Lawrence Paul Mills
Detroit Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Detroit, Michigan
TIME PERIOD
October - December 2017
VICTIMS
2 confirmed
Lawrence Paul Mills III, an American serial killer, committed a series of murders in Detroit, Michigan, between October and December 2017, targeting vulnerable women, including a pregnant victim. The first victim, 34-year-old Melinda Salazar, was discovered on October 16, 2017, followed by 59-year-old Carrole Ann White, found on December 13, 2017. Mills was arrested on April 24, 2020, after a lengthy investigation, and subsequently sentenced to 28–48 years in prison on November 17, 2021, for two counts of second-degree murder and assault causing miscarriage or stillbirth. He is currently incarcerated at Macomb Correctional Facility and is suspected of additional hit-and-run incidents involving other victims. Significant evidence includes his confession to the murders and the use of his 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer in the commission of the crimes.
Lawrence Paul Mills is believed to have targeted vulnerable women, particularly prostitutes, which raises speculation about his motivations being rooted in a desire for control or retribution. Some theories suggest he may have committed additional unreported hit-and-runs, indicating a pattern of violence that extends beyond the confirmed murders. Additionally, the brutality of his attacks, including beating victims before running them over, has led to discussions about his psychological profile and potential underlying issues.
The Grim Case of Lawrence Paul Mills III
A Predator Behind the Wheel
In the shadows of Detroit, Michigan, a sinister series of events unfolded between October and December of 2017. The streets, usually pulsing with life, became the backdrop for a chilling tale of murder and mystery. At the center of this dark narrative was Lawrence Paul Mills III, born on September 3, 1987, in the quiet suburb of Garden City. Mills, a father and a pizza shop employee in Allen Park, would not be the man his social media presence suggested. Behind the photographs with his son lay a harrowing secret.
The Modus Operandi
Mills had a deadly routine. He would lure vulnerable women, often sex workers, into his 2006 golden tan Chevrolet Trailblazer. After engaging in sexual acts, Mills would brutally attack them, sometimes beating them before using his vehicle as a weapon to reclaim his money. This gruesome pattern left a trail of devastation in its wake.
The first known victim was Melinda Salazar, a 34-year-old pregnant woman found lifeless on a Southwest Detroit sidewalk in the early hours of October 16, 2017. The horror continued on December 13, 2017, when Carrole Ann White, aged 59, was discovered face-down in the snow, a tragic end to her life in the cold silence between the street and sidewalk on Campbell.
But Mills' reign of terror did not stop there. Days after White's death, a 29-year-old pregnant woman narrowly escaped with her life. Beaten and struck repeatedly by Mills' car, she managed to flee and alert the authorities, leaving a crucial clue to the predator's identity.
The Suspicion of More
Mills' violent spree raised suspicions of his involvement in other unsolved crimes. On March 17, 2017, another hit-and-run occurred near Michigan and St. James at around 4 a.m. The victim survived, but the incident bore striking similarities to Mills' known attacks. Investigators also linked him to the death of Mary Penegor, a 32-year-old woman found dead on the same street as his other victims. Mills' ability to change vehicles and his skill in car repair only deepened the mystery, suggesting a more extensive pattern of violence.
The Arrest
Lawrence Mills' freedom came to an end on April 24, 2020, after an exhaustive investigation. Despite confessing to the murders, he pleaded not guilty in court. On November 17, 2021, Mills faced justice. Found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and assault causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or death, he received a sentence of 28 to 48 years in prison. Today, he serves his time at the Macomb Correctional Facility, but the shadow of his crimes lingers over Detroit.
The Legacy of Violence
Mills' case is a stark reminder of the violence that plagues vulnerable communities, particularly among sex workers. His horrific acts have etched his name into the grim list of American serial killers, a chilling testament to the predator who used his car as a weapon of murder.
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First Victim Found
Melinda Salazar, a pregnant woman, is found dead after being run over in Southwest Detroit.
Second Victim Discovered
Carrole Ann White, 59, is found dead in the snow, also a victim of a hit-and-run.
Additional Attack
Mills beats a 29-year-old pregnant woman but she escapes and reports the incident to police.
Arrest Made
Lawrence Paul Mills is arrested after a lengthy investigation into the murders.
Sentencing
Mills is sentenced to 28-48 years in prison for two counts of second-degree murder and assault.
Lawrence Paul Mills III, an American serial killer, committed a series of murders in Detroit, Michigan, between October and December 2017, targeting vulnerable women, including a pregnant victim. The first victim, 34-year-old Melinda Salazar, was discovered on October 16, 2017, followed by 59-year-old Carrole Ann White, found on December 13, 2017. Mills was arrested on April 24, 2020, after a lengthy investigation, and subsequently sentenced to 28–48 years in prison on November 17, 2021, for two counts of second-degree murder and assault causing miscarriage or stillbirth. He is currently incarcerated at Macomb Correctional Facility and is suspected of additional hit-and-run incidents involving other victims. Significant evidence includes his confession to the murders and the use of his 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer in the commission of the crimes.
Lawrence Paul Mills is believed to have targeted vulnerable women, particularly prostitutes, which raises speculation about his motivations being rooted in a desire for control or retribution. Some theories suggest he may have committed additional unreported hit-and-runs, indicating a pattern of violence that extends beyond the confirmed murders. Additionally, the brutality of his attacks, including beating victims before running them over, has led to discussions about his psychological profile and potential underlying issues.
The Grim Case of Lawrence Paul Mills III
A Predator Behind the Wheel
In the shadows of Detroit, Michigan, a sinister series of events unfolded between October and December of 2017. The streets, usually pulsing with life, became the backdrop for a chilling tale of murder and mystery. At the center of this dark narrative was Lawrence Paul Mills III, born on September 3, 1987, in the quiet suburb of Garden City. Mills, a father and a pizza shop employee in Allen Park, would not be the man his social media presence suggested. Behind the photographs with his son lay a harrowing secret.
The Modus Operandi
Mills had a deadly routine. He would lure vulnerable women, often sex workers, into his 2006 golden tan Chevrolet Trailblazer. After engaging in sexual acts, Mills would brutally attack them, sometimes beating them before using his vehicle as a weapon to reclaim his money. This gruesome pattern left a trail of devastation in its wake.
The first known victim was Melinda Salazar, a 34-year-old pregnant woman found lifeless on a Southwest Detroit sidewalk in the early hours of October 16, 2017. The horror continued on December 13, 2017, when Carrole Ann White, aged 59, was discovered face-down in the snow, a tragic end to her life in the cold silence between the street and sidewalk on Campbell.
But Mills' reign of terror did not stop there. Days after White's death, a 29-year-old pregnant woman narrowly escaped with her life. Beaten and struck repeatedly by Mills' car, she managed to flee and alert the authorities, leaving a crucial clue to the predator's identity.
The Suspicion of More
Mills' violent spree raised suspicions of his involvement in other unsolved crimes. On March 17, 2017, another hit-and-run occurred near Michigan and St. James at around 4 a.m. The victim survived, but the incident bore striking similarities to Mills' known attacks. Investigators also linked him to the death of Mary Penegor, a 32-year-old woman found dead on the same street as his other victims. Mills' ability to change vehicles and his skill in car repair only deepened the mystery, suggesting a more extensive pattern of violence.
The Arrest
Lawrence Mills' freedom came to an end on April 24, 2020, after an exhaustive investigation. Despite confessing to the murders, he pleaded not guilty in court. On November 17, 2021, Mills faced justice. Found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and assault causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or death, he received a sentence of 28 to 48 years in prison. Today, he serves his time at the Macomb Correctional Facility, but the shadow of his crimes lingers over Detroit.
The Legacy of Violence
Mills' case is a stark reminder of the violence that plagues vulnerable communities, particularly among sex workers. His horrific acts have etched his name into the grim list of American serial killers, a chilling testament to the predator who used his car as a weapon of murder.
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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First Victim Found
Melinda Salazar, a pregnant woman, is found dead after being run over in Southwest Detroit.
Second Victim Discovered
Carrole Ann White, 59, is found dead in the snow, also a victim of a hit-and-run.
Additional Attack
Mills beats a 29-year-old pregnant woman but she escapes and reports the incident to police.
Arrest Made
Lawrence Paul Mills is arrested after a lengthy investigation into the murders.
Sentencing
Mills is sentenced to 28-48 years in prison for two counts of second-degree murder and assault.