Mark Goudeau
Phoenix Serial Killer and Rapist
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Phoenix, Arizona
TIME PERIOD
August 2005 - June 2006
VICTIMS
9 confirmed
Mark Goudeau, known as the Baseline Killer, is an American serial killer and rapist currently on death row in Arizona, having been convicted of nine counts of first-degree murder, among other charges, for a series of violent crimes committed in the Phoenix metro area between August 6, 2005, and June 29, 2006. His crime spree included the rape, robbery, and murder of nine victims, primarily women, with a total of 86 felony charges filed against him, including sexual assault and kidnapping. Goudeau was apprehended on September 4, 2006, and subsequently faced two trials resulting in convictions on 76 of 93 charges, leading to multiple death sentences. Significant evidence linking him to the crimes included DNA analysis and witness testimonies, which established a pattern of violence along Baseline Road, where many of the victims were found. Goudeau remains incarcerated at the Arizona State Prison Complex – Eyman, awaiting execution.
Many believe that Mark Goudeau may have had accomplices or was connected to other serial killers active in Phoenix at the same time, particularly the "Serial Shooters." Some speculate that his extensive crime spree could indicate a deeper psychological profile, suggesting he might have been motivated by a desire for power and control over his victims. Additionally, there are theories that his choice of victims and crime locations could have been influenced by personal connections to the areas along Baseline Road.
Mark Goudeau: The Baseline Killer
The Reign of Terror
In the bustling streets of Phoenix, Arizona, between August 2005 and June 2006, a dark shadow lingered. His name was Mark Goudeau, known infamously as the Baseline Killer or the Baseline Rapist. Born on September 6, 1964, Goudeau orchestrated a terrifying string of crimes, including rape, robbery, and murder, culminating in a total of nine victims. His spree, characterized by 86 felonies over ten months, sent shockwaves through the community. The nickname "Baseline Killer" emerged as most victims were discovered along Baseline Road, though his terror extended beyond these confines.
A Dual Trial and Dreadful Convictions
Goudeau faced the law in two separate trials. The first trial addressed the vicious attack on two sisters, where he was charged with 19 heinous crimes. The second trial involved a staggering 58 charges, encompassing murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping, and sexual abuse. His victims, primarily female, included both adults and minors. Ultimately, Goudeau was convicted on 76 out of 93 charges, receiving nine death sentences—one for each murder—and a cumulative prison term of 1,762 years and three months.
The Masked Menace
Goudeau's criminal activities overlapped with another sinister group in Phoenix, known as the "Serial Shooters." The Baseline Killer was first known as the Baseline Rapist when police identified him as a light-skinned black male preying on females as young as 12 at gunpoint. As his crimes escalated to include murder and armed robbery, he was rebranded as the Baseline Killer. His victims suffered brutal fates, often shot in the head, and his attacks were marked by bizarre disguises, including a Halloween mask and attempts to mimic a homeless person or drug addict.
A Frightened Community
Phoenix police were relentless in their pursuit, dedicating thousands of hours to patrolling and following up on leads. The city was gripped by fear as the killer's randomness left no one feeling safe. Community meetings became vital, where police distributed sketches based on survivor descriptions, plastering the city with these images and offering a $100,000 reward for leads. Despite the chaos, it took over a year to pinpoint a viable suspect.
The Breakthrough and Arrest
The breakthrough came in August 2006 when parole officers, aware of Goudeau's community supervision status, recognized him from the police sketches. A search of his residence revealed incriminating evidence, including a ski mask and a realistic toy handgun. This led to Goudeau's arrest on September 4, 2006, linked by DNA evidence to the September 20, 2005, assault on two sisters in a Phoenix park. This DNA match was the linchpin in the Baseline Killer investigation.
The Timeline of Terror
- August 6, 2005: Goudeau molested two teenagers behind a church near Baseline Road.
- August 14, 2005: A combined sexual assault and robbery occurred at 2425 E. Thomas Rd, Phoenix.
- September 8, 2005: Georgia Thompson, 19, was murdered in Tempe.
- September 15, 2005: A sexual assault took place on N. 40th St, Phoenix.
- September 20, 2005: Two sisters were assaulted, one pregnant, at gunpoint. This crime would later lead to Goudeau's arrest.
- September 28, 2005: Multiple robberies and assaults, including a combined attack on S. Central Ave, Phoenix.
- November 3, 2005: A robbery and assault at N. 32nd St and E. Indian School, Phoenix.
- November 7, 2005: A string of robberies at N. 32nd St, Phoenix.
- December 12, 2005: Tina Washington was murdered in Phoenix.
- February 20, 2006: Romelia Vargas and Mirna Palma-Roman were found dead in Phoenix, initially thought drug-related.
- March 15, 2006: A double homicide at N. 24th Street, Phoenix.
- March 29, 2006: Kristin Nicole Gibbons was found dead on N. 24th St, Phoenix.
- May 1, 2006: A masked sexual assault occurred at N. 32nd St, Phoenix.
- June 29, 2006: Carmen Miranda was abducted and murdered, captured on CCTV, marking the last known crime by the Baseline Killer.
The Investigation's Challenges
The police faced numerous hurdles, including a false confession from James Dewayne Mullins, who initially claimed responsibility for Thompson's murder. His confession was later retracted when evidence showed he wasn't in Arizona at the time. Furthermore, the Phoenix Police Department came under scrutiny for not analyzing DNA evidence in a timely manner, which could have expedited Goudeau's arrest.
Community and Family Reactions
Goudeau's arrest shocked those who knew him. His wife, Wendy Carr, adamantly defended him, claiming his innocence and suggesting police desperation led to his wrongful conviction. Friends and family described him as a loving husband and friendly neighbor, casting doubt on his guilt.
Awaiting Justice
Today, Mark Goudeau sits on death row at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence, awaiting execution. His case remains a chilling reminder of the terror one individual can unleash and the relentless pursuit required to bring such a criminal to justice.
Sources
For more detailed information, visit the Wikipedia article.
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 Sexual Assaults
Mark Goudeau commits two sexual assaults near Baseline Road.
First Homicide
Georgia Thompson, 19, is murdered in Tempe, marking the first homicide linked to Goudeau.
Last Known Homicide
Carmen Miranda, 37, is abducted and murdered, the last crime attributed to the Baseline Killer.
Goudeau Arrested
Mark Goudeau is arrested in connection with the sexual assault of two sisters, linked to the Baseline Killer investigation.
First Conviction
Goudeau is convicted on all 19 charges related to the assault on the two sisters.
Death Sentences
A jury sentences Goudeau to death for the nine murders committed as the Baseline Killer.
Supreme Court Upholds Sentences
The Arizona Supreme Court upholds Goudeau's nine death sentences and over 60 felony convictions.
Mark Goudeau, known as the Baseline Killer, is an American serial killer and rapist currently on death row in Arizona, having been convicted of nine counts of first-degree murder, among other charges, for a series of violent crimes committed in the Phoenix metro area between August 6, 2005, and June 29, 2006. His crime spree included the rape, robbery, and murder of nine victims, primarily women, with a total of 86 felony charges filed against him, including sexual assault and kidnapping. Goudeau was apprehended on September 4, 2006, and subsequently faced two trials resulting in convictions on 76 of 93 charges, leading to multiple death sentences. Significant evidence linking him to the crimes included DNA analysis and witness testimonies, which established a pattern of violence along Baseline Road, where many of the victims were found. Goudeau remains incarcerated at the Arizona State Prison Complex – Eyman, awaiting execution.
Many believe that Mark Goudeau may have had accomplices or was connected to other serial killers active in Phoenix at the same time, particularly the "Serial Shooters." Some speculate that his extensive crime spree could indicate a deeper psychological profile, suggesting he might have been motivated by a desire for power and control over his victims. Additionally, there are theories that his choice of victims and crime locations could have been influenced by personal connections to the areas along Baseline Road.
Mark Goudeau: The Baseline Killer
The Reign of Terror
In the bustling streets of Phoenix, Arizona, between August 2005 and June 2006, a dark shadow lingered. His name was Mark Goudeau, known infamously as the Baseline Killer or the Baseline Rapist. Born on September 6, 1964, Goudeau orchestrated a terrifying string of crimes, including rape, robbery, and murder, culminating in a total of nine victims. His spree, characterized by 86 felonies over ten months, sent shockwaves through the community. The nickname "Baseline Killer" emerged as most victims were discovered along Baseline Road, though his terror extended beyond these confines.
A Dual Trial and Dreadful Convictions
Goudeau faced the law in two separate trials. The first trial addressed the vicious attack on two sisters, where he was charged with 19 heinous crimes. The second trial involved a staggering 58 charges, encompassing murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping, and sexual abuse. His victims, primarily female, included both adults and minors. Ultimately, Goudeau was convicted on 76 out of 93 charges, receiving nine death sentences—one for each murder—and a cumulative prison term of 1,762 years and three months.
The Masked Menace
Goudeau's criminal activities overlapped with another sinister group in Phoenix, known as the "Serial Shooters." The Baseline Killer was first known as the Baseline Rapist when police identified him as a light-skinned black male preying on females as young as 12 at gunpoint. As his crimes escalated to include murder and armed robbery, he was rebranded as the Baseline Killer. His victims suffered brutal fates, often shot in the head, and his attacks were marked by bizarre disguises, including a Halloween mask and attempts to mimic a homeless person or drug addict.
A Frightened Community
Phoenix police were relentless in their pursuit, dedicating thousands of hours to patrolling and following up on leads. The city was gripped by fear as the killer's randomness left no one feeling safe. Community meetings became vital, where police distributed sketches based on survivor descriptions, plastering the city with these images and offering a $100,000 reward for leads. Despite the chaos, it took over a year to pinpoint a viable suspect.
The Breakthrough and Arrest
The breakthrough came in August 2006 when parole officers, aware of Goudeau's community supervision status, recognized him from the police sketches. A search of his residence revealed incriminating evidence, including a ski mask and a realistic toy handgun. This led to Goudeau's arrest on September 4, 2006, linked by DNA evidence to the September 20, 2005, assault on two sisters in a Phoenix park. This DNA match was the linchpin in the Baseline Killer investigation.
The Timeline of Terror
- August 6, 2005: Goudeau molested two teenagers behind a church near Baseline Road.
- August 14, 2005: A combined sexual assault and robbery occurred at 2425 E. Thomas Rd, Phoenix.
- September 8, 2005: Georgia Thompson, 19, was murdered in Tempe.
- September 15, 2005: A sexual assault took place on N. 40th St, Phoenix.
- September 20, 2005: Two sisters were assaulted, one pregnant, at gunpoint. This crime would later lead to Goudeau's arrest.
- September 28, 2005: Multiple robberies and assaults, including a combined attack on S. Central Ave, Phoenix.
- November 3, 2005: A robbery and assault at N. 32nd St and E. Indian School, Phoenix.
- November 7, 2005: A string of robberies at N. 32nd St, Phoenix.
- December 12, 2005: Tina Washington was murdered in Phoenix.
- February 20, 2006: Romelia Vargas and Mirna Palma-Roman were found dead in Phoenix, initially thought drug-related.
- March 15, 2006: A double homicide at N. 24th Street, Phoenix.
- March 29, 2006: Kristin Nicole Gibbons was found dead on N. 24th St, Phoenix.
- May 1, 2006: A masked sexual assault occurred at N. 32nd St, Phoenix.
- June 29, 2006: Carmen Miranda was abducted and murdered, captured on CCTV, marking the last known crime by the Baseline Killer.
The Investigation's Challenges
The police faced numerous hurdles, including a false confession from James Dewayne Mullins, who initially claimed responsibility for Thompson's murder. His confession was later retracted when evidence showed he wasn't in Arizona at the time. Furthermore, the Phoenix Police Department came under scrutiny for not analyzing DNA evidence in a timely manner, which could have expedited Goudeau's arrest.
Community and Family Reactions
Goudeau's arrest shocked those who knew him. His wife, Wendy Carr, adamantly defended him, claiming his innocence and suggesting police desperation led to his wrongful conviction. Friends and family described him as a loving husband and friendly neighbor, casting doubt on his guilt.
Awaiting Justice
Today, Mark Goudeau sits on death row at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence, awaiting execution. His case remains a chilling reminder of the terror one individual can unleash and the relentless pursuit required to bring such a criminal to justice.
Sources
For more detailed information, visit the Wikipedia article.
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 Sexual Assaults
Mark Goudeau commits two sexual assaults near Baseline Road.
First Homicide
Georgia Thompson, 19, is murdered in Tempe, marking the first homicide linked to Goudeau.
Last Known Homicide
Carmen Miranda, 37, is abducted and murdered, the last crime attributed to the Baseline Killer.
Goudeau Arrested
Mark Goudeau is arrested in connection with the sexual assault of two sisters, linked to the Baseline Killer investigation.
First Conviction
Goudeau is convicted on all 19 charges related to the assault on the two sisters.
Death Sentences
A jury sentences Goudeau to death for the nine murders committed as the Baseline Killer.
Supreme Court Upholds Sentences
The Arizona Supreme Court upholds Goudeau's nine death sentences and over 60 felony convictions.