Franklin Lynch (Serial Killer)
Elderly Women Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
San Leandro, California
TIME PERIOD
June - August 1987
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Franklin Lynch, an American serial killer known as "The Day Stalker," is currently on death row at San Quentin State Prison after being convicted of the murders of three elderly women in San Leandro, California, during the summer of 1987. The murders occurred between June and August 1987, with Lynch apprehended on October 14, 1987, following a police investigation that linked him to a series of brutal attacks targeting elderly women in their homes. The victims included Pearl Larson (76), Norma Marglon (78), and Adeline Figuerido (89), with Lynch also suspected in up to 10 additional murders and over two dozen robberies of similar targets. Significant evidence, including personal items belonging to the victims found in Lynch's home, led to his conviction on three counts of first-degree murder, with ongoing appeals failing to overturn the sentence.
Franklin Lynch is believed to be the prime suspect in a total of 13 murders of elderly women, with circumstantial evidence linking him to these additional cases beyond the three for which he was convicted. Investigators theorize that Lynch specifically targeted elderly white women who were widowed or living alone, as indicated by the consistent pattern of the crimes. Public speculation includes the possibility that his motive extended beyond robbery, given the brutal nature of the attacks and the absence of sexual assault.
The Day Stalker: The Chilling Case of Franklin Lynch
In the summer of 1987, a sinister shadow loomed over San Leandro, California. Elderly women were falling prey to a ruthless killer who struck with chilling precision, earning the ominous moniker "The Day Stalker." Franklin Lynch, who now resides on death row at San Quentin State Prison, was convicted of three of these heinous murders. However, the cloud of suspicion extends over a total of 13 similar crimes, painting Lynch as a possible perpetrator of a much larger spree.
A Troubled Past
Franklin Lynch's descent into darkness began in his teenage years, when he first dabbled in drugs. This experimentation spiraled into a full-blown cocaine addiction, leading to a series of arrests for robbery. His criminal activities landed him in state prison, where he spent several years before his release.
The Investigation Begins
In September 1987, the San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) launched an investigation into a spate of brutal attacks and murders targeting elderly women. The pattern was unmistakable: these women, living alone or widowed, were violently attacked in their homes. The intruder, who forced his way inside, would beat them to death, leaving the community in terror. Despite the brutality, there was no evidence of sexual assault, leading investigators to suspect robbery as the motive. Valuables and money were consistently stolen from the victims' homes.
By early October, authorities linked the killer to 13 murders, with the most recent occurring in late August. Dubbed "The Day Stalker" for his brazen midday attacks, the killer was also suspected of over two dozen robberies and assaults on elderly women dating back to 1980. The victims included Pearl Larson (76), Norma Marglon (78), Adeline Figuerido (89), Anna Constantin (73), Agnes George (74), and Marie Lovardi (82).
The Breakthrough
In late October, a potential breakthrough emerged when neighbors alerted investigators to Franklin Lynch, a 32-year-old ex-convict with a history of robbery and drug offenses. After taking Lynch into custody, police searched his home and discovered items belonging to Pearl Larson, the first known victim of The Day Stalker. Further searches revealed possessions of Adeline Figuerido and Anna Constantin, sealing Lynch’s fate as the primary suspect.
Conviction and Legal Battles
In 1992, Franklin Lynch was convicted of three murders and two additional non-fatal attacks. The court handed down a death sentence, and Lynch was transferred to San Quentin State Prison to await execution. The years rolled by, and in 2004, Lynch mounted an appeal, arguing that he should have been allowed to represent himself during his trial. He claimed multiple trial errors occurred between the jury and the judge and contested the constitutionality of California's death penalty, asserting it violated international law. However, his appeal was rejected, and as of September 2021, Franklin Lynch remains on death row.
The Grim Legacy
Franklin Lynch’s case stands as a grim chapter in the annals of American crime. While his conviction brought some closure to the families of his known victims, the specter of unresolved cases and the broader implications of his alleged crimes continue to haunt San Leandro. The Day Stalker may be behind bars, but the echoes of his terror still linger.
Sources
- "Suspect Charged in 1 of 13 Similar Bay Area Killings," Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, October 28, 1987
- Richman, Josh, "Court should've let East Bay serial killer represent himself, lawyer argues," East Bay Times, May 25, 2010
- "18 years later, killer to appeal death sentence," VC Star, Associated Press, May 22, 2010
For a deeper dive into this and other chilling tales of crime, explore the extensive lists of death row inmates and serial killers in the United States.
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First Murder
Franklin Lynch commits the first of three murders of elderly women in San Leandro.
Final Murder
Lynch murders the last of three elderly women, completing a series of brutal attacks.
Investigation Begins
San Leandro Police form a task force to investigate a string of murders targeting elderly women.
Lynch Arrested
Franklin Lynch is apprehended after police find evidence linking him to the murders.
Conviction
Franklin Lynch is convicted of three counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.
Appeal Filed
Lynch files an appeal against his death sentence, claiming trial errors and constitutional violations.
Appeal Rejected
Lynch's appeal is rejected, and he remains on death row at San Quentin State Prison.
