Rodney Bixler
Kentucky Serial Killer and Rapist
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
TIME PERIOD
February 4 – October 22, 2000
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Rodney Troy Bixler, an American serial killer and rapist, committed a series of violent crimes in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky between February and October 2000, resulting in the deaths of three women: Thelma Cornett (67), Heather Wright (27), and Daisy Whitaker (67). The crimes occurred primarily in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, with the first murder on February 4, 2000, and the last on October 22, 2000. Bixler was arrested on November 1, 2000, and subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including murder and rape. He was sentenced to a total of 40 years in prison, with eligibility for release in 2037, provided he maintains good behavior. Significant evidence included circumstantial links to the murders, and Bixler's history of prior offenses, including a conviction for rape and theft, contributed to the investigation.
Some believe Rodney Bixler may have been involved in the drowning of 13-year-old Stephanie Ann Claunch, despite not being charged for that crime. Additionally, there are speculations about the potential for more victims beyond the known three murders, as his violent history and pattern of behavior suggest he could have committed additional crimes. There is also concern regarding his potential release in 2037, with fears that he may reoffend if he maintains good behavior in prison.
The Dark Path of Rodney Bixler
A Grim Spree in the Bluegrass
In the heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, a sinister figure prowled the shadows between February and October of 2000. Rodney Troy Bixler, an American serial killer and rapist, left a trail of fear and tragedy as he strangled three women to death. Born in September 1968 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Bixler's criminal activities eventually led to his incarceration, with a sentence that ensures he won't see freedom until at least January 29, 2024, and possibly not until 2037 or 2045, depending on his behavior.
Early Crimes and Acquittals
Bixler's descent into crime began before his infamous murders. In 1999, he faced charges of raping and sodomizing a 17-year-old girl, but a court acquitted him. That same year, he was convicted of misusing an ATM card six times, for which he received a one-year jail sentence, serving about half of it.
A String of Murders
The chilling series of murders began on February 4, 2000, when Bixler strangled 67-year-old Thelma Cornett in her Lawrenceburg apartment. Despite suspicions, he was never charged with the drowning of 13-year-old Stephanie Ann Claunch, whose body was found in the Kentucky River on July 25, 2000.
On August 5, 2000, Bixler's brutality escalated when he raped a woman in Lexington, attempted to strangle her, and set fire to her bedroom. His next victim was Heather Wright, a 27-year-old sex worker, whom he strangled on October 7, 2000. Her body was discovered in a stream leading to the Kentucky River. The violence continued when, on October 22, 2000, Bixler strangled 67-year-old Daisy Whitaker in her bathtub, subsequently stealing her car.
Arrest and Trials
Bixler's spree came to a halt with his arrest on November 1, 2000. He faced charges for Whitaker's murder, as well as second-degree rape and two counts of third-degree rape involving teenage girls. In 2003, he pleaded guilty to the rape charges, receiving a five-year sentence. Later that year, a jury found him guilty of murder and theft in Whitaker's case, sentencing him to 29 years—25 for murder and five for theft, to run consecutively with his rape sentences, totaling 35 years.
In 2005, Bixler admitted to second-degree arson related to the Lexington assault, earning a ten-year sentence in exchange for the dismissal of attempted murder and rape charges. Then, in 2008, he entered an Alford plea for the murders of Cornett and Wright, resulting in two consecutive 20-year sentences, served concurrently with his other time.
Behind Bars
Currently, Bixler serves his sentence at the Northpoint Training Center. As the calendar edges closer to January 29, 2024, he awaits eligibility for parole. However, should parole be denied, his release will depend on his conduct, with potential freedom on March 31, 2037, or, failing that, March 3, 2045.
Theories and Conclusions
Rodney Bixler's case paints a portrait of a man whose violent impulses shattered lives and communities. While the evidence against him was often circumstantial, his guilty pleas and convictions cemented his place in the annals of American crime. As the years pass, the families of his victims and the communities he terrorized continue to grapple with the scars left by his dark legacy.
Sources
For more information, refer to the detailed records available through the Kentucky Department of Corrections and archived articles from the Lexington Herald-Leader. These sources provide a comprehensive look at Bixler's criminal history and the judicial proceedings that followed his arrest.
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First Murder Committed
Rodney Bixler strangles 67-year-old Thelma Cornett in her apartment.
Suspected Drowning
Bixler is suspected of drowning 13-year-old Stephanie Ann Claunch in the Kentucky River.
Rape and Arson Incident
Bixler rapes a woman in Lexington, attempts to strangle her, and sets fire to her bedroom.
Second Murder Committed
Bixler strangles Heather Wright, a 27-year-old sex worker, her body found in a stream.
Third Murder Committed
Bixler strangles 67-year-old Daisy Whitaker in her bathtub and steals her car.
Arrest Made
Bixler is arrested and charged with murder for Whitaker's death and multiple rape charges.
Guilty Plea for Rape
Bixler pleads guilty to rape charges and receives a 5-year sentence.
Alford Plea for Murders
Bixler enters an Alford plea for the murders of Cornett and Wright, receiving two 20-year sentences.
Projected Release Date
Bixler will be released from prison if granted parole and maintains good behavior.
Rodney Troy Bixler, an American serial killer and rapist, committed a series of violent crimes in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky between February and October 2000, resulting in the deaths of three women: Thelma Cornett (67), Heather Wright (27), and Daisy Whitaker (67). The crimes occurred primarily in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, with the first murder on February 4, 2000, and the last on October 22, 2000. Bixler was arrested on November 1, 2000, and subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including murder and rape. He was sentenced to a total of 40 years in prison, with eligibility for release in 2037, provided he maintains good behavior. Significant evidence included circumstantial links to the murders, and Bixler's history of prior offenses, including a conviction for rape and theft, contributed to the investigation.
Some believe Rodney Bixler may have been involved in the drowning of 13-year-old Stephanie Ann Claunch, despite not being charged for that crime. Additionally, there are speculations about the potential for more victims beyond the known three murders, as his violent history and pattern of behavior suggest he could have committed additional crimes. There is also concern regarding his potential release in 2037, with fears that he may reoffend if he maintains good behavior in prison.
The Dark Path of Rodney Bixler
A Grim Spree in the Bluegrass
In the heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, a sinister figure prowled the shadows between February and October of 2000. Rodney Troy Bixler, an American serial killer and rapist, left a trail of fear and tragedy as he strangled three women to death. Born in September 1968 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Bixler's criminal activities eventually led to his incarceration, with a sentence that ensures he won't see freedom until at least January 29, 2024, and possibly not until 2037 or 2045, depending on his behavior.
Early Crimes and Acquittals
Bixler's descent into crime began before his infamous murders. In 1999, he faced charges of raping and sodomizing a 17-year-old girl, but a court acquitted him. That same year, he was convicted of misusing an ATM card six times, for which he received a one-year jail sentence, serving about half of it.
A String of Murders
The chilling series of murders began on February 4, 2000, when Bixler strangled 67-year-old Thelma Cornett in her Lawrenceburg apartment. Despite suspicions, he was never charged with the drowning of 13-year-old Stephanie Ann Claunch, whose body was found in the Kentucky River on July 25, 2000.
On August 5, 2000, Bixler's brutality escalated when he raped a woman in Lexington, attempted to strangle her, and set fire to her bedroom. His next victim was Heather Wright, a 27-year-old sex worker, whom he strangled on October 7, 2000. Her body was discovered in a stream leading to the Kentucky River. The violence continued when, on October 22, 2000, Bixler strangled 67-year-old Daisy Whitaker in her bathtub, subsequently stealing her car.
Arrest and Trials
Bixler's spree came to a halt with his arrest on November 1, 2000. He faced charges for Whitaker's murder, as well as second-degree rape and two counts of third-degree rape involving teenage girls. In 2003, he pleaded guilty to the rape charges, receiving a five-year sentence. Later that year, a jury found him guilty of murder and theft in Whitaker's case, sentencing him to 29 years—25 for murder and five for theft, to run consecutively with his rape sentences, totaling 35 years.
In 2005, Bixler admitted to second-degree arson related to the Lexington assault, earning a ten-year sentence in exchange for the dismissal of attempted murder and rape charges. Then, in 2008, he entered an Alford plea for the murders of Cornett and Wright, resulting in two consecutive 20-year sentences, served concurrently with his other time.
Behind Bars
Currently, Bixler serves his sentence at the Northpoint Training Center. As the calendar edges closer to January 29, 2024, he awaits eligibility for parole. However, should parole be denied, his release will depend on his conduct, with potential freedom on March 31, 2037, or, failing that, March 3, 2045.
Theories and Conclusions
Rodney Bixler's case paints a portrait of a man whose violent impulses shattered lives and communities. While the evidence against him was often circumstantial, his guilty pleas and convictions cemented his place in the annals of American crime. As the years pass, the families of his victims and the communities he terrorized continue to grapple with the scars left by his dark legacy.
Sources
For more information, refer to the detailed records available through the Kentucky Department of Corrections and archived articles from the Lexington Herald-Leader. These sources provide a comprehensive look at Bixler's criminal history and the judicial proceedings that followed his arrest.
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
Rodney Bixler strangles 67-year-old Thelma Cornett in her apartment.
Suspected Drowning
Bixler is suspected of drowning 13-year-old Stephanie Ann Claunch in the Kentucky River.
Rape and Arson Incident
Bixler rapes a woman in Lexington, attempts to strangle her, and sets fire to her bedroom.
Second Murder Committed
Bixler strangles Heather Wright, a 27-year-old sex worker, her body found in a stream.
Third Murder Committed
Bixler strangles 67-year-old Daisy Whitaker in her bathtub and steals her car.
Arrest Made
Bixler is arrested and charged with murder for Whitaker's death and multiple rape charges.
Guilty Plea for Rape
Bixler pleads guilty to rape charges and receives a 5-year sentence.
Alford Plea for Murders
Bixler enters an Alford plea for the murders of Cornett and Wright, receiving two 20-year sentences.
Projected Release Date
Bixler will be released from prison if granted parole and maintains good behavior.