosis later confirmed Penton's identity.
Christie Diane Proctor, nine, disappeared on February 15, 1986, while walking through North Dallas. Her remains were discovered over two years later in a Plano field, hidden under a mattress.
Roxann Hope Reyes, four, was abducted on November 3, 1987, in Garland, Texas. Playing outside, she was lured into a car with promises of ice cream. Her body was found six months later, having suffered sexual assault and strangulation.
Nydra Anntionette Ross, nine, vanished from her aunt's home in Dayton, Ohio on March 31, 1988. Her remains surfaced in a dry creek bed months later. Penton, a co-worker of Ross's uncle, was last seen with her, and evidence of her blood was found in his van.
The Capture and Legal Proceedings
Penton's reckless path caught up with him in 1987 when he was arrested for the murder of a friend's niece in Ohio. Indicted for three murders in Texas in 2003, he avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty in 2005. His sentence ensures he remains in Ohio State Penitentiary until eligible for parole in 2027, after which he faces three consecutive life sentences in Texas.
The Shadows of Suspicion: Additional Cases
Authorities suspect Penton's involvement in numerous other unsolved cases, possibly making him one of the most prolific child killers in American history. His chilling claims of killing over 50 children are under investigation, with law enforcement estimating between 25 and 30 potential victims.
Potential Victims
Amber Nicole Crum, two, disappeared from Dallas on December 26, 1983, after being left in a parked pickup truck.
Angelica Maria Gandara, eleven, last seen in Temple, Texas, in a pickup truck near her grandmother's home on July 14, 1985.
Ara "Niecie" Denise Johnson, five, taken from her Big Sandy, Texas home on April 2, 1986, along with her bedspread.
Shannon Marie Sherrill, six, vanished from Thorntown, Indiana on October 5, 1986, while playing hide-and-seek. Her scent was traced to a nearby cornfield before disappearing.
Conclusion
The story of David Elliott Penton is a chilling reminder of the evil that can lie beneath a seemingly ordinary exterior. As investigators continue to unravel the full extent of his crimes, the hope remains that justice will prevail for all his victims and their families.
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
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Infant Son Murdered
David Penton violently shakes his 2-month-old son to death in Texas.
Christi Meeks Abducted
5-year-old Christi Lynn Meeks is abducted while playing outside her apartment.
Christi Meeks Found
The body of Christi Meeks is discovered in Lake Texoma, identified weeks later.
Tiffany Ibarra Abducted
10-year-old Tiffany Ibarra is abducted but later released by her captor.
Christie Proctor Missing
9-year-old Christie Diane Proctor is reported missing in North Dallas.
Nydra Ross Missing
9-year-old Nydra Anntionette Ross is reported missing in Dayton, Ohio.
Penton Indicted in Texas
David Penton is indicted for the murders of three young girls in Texas.
Plea Deal Signed
Penton signs a plea agreement admitting to the murders of three Texas girls.
Penton Apprehended
David Penton is apprehended and extradited to Texas for his crimes.