Still on Death Row
As of September 2021, Franklin Lynch continues to await execution on death row.
Franklin Lynch, an American serial killer known as "The Day Stalker," is currently on death row at San Quentin State Prison after being convicted of the murders of three elderly women in San Leandro, California, during the summer of 1987. The murders occurred between June and August 1987, with Lynch apprehended on October 14, 1987, following a police investigation that linked him to a series of brutal attacks targeting elderly women in their homes. The victims included Pearl Larson (76), Norma Marglon (78), and Adeline Figuerido (89), with Lynch also suspected in up to 10 additional murders and over two dozen robberies of similar targets. Significant evidence, including personal items belonging to the victims found in Lynch's home, led to his conviction on three counts of first-degree murder, with ongoing appeals failing to overturn the sentence.
Franklin Lynch is believed to be the prime suspect in a total of 13 murders of elderly women, with circumstantial evidence linking him to these additional cases beyond the three for which he was convicted. Investigators theorize that Lynch specifically targeted elderly white women who were widowed or living alone, as indicated by the consistent pattern of the crimes. Public speculation includes the possibility that his motive extended beyond robbery, given the brutal nature of the attacks and the absence of sexual assault.
The Day Stalker: The Chilling Case of Franklin Lynch
In the summer of 1987, a sinister shadow loomed over San Leandro, California. Elderly women were falling prey to a ruthless killer who struck with chilling precision, earning the ominous moniker "The Day Stalker." Franklin Lynch, who now resides on death row at San Quentin State Prison, was convicted of three of these heinous murders. However, the cloud of suspicion extends over a total of 13 similar crimes, painting Lynch as a possible perpetrator of a much larger spree.
A Troubled Past
Franklin Lynch's descent into darkness began in his teenage years, when he first dabbled in drugs. This experimentation spiraled into a full-blown cocaine addiction, leading to a series of arrests for robbery. His criminal activities landed him in state prison, where he spent several years before his release.
The Investigation Begins
In September 1987, the San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) launched an investigation into a spate of brutal attacks and murders targeting elderly women. The pattern was unmistakable: these women, living alone or widowed, were violently attacked in their homes. The intruder, who forced his way inside, would beat them to death, leaving the community in terror. Despite the brutality, there was no evidence of sexual assault, leading investigators to suspect robbery as the motive. Valuables and money were consistently stolen from the victims' homes.
By early October, authorities linked the killer to 13 murders, with the most recent occurring in late August. Dubbed "The Day Stalker" for his brazen midday attacks, the killer was also suspected of over two dozen robberies and assaults on elderly women dating back to 1980. The victims included Pearl Larson (76), Norma Marglon (78), Adeline Figuerido (89), Anna Constantin (73), Agnes George (74), and Marie Lovardi (82).
The Breakthrough
In late October, a potential breakthrough emerged when neighbors alerted investigators to Franklin Lynch, a 32-year-old ex-convict with a history of robbery and drug offenses. After taking Lynch into custody, police searched his home and discovered items belonging to Pearl Larson, the first known victim of The Day Stalker. Further searches revealed possessions of Adeline Figuerido and Anna Constantin, sealing Lynch’s fate as the primary suspect.
Conviction and Legal Battles
In 1992, Franklin Lynch was convicted of three murders and two additional non-fatal attacks. The court handed down a death sentence, and Lynch was transferred to San Quentin State Prison to await execution. The years rolled by, and in 2004, Lynch mounted an appeal, arguing that he should have been allowed to represent himself during his trial. He claimed multiple trial errors occurred between the jury and the judge and contested the constitutionality of California's death penalty, asserting it violated international law. However, his appeal was rejected, and as of September 2021, Franklin Lynch remains on death row.
The Grim Legacy
Franklin Lynch’s case stands as a grim chapter in the annals of American crime. While his conviction brought some closure to the families of his known victims, the specter of unresolved cases and the broader implications of his alleged crimes continue to haunt San Leandro. The Day Stalker may be behind bars, but the echoes of his terror still linger.
Sources
- "Suspect Charged in 1 of 13 Similar Bay Area Killings," Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, October 28, 1987
- Richman, Josh, "Court should've let East Bay serial killer represent himself, lawyer argues," East Bay Times, May 25, 2010
- "18 years later, killer to appeal death sentence," VC Star, Associated Press, May 22, 2010
For a deeper dive into this and other chilling tales of crime, explore the extensive lists of death row inmates and serial killers in the United States.
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
Franklin Lynch commits the first of three murders of elderly women in San Leandro.
Final Murder
Lynch murders the last of three elderly women, completing a series of brutal attacks.
Investigation Begins
San Leandro Police form a task force to investigate a string of murders targeting elderly women.
Lynch Arrested
Franklin Lynch is apprehended after police find evidence linking him to the murders.
Conviction
Franklin Lynch is convicted of three counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.
Appeal Filed
Lynch files an appeal against his death sentence, claiming trial errors and constitutional violations.
Appeal Rejected
Lynch's appeal is rejected, and he remains on death row at San Quentin State Prison.
Still on Death Row
As of September 2021, Franklin Lynch continues to await execution on death row.