James Anthony Frederick
Florida Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Lantana, Florida
TIME PERIOD
1991-1992
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
James Anthony Frederick, born June 21, 1960, is an American serial killer linked to three robbery-murders in Lantana, Florida, occurring between December 1991 and August 1992. The victims include Martin Gatto, found stabbed in his apartment on December 9, 1991, and Rita and Lisa Bado, discovered bound and shot in their apartment on August 22, 1992. Frederick was apprehended in 1995 and subsequently pleaded guilty to the murders, receiving a life sentence, but is currently serving a 97-year sentence for armed robbery in Wisconsin. Significant evidence includes DNA linking him to the crime scenes, and the investigation revealed that the murders were likely committed by someone familiar with the victims, as indicated by the lack of forced entry and the absence of valuables taken.
Investigators and the public theorize that James Anthony Frederick may have had a specific modus operandi, as the three murders he committed involved similar methods of binding and stabbing the victims. Some speculate that he targeted victims who were vulnerable or living alone, possibly indicating a pattern in his choice of targets. Additionally, there is speculation about whether he may have committed other unsolved crimes in the region, given the nature of his offenses and the time frame.
The Story of James Anthony Frederick: A Serial Killer Unmasked
A Life of Crime
Born on June 21, 1960, James Anthony Frederick emerged as one of America's notorious serial killers, linked by DNA evidence to a series of chilling robbery-murders in Lantana, Florida, during the early 1990s. Known by many names, including David Anthony Fenton, Jay Frederick, David Allen Kirchner, and James Reichard, Frederick's criminal endeavors extended across state lines, eventually leading to a life sentence in Wisconsin for armed robbery and a string of other charges.
The Murders in Lantana
The Tragic Fate of Martin Gatto
On a cold December day in 1991, a grim discovery was made in Lantana, Florida. The lifeless body of Martin J. Gatto, a diligent 40-year-old filing clerk from New York, was found brutally stabbed in his apartment. Despite the violent nature of his death, neighbors reported no unusual noises the night prior. Gatto's murder sent ripples of shock through his workplace, where he was known for his conscientious work ethic and amicable personality.
The Gruesome Deaths of Rita and Lisa Bado
Less than a year later, on August 22, 1992, another horrifying scene unfolded at the Runaway Bay apartment complex in Lantana. Rita Ann Bado, 45, and her daughter Lisa Ann, 20, were found dead in their apartment. Originally from Torrington, Connecticut, the mother and daughter had sought a fresh start in Florida. Their bodies were discovered by Rita's brother and his wife, alarmed by her absence from her cashier job at a Walmart in Delray Beach. The gruesome scene in the master bedroom revealed both women bound, partially nude, and victims of sexual assault before being shot with a small-caliber weapon. Notably, there were no signs of forced entry, and most valuables remained untouched. However, Lisa's black Honda CR-X was missing, only to be found days later outside a warehouse in Hypoluxo.
Detectives speculated that the killer was someone familiar with the victims, but not necessarily known to them. Despite these assumptions, the investigation stalled, partly due to the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, which overshadowed the case in the public eye. Even an episode on "A Current Affair" failed to breathe new life into the cold case.
The Breakthrough: DNA Identification and Trial
Years passed with little progress until 2001, when investigators zeroed in on James Anthony Frederick. A transient with a criminal record for arson, resisting arrest, and selling narcotics, Frederick was living in Palm Beach at the time of the Bado murders and had been spotted at the crime scene. Despite questioning him in Wisconsin, where he was serving time for armed robbery, Frederick offered no incriminating information.
The Role of DNA Technology
The breakthrough came with advancements in DNA technology. In May 2003, investigators uploaded DNA samples from cigarette butts and a hair found at the Bado crime scene to the CODIS database. The results were conclusive: a match with Frederick. Charged with two counts of murder, burglary, kidnapping, sexual battery, and grand theft, he faced trial despite maintaining his innocence. The court found him guilty, sentencing him to two life terms for the murders of Rita and Lisa Bado.
In a twist of fate, Frederick's DNA later matched evidence from the Gatto murder, leading to additional charges and extradition to Florida. Although Frederick denied any connection to Gatto, his previous acquaintance with the victim complicated his claims of innocence. Ultimately, he was never tried for Gatto's murder, as he was already serving a life sentence.
Media Spotlight and Current Status
The case of the Bado murders reached the public eye once more in the Oxygen documentary series "Florida Man Murders," specifically in the episode "Hurricane Homicides." As of September 2022, James Anthony Frederick remains incarcerated at the Green Bay Correctional Institution in Allouez, Wisconsin, serving out his lengthy sentences.
Sources
For more information, visit the Wikipedia article on James Anthony Frederick.
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First Murder: Martin Gatto
The body of Martin J. Gatto is found, stabbed multiple times in his apartment.
Double Murder: Bado Mother-Daughter
Rita and Lisa Bado are found murdered in their apartment, showing signs of sexual assault.
Frederick Apprehended
James Anthony Frederick is apprehended in Wisconsin for armed robbery.
DNA Match to Bado Murders
Frederick's DNA matches evidence from the Bado crime scene, leading to murder charges.
Convicted for Bado Murders
Frederick is convicted and sentenced to two life terms for the murders of Rita and Lisa Bado.
DNA Match to Gatto Murder
Frederick's DNA matches evidence from the Gatto murder, leading to additional charges.
Frederick Remains Imprisoned
James Anthony Frederick continues to serve life sentences for the Bado murders.
James Anthony Frederick, born June 21, 1960, is an American serial killer linked to three robbery-murders in Lantana, Florida, occurring between December 1991 and August 1992. The victims include Martin Gatto, found stabbed in his apartment on December 9, 1991, and Rita and Lisa Bado, discovered bound and shot in their apartment on August 22, 1992. Frederick was apprehended in 1995 and subsequently pleaded guilty to the murders, receiving a life sentence, but is currently serving a 97-year sentence for armed robbery in Wisconsin. Significant evidence includes DNA linking him to the crime scenes, and the investigation revealed that the murders were likely committed by someone familiar with the victims, as indicated by the lack of forced entry and the absence of valuables taken.
Investigators and the public theorize that James Anthony Frederick may have had a specific modus operandi, as the three murders he committed involved similar methods of binding and stabbing the victims. Some speculate that he targeted victims who were vulnerable or living alone, possibly indicating a pattern in his choice of targets. Additionally, there is speculation about whether he may have committed other unsolved crimes in the region, given the nature of his offenses and the time frame.
The Story of James Anthony Frederick: A Serial Killer Unmasked
A Life of Crime
Born on June 21, 1960, James Anthony Frederick emerged as one of America's notorious serial killers, linked by DNA evidence to a series of chilling robbery-murders in Lantana, Florida, during the early 1990s. Known by many names, including David Anthony Fenton, Jay Frederick, David Allen Kirchner, and James Reichard, Frederick's criminal endeavors extended across state lines, eventually leading to a life sentence in Wisconsin for armed robbery and a string of other charges.
The Murders in Lantana
The Tragic Fate of Martin Gatto
On a cold December day in 1991, a grim discovery was made in Lantana, Florida. The lifeless body of Martin J. Gatto, a diligent 40-year-old filing clerk from New York, was found brutally stabbed in his apartment. Despite the violent nature of his death, neighbors reported no unusual noises the night prior. Gatto's murder sent ripples of shock through his workplace, where he was known for his conscientious work ethic and amicable personality.
The Gruesome Deaths of Rita and Lisa Bado
Less than a year later, on August 22, 1992, another horrifying scene unfolded at the Runaway Bay apartment complex in Lantana. Rita Ann Bado, 45, and her daughter Lisa Ann, 20, were found dead in their apartment. Originally from Torrington, Connecticut, the mother and daughter had sought a fresh start in Florida. Their bodies were discovered by Rita's brother and his wife, alarmed by her absence from her cashier job at a Walmart in Delray Beach. The gruesome scene in the master bedroom revealed both women bound, partially nude, and victims of sexual assault before being shot with a small-caliber weapon. Notably, there were no signs of forced entry, and most valuables remained untouched. However, Lisa's black Honda CR-X was missing, only to be found days later outside a warehouse in Hypoluxo.
Detectives speculated that the killer was someone familiar with the victims, but not necessarily known to them. Despite these assumptions, the investigation stalled, partly due to the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, which overshadowed the case in the public eye. Even an episode on "A Current Affair" failed to breathe new life into the cold case.
The Breakthrough: DNA Identification and Trial
Years passed with little progress until 2001, when investigators zeroed in on James Anthony Frederick. A transient with a criminal record for arson, resisting arrest, and selling narcotics, Frederick was living in Palm Beach at the time of the Bado murders and had been spotted at the crime scene. Despite questioning him in Wisconsin, where he was serving time for armed robbery, Frederick offered no incriminating information.
The Role of DNA Technology
The breakthrough came with advancements in DNA technology. In May 2003, investigators uploaded DNA samples from cigarette butts and a hair found at the Bado crime scene to the CODIS database. The results were conclusive: a match with Frederick. Charged with two counts of murder, burglary, kidnapping, sexual battery, and grand theft, he faced trial despite maintaining his innocence. The court found him guilty, sentencing him to two life terms for the murders of Rita and Lisa Bado.
In a twist of fate, Frederick's DNA later matched evidence from the Gatto murder, leading to additional charges and extradition to Florida. Although Frederick denied any connection to Gatto, his previous acquaintance with the victim complicated his claims of innocence. Ultimately, he was never tried for Gatto's murder, as he was already serving a life sentence.
Media Spotlight and Current Status
The case of the Bado murders reached the public eye once more in the Oxygen documentary series "Florida Man Murders," specifically in the episode "Hurricane Homicides." As of September 2022, James Anthony Frederick remains incarcerated at the Green Bay Correctional Institution in Allouez, Wisconsin, serving out his lengthy sentences.
Sources
For more information, visit the Wikipedia article on James Anthony Frederick.
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: Martin Gatto
The body of Martin J. Gatto is found, stabbed multiple times in his apartment.
Double Murder: Bado Mother-Daughter
Rita and Lisa Bado are found murdered in their apartment, showing signs of sexual assault.
Frederick Apprehended
James Anthony Frederick is apprehended in Wisconsin for armed robbery.
DNA Match to Bado Murders
Frederick's DNA matches evidence from the Bado crime scene, leading to murder charges.
Convicted for Bado Murders
Frederick is convicted and sentenced to two life terms for the murders of Rita and Lisa Bado.
DNA Match to Gatto Murder
Frederick's DNA matches evidence from the Gatto murder, leading to additional charges.
Frederick Remains Imprisoned
James Anthony Frederick continues to serve life sentences for the Bado murders.