Storyville Slayer
New Orleans Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
New Orleans, Louisiana
TIME PERIOD
1991-1996
VICTIMS
12 confirmed
The Storyville Slayer is an unidentified American serial killer responsible for the murders of at least 12 prostitutes in New Orleans, Louisiana, between 1991 and 1996. The victims, primarily women of African-American descent, were often strangled and disposed of in isolated waterways, complicating the investigation due to the decomposition of evidence. The case remains unsolved, with two suspects previously considered, one of whom was convicted of a related murder, suggesting the possibility of multiple perpetrators.
Theories surrounding the Storyville Slayer case suggest that multiple killers may be responsible for the murders, as two suspects were considered during the investigation, one of whom was convicted of a single murder. Additionally, the modus operandi indicates a targeted approach towards vulnerable women, raising speculation about a potential pattern or connection among the victims. The isolated dumping sites and the extreme decomposition of the bodies have led to theories about the killer's ability to evade detection over an extended period.
The Storyville Slayer
Overview
The Storyville Slayer is the chilling moniker assigned to an unidentified American serial killer responsible for the murders of at least 12 prostitutes in New Orleans, Louisiana, between 1991 and 1996. This case has perplexed investigators for decades, leading to the consideration of multiple suspects, one of whom was convicted of a single murder. The prevailing theory suggests that more than one perpetrator may be behind these heinous acts.
Quick Facts
- Other Names: New Orleans Serial Killer
- Victims: At least 12
- Span of Crimes: 1991–1996
- Country: United States
- State: Louisiana
- Date Apprehended: N/A
Modus Operandi
The killer(s) primarily targeted young women and girls of African-American descent, aged between 17 and 42. The methods were horrifyingly brutal: most victims were strangled to death, while others were beaten and drowned, with their bodies discarded in remote swamps, canals, or rivers bordering the western shores of Lake Pontchartrain. The isolated nature of these dumping grounds meant that many bodies were left submerged for extended periods—ranging from weeks to years—resulting in extreme decomposition that obliterated crucial forensic evidence. Tragically, some victims have never been identified.
Timeline of Events
1991
The horror began in the summer of 1991 when a young woman, referred to as "Brenda" in case files, reported a near-fatal encounter with an unknown man in Algiers. She described how he had abducted her, strangling her until she lost consciousness before abandoning her in the streets. This incident marked the beginning of what would become a series of horrific murders.
August 4: The body of 17-year-old Danielle Britton was discovered in a ditch close to where Brenda was attacked. Her remains were covered with trash, and an autopsy revealed she had been beaten and strangled. Britton had recently dropped out of school and was last seen at a bar with an unidentified man.
September 3: The body of Tyra Tassin, a 21-year-old mother of three with a criminal history for drug possession, was found.
September 22: The remains of Charlene Price, 28, were located in a park just a mile from Britton’s body. Like Britton, Price had been beaten and strangled. Although she had a history of drug abuse, it remains uncertain if she was involved in prostitution.
November 21: Regina Oko, 37, was found dead. She was a mother of three and had previously been arrested for prostitution. An autopsy revealed she had been strangled and had ingested a significant amount of cocaine before her death.
December 14: Skeletal remains belonging to a young black woman in her early twenties, referred to as Jane Doe No. 1, were discovered in a ditch near a highway. Despite a distinctive feature—protruding front teeth—she was never identified.
1992
January 4: The body of Lydia Madison, 29, known for her arrests related to prostitution and drug possession, was found under a highway overpass. She had also been strangled.
June 2: George Williams, a 25-year-old transgender woman and exotic dancer, was discovered in the LaBranche Wetlands. An autopsy confirmed she had been strangled.
July 25: The body of Noah Filson, a 33-year-old transgender woman who performed under the name 'Brenda Bewitch,' was found in a canal.
September 21: The remains of Regiter Martin, 29, a mother of three engaged in prostitution, were discovered in another canal.
February 20, 1993: The skeletal remains of Cheryl Lewis, 30, a known prostitute and mother of four, were found in a canal. She had last been seen alive on February 2, entering the car of an unidentified white male.
February 21: Delores Mack, 42, was discovered in a canal nearby. Unlike many victims, she did not have a known history of drugs or prostitution.
1994
The timeline continued with even more tragic discoveries as the investigation unfolded.
February 5: Jane Doe No. 2, skeletal remains of a woman aged between 25 and 35, were found, also confirmed to have been strangled.
February 10: Another unidentified young girl, Jane Doe No. 3, aged 15 to 17, was recovered.
February 13: The body of Stephanie Murray, 25, was found in a pond.
April 2: Two sets of skeletal remains, now referred to as Jane Doe No. 5 and John Doe No. 1, were discovered in canals.
July 3: Michelle Foster, 32, who had gone missing shortly before, was found dead.
October 19: The skeletal remains of Stephanie Brown, 28, were identified in a wooded area.
1995
January 22: The remains of Wanda Ford, 29, an impoverished mother of three with a history of drug abuse, were discovered in a swamp.
January 23: Sandra Warner, 39, was found in St. John the Baptist Parish.
January 25: The remains of Henry Calvin, 25, went missing months earlier, were recovered.
March 24: Another unidentified female, Jane Doe No. 6, was found under an overpass. Her age was estimated between 25 and 35.
April 30: The bodies of Karen Ivester and Sharon Robinson were discovered in a swamp area. Ivester had been strangled, while Robinson had drowned after being beaten.
May 6: The last known victim, Sandra Williams, was also found strangled. This case appeared to mark the end of the murder spree.
1996
Almost a year after the last body was found, on April 8, skeletal remains identified as Lola Porter, 39, who went missing in 1992, were discovered. Investigation revealed she had been living with a white male who vanished shortly after her disappearance.
Investigation
In May 1995, the New Orleans Police Department, along with local parishes and the FBI, formed a task force to tackle the serial killings. By August, Chief Richard Pennington named Victor Gant, a 33-year-old police officer, as a prime suspect. Gant had a troubling history, including an intimate relationship with victim Sharon Robinson. He matched the description of the original suspect based on Brenda's testimony.
Despite Gant's background and connections, the evidence linking him to the other murders was circumstantial, leading his attorney to assert his innocence. Gant was ultimately dismissed from the force in 1996, but he appealed and had his punishment reduced to a 30-day suspension in 1999.
Victor Gant
Growing up in Algiers, Gant became a police officer in February 1980. His patrols often took him through red-light districts, where he gained a reputation for corruption. In December 1994, Robinson reported Gant for domestic violence. