Norman Roye
New York City Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
New York City, New York
TIME PERIOD
January – June 1954
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Norman Roye, known as "The Dreaded Strangler," was an American serial killer who committed a series of brutal rapes and murders of three women in Upper Manhattan, New York City, between January and June 1954. The first victim, Margaret Branch, was attacked on January 2, 1954, followed by Kathleen Stewart on May 28, and Isadora Goomes on June 7, 1954. Roye was apprehended on June 7, 1954, after he was observed watching police investigate Goomes' murder. He was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death, ultimately executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on January 19, 1956. Key evidence included witness testimonies and Roye's own actions during the investigation, which led to his swift arrest.
Norman Roye is believed to have had a troubled childhood, which some speculate contributed to his violent behavior later in life. There is a theory that his early exposure to crime and subsequent incarceration may have exacerbated his psychological issues, leading him to commit the brutal murders. Additionally, some community members theorize that his choice of victims was influenced by a desire to exert power and control, reflecting deeper societal issues regarding violence against women in urban areas during that time.
The Tragic Tale of Norman Roye: The Dreaded Strangler
Early Life and Troubled Beginnings
Norman Roye entered the world on September 6, 1935, in New York, a city that would later become the stage for his infamous crimes. His early years were marred by tragedy when, at the tender age of eight, he lost both parents to unspecified causes. This left Norman and his sister in the care of their grandmother, a fact that seemed to foreshadow his tumultuous journey through life.
As he grew older, Norman's path veered into the shadows. By his junior year in high school, he was already embroiled in petty crimes, a habit that soon led to his incarceration in a state reformatory in November 1951. Yet here, amidst the grim confines of the reformatory, Roye discovered a passion for baseball. Upon his release, he joined his school's baseball team, nurturing dreams of one day making it to the major leagues. Despite this glimmer of hope, he continued to commit petty thefts and purse snatches in New York City, setting the stage for a darker turn of events.
A Series of Gruesome Murders
The year 1954 would become synonymous with fear in the Harlem neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. It began on a cold January 2nd, when Norman Roye prowled through an apartment complex, his eyes fixed on Margaret Branch, a 40-year-old woman walking home alone. He followed her stealthily, waiting until she neared her apartment before launching his attack. He choked and robbed her, then carried her to the fifth floor, where he raped and subsequently strangled her with one of her Christmas stockings.
Four months later, on May 28, Roye struck again. This time, his victim was 25-year-old Kathleen Stewart. He stalked her from a subway station to her Harlem River apartment, where he threatened her with an imaginary knife. Under this threat, he forced her into a parking lot, raped her twice, and then tied her hands behind her back, strangling her to death.
Norman’s final known victim was 66-year-old Isadora Goomes. On June 7, 1954, he attacked her as she entered her apartment building. He tossed a noose around her neck, demanding money. Goomes, in a desperate attempt to appease him, handed over five pennies. Unsatisfied, Roye tightened the noose until Goomes succumbed to asphyxiation. With the coins he had taken from Goomes, Roye bought a box of crackers. He brazenly watched as police examined Goomes' lifeless body, munching on his ill-gotten snack. His suspicious behavior caught the attention of detectives, leading to his arrest.
Arrest and Confession
Once in custody, Roye confessed to the gruesome murders in chilling detail. He recounted the events leading to each victim's death, though he insisted that Goomes' death was unintentional, claiming, "she just died on me" when he tightened the noose. Interestingly, just two days before Roye's apprehension, another suspect, John Francis Roche, was arrested for unrelated murders in the Yorkville neighborhood. The media drew parallels between the two cases, but Roye stood alone in his confession.
Despite his confession, Roye maintained his innocence in a jailhouse interview with his sister, claiming, "they found my pants in the hallway." Nevertheless, the evidence against him was overwhelming, and he was held without bond as he awaited trial.
Trial and Conviction
On February 4, 1955, the justice system swiftly acted. Norman Roye was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Isadora Goomes. The jury, unyielding in their verdict, declined to recommend mercy, thereby mandating a sentence of death. This sentence was formalized on March 5, 1955, sealing Roye's fate.
The Execution at Sing Sing
In the months leading up to his execution, Roye found solace in religion, though he received no visitors. His final meal, a stark reminder of his humanity, consisted of roast chicken and steak. On January 19, 1956, after ten months on death row, Norman Roye faced the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison. He departed this world in silence, without uttering any last words.
A Grim Legacy
The story of Norman Roye, the so-called "Dreaded Strangler," remains an indelible part of New York's criminal history. His tale is one of lost potential, tragedy, and the darkest aspects of human nature.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article on Norman Roye.
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First Murder Committed
Norman Roye attacks and murders Margaret Branch in Harlem.
Second Murder Committed
Roye stalks and murders Kathleen Stewart in her apartment.
Third Murder Committed
Roye kills Isadora Goomes after demanding money.
Arrest of Norman Roye
Roye is arrested after being observed by police at the crime scene.
Conviction for Murder
Roye is convicted of first degree murder in Goomes' death.
Sentenced to Death
Roye is formally sentenced to death by the court.
Execution of Norman Roye
Roye is executed by electric chair at Sing Sing Prison.
Norman Roye, known as "The Dreaded Strangler," was an American serial killer who committed a series of brutal rapes and murders of three women in Upper Manhattan, New York City, between January and June 1954. The first victim, Margaret Branch, was attacked on January 2, 1954, followed by Kathleen Stewart on May 28, and Isadora Goomes on June 7, 1954. Roye was apprehended on June 7, 1954, after he was observed watching police investigate Goomes' murder. He was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death, ultimately executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on January 19, 1956. Key evidence included witness testimonies and Roye's own actions during the investigation, which led to his swift arrest.
Norman Roye is believed to have had a troubled childhood, which some speculate contributed to his violent behavior later in life. There is a theory that his early exposure to crime and subsequent incarceration may have exacerbated his psychological issues, leading him to commit the brutal murders. Additionally, some community members theorize that his choice of victims was influenced by a desire to exert power and control, reflecting deeper societal issues regarding violence against women in urban areas during that time.
The Tragic Tale of Norman Roye: The Dreaded Strangler
Early Life and Troubled Beginnings
Norman Roye entered the world on September 6, 1935, in New York, a city that would later become the stage for his infamous crimes. His early years were marred by tragedy when, at the tender age of eight, he lost both parents to unspecified causes. This left Norman and his sister in the care of their grandmother, a fact that seemed to foreshadow his tumultuous journey through life.
As he grew older, Norman's path veered into the shadows. By his junior year in high school, he was already embroiled in petty crimes, a habit that soon led to his incarceration in a state reformatory in November 1951. Yet here, amidst the grim confines of the reformatory, Roye discovered a passion for baseball. Upon his release, he joined his school's baseball team, nurturing dreams of one day making it to the major leagues. Despite this glimmer of hope, he continued to commit petty thefts and purse snatches in New York City, setting the stage for a darker turn of events.
A Series of Gruesome Murders
The year 1954 would become synonymous with fear in the Harlem neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. It began on a cold January 2nd, when Norman Roye prowled through an apartment complex, his eyes fixed on Margaret Branch, a 40-year-old woman walking home alone. He followed her stealthily, waiting until she neared her apartment before launching his attack. He choked and robbed her, then carried her to the fifth floor, where he raped and subsequently strangled her with one of her Christmas stockings.
Four months later, on May 28, Roye struck again. This time, his victim was 25-year-old Kathleen Stewart. He stalked her from a subway station to her Harlem River apartment, where he threatened her with an imaginary knife. Under this threat, he forced her into a parking lot, raped her twice, and then tied her hands behind her back, strangling her to death.
Norman’s final known victim was 66-year-old Isadora Goomes. On June 7, 1954, he attacked her as she entered her apartment building. He tossed a noose around her neck, demanding money. Goomes, in a desperate attempt to appease him, handed over five pennies. Unsatisfied, Roye tightened the noose until Goomes succumbed to asphyxiation. With the coins he had taken from Goomes, Roye bought a box of crackers. He brazenly watched as police examined Goomes' lifeless body, munching on his ill-gotten snack. His suspicious behavior caught the attention of detectives, leading to his arrest.
Arrest and Confession
Once in custody, Roye confessed to the gruesome murders in chilling detail. He recounted the events leading to each victim's death, though he insisted that Goomes' death was unintentional, claiming, "she just died on me" when he tightened the noose. Interestingly, just two days before Roye's apprehension, another suspect, John Francis Roche, was arrested for unrelated murders in the Yorkville neighborhood. The media drew parallels between the two cases, but Roye stood alone in his confession.
Despite his confession, Roye maintained his innocence in a jailhouse interview with his sister, claiming, "they found my pants in the hallway." Nevertheless, the evidence against him was overwhelming, and he was held without bond as he awaited trial.
Trial and Conviction
On February 4, 1955, the justice system swiftly acted. Norman Roye was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Isadora Goomes. The jury, unyielding in their verdict, declined to recommend mercy, thereby mandating a sentence of death. This sentence was formalized on March 5, 1955, sealing Roye's fate.
The Execution at Sing Sing
In the months leading up to his execution, Roye found solace in religion, though he received no visitors. His final meal, a stark reminder of his humanity, consisted of roast chicken and steak. On January 19, 1956, after ten months on death row, Norman Roye faced the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison. He departed this world in silence, without uttering any last words.
A Grim Legacy
The story of Norman Roye, the so-called "Dreaded Strangler," remains an indelible part of New York's criminal history. His tale is one of lost potential, tragedy, and the darkest aspects of human nature.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the original Wikipedia article on Norman Roye.
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
Norman Roye attacks and murders Margaret Branch in Harlem.
Second Murder Committed
Roye stalks and murders Kathleen Stewart in her apartment.
Third Murder Committed
Roye kills Isadora Goomes after demanding money.
Arrest of Norman Roye
Roye is arrested after being observed by police at the crime scene.
Conviction for Murder
Roye is convicted of first degree murder in Goomes' death.
Sentenced to Death
Roye is formally sentenced to death by the court.
Execution of Norman Roye
Roye is executed by electric chair at Sing Sing Prison.