Louis Gaskin
Florida Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Palm Coast, Florida
TIME PERIOD
1986-1989
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
The case involves the murders of Robert and Georgette Sturmfels, committed by Louis Gaskin on December 20, 1989, in Palm Coast, Florida. Gaskin, known as the "Ninja Killer," approached the victims' home dressed in a black ninja outfit and used a .22 caliber rifle to kill Robert and fatally wound Georgette. Following the murders, Gaskin attempted to kill Joseph and Mary Rector later that night but they survived. Gaskin was apprehended on December 30, 1989, and ultimately executed by lethal injection on April 12, 2023, after being convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. Significant evidence included Gaskin's confession and witness testimony linking him to the crime scene.
Investigators and the public theorize that Louis Gaskin's choice to dress in a ninja outfit was a calculated attempt to create an intimidating persona and avoid detection, which contributed to his notoriety as "The Ninja Killer." Some believe that his methodical approach to the murders indicates a possible psychological motive linked to a fascination with martial arts or a desire for power and control. Additionally, speculation exists that Gaskin may have had accomplices or that his violent behavior was influenced by prior criminal activities and experiences.
The Chilling Tale of Louis Gaskin: The Ninja Killer
On the cold night of December 20, 1989, a sinister presence lurked in the shadows of Palm Coast, Florida. Dressed head-to-toe in a black ninja outfit, Louis Bernard Gaskin, later infamously known as the "Ninja Killer," crept stealthily towards the home of Robert and Georgette Sturmfels. Armed with a .22 caliber rifle, he aimed to carry out a chilling plan that would etch his name into the annals of American crime history.
The Night of Terror
Robert Sturmfels, aged 56, reclined comfortably in his chair, while his wife, Georgette, 55, relaxed on the sofa. Unbeknownst to them, Gaskin prowled outside their window, his weapon ready. Without warning, he shot Robert five times, killing him instantly. Georgette, struck once, clung to life. Gaskin, ruthless and methodical, reloaded and shot her in the head, ensuring her death.
Still driven by a dark compulsion, Gaskin's night of terror was far from over. He soon targeted the home of Joseph and Mary Rector. As the couple sat watching television, Gaskin fired into their home, striking Joseph. Despite his injuries, Joseph managed to flee the room, and the couple took refuge in a closet. Their ordeal escalated when Gaskin shattered a back window, prompting the Rectors to dash to their car. From inside their home, Gaskin shot at them, but missed. The Rectors escaped, driving to a nearby hospital and alerting the authorities. Their home, upon inspection, revealed signs of ransacking.
The Investigation Begins
The brutal murders and attempted murders sent shockwaves through the community. Gaskin quickly became a suspect after his girlfriend's cousin implicated him. The cousin recounted how Gaskin returned home after the murders, speaking of "wrapping presents"—a chilling euphemism for his stolen spoils from the Sturmfels' home.
Arrest and Confession
On December 30, 1989, law enforcement apprehended Gaskin. Initially, he denied all involvement. However, under the weight of evidence and his own conscience, he confessed. His chilling admission revealed the murders were random acts, driven by an inexplicable urge to kill. He also confessed to the murder of Charles Martin Miller on November 20, 1986. The "presents" found in Gaskin's home confirmed they were indeed items stolen from the Sturmfels' residence.
In July 1990, after a two-month trial, the court found Gaskin guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder, sentencing him to death. His appeal in 2002 failed, sealing his fate.
The Execution
Time marched on, and Gaskin remained on death row at Florida State Prison in Raiford, Florida. On March 13, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant, setting the execution date for April 12, 2023. That day, Gaskin indulged in a last meal of barbeque pork ribs, Buffalo wings, turkey neck, shrimp fried rice, and French fries, accompanied by water. His sister visited him, but there was no spiritual advisor by his side. At 6:15 p.m., Gaskin was executed by lethal injection. The victims' relatives chose not to witness his death.
Gaskin's execution marked the end of a dark chapter in Florida's history. His crimes, spanning from 1986 to 1989, left an indelible mark on the nation.
Sources
For further details, please refer to the Wikipedia article on Louis Gaskin.
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 Committed
Louis Gaskin kills Charles Martin Miller in Florida.
Sturmfels Murders
Gaskin murders Robert and Georgette Sturmfels in their home.
Attempted Murders
Gaskin attempts to murder Joseph and Mary Rector.
Arrest of Louis Gaskin
Gaskin is arrested after being implicated in the murders.
Trial and Conviction
Gaskin is found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder.
Death Sentence Imposed
Gaskin is sentenced to death for his crimes.
Appeal Denied
Gaskin's appeal against his death sentence is rejected.
Death Warrant Signed
Governor Ron DeSantis signs Gaskin's death warrant.
Execution
Louis Gaskin is executed by lethal injection.
The case involves the murders of Robert and Georgette Sturmfels, committed by Louis Gaskin on December 20, 1989, in Palm Coast, Florida. Gaskin, known as the "Ninja Killer," approached the victims' home dressed in a black ninja outfit and used a .22 caliber rifle to kill Robert and fatally wound Georgette. Following the murders, Gaskin attempted to kill Joseph and Mary Rector later that night but they survived. Gaskin was apprehended on December 30, 1989, and ultimately executed by lethal injection on April 12, 2023, after being convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. Significant evidence included Gaskin's confession and witness testimony linking him to the crime scene.
Investigators and the public theorize that Louis Gaskin's choice to dress in a ninja outfit was a calculated attempt to create an intimidating persona and avoid detection, which contributed to his notoriety as "The Ninja Killer." Some believe that his methodical approach to the murders indicates a possible psychological motive linked to a fascination with martial arts or a desire for power and control. Additionally, speculation exists that Gaskin may have had accomplices or that his violent behavior was influenced by prior criminal activities and experiences.
The Chilling Tale of Louis Gaskin: The Ninja Killer
On the cold night of December 20, 1989, a sinister presence lurked in the shadows of Palm Coast, Florida. Dressed head-to-toe in a black ninja outfit, Louis Bernard Gaskin, later infamously known as the "Ninja Killer," crept stealthily towards the home of Robert and Georgette Sturmfels. Armed with a .22 caliber rifle, he aimed to carry out a chilling plan that would etch his name into the annals of American crime history.
The Night of Terror
Robert Sturmfels, aged 56, reclined comfortably in his chair, while his wife, Georgette, 55, relaxed on the sofa. Unbeknownst to them, Gaskin prowled outside their window, his weapon ready. Without warning, he shot Robert five times, killing him instantly. Georgette, struck once, clung to life. Gaskin, ruthless and methodical, reloaded and shot her in the head, ensuring her death.
Still driven by a dark compulsion, Gaskin's night of terror was far from over. He soon targeted the home of Joseph and Mary Rector. As the couple sat watching television, Gaskin fired into their home, striking Joseph. Despite his injuries, Joseph managed to flee the room, and the couple took refuge in a closet. Their ordeal escalated when Gaskin shattered a back window, prompting the Rectors to dash to their car. From inside their home, Gaskin shot at them, but missed. The Rectors escaped, driving to a nearby hospital and alerting the authorities. Their home, upon inspection, revealed signs of ransacking.
The Investigation Begins
The brutal murders and attempted murders sent shockwaves through the community. Gaskin quickly became a suspect after his girlfriend's cousin implicated him. The cousin recounted how Gaskin returned home after the murders, speaking of "wrapping presents"—a chilling euphemism for his stolen spoils from the Sturmfels' home.
Arrest and Confession
On December 30, 1989, law enforcement apprehended Gaskin. Initially, he denied all involvement. However, under the weight of evidence and his own conscience, he confessed. His chilling admission revealed the murders were random acts, driven by an inexplicable urge to kill. He also confessed to the murder of Charles Martin Miller on November 20, 1986. The "presents" found in Gaskin's home confirmed they were indeed items stolen from the Sturmfels' residence.
In July 1990, after a two-month trial, the court found Gaskin guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder, sentencing him to death. His appeal in 2002 failed, sealing his fate.
The Execution
Time marched on, and Gaskin remained on death row at Florida State Prison in Raiford, Florida. On March 13, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant, setting the execution date for April 12, 2023. That day, Gaskin indulged in a last meal of barbeque pork ribs, Buffalo wings, turkey neck, shrimp fried rice, and French fries, accompanied by water. His sister visited him, but there was no spiritual advisor by his side. At 6:15 p.m., Gaskin was executed by lethal injection. The victims' relatives chose not to witness his death.
Gaskin's execution marked the end of a dark chapter in Florida's history. His crimes, spanning from 1986 to 1989, left an indelible mark on the nation.
Sources
For further details, please refer to the Wikipedia article on Louis Gaskin.
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 Committed
Louis Gaskin kills Charles Martin Miller in Florida.
Sturmfels Murders
Gaskin murders Robert and Georgette Sturmfels in their home.
Attempted Murders
Gaskin attempts to murder Joseph and Mary Rector.
Arrest of Louis Gaskin
Gaskin is arrested after being implicated in the murders.
Trial and Conviction
Gaskin is found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder.
Death Sentence Imposed
Gaskin is sentenced to death for his crimes.
Appeal Denied
Gaskin's appeal against his death sentence is rejected.
Death Warrant Signed
Governor Ron DeSantis signs Gaskin's death warrant.
Execution
Louis Gaskin is executed by lethal injection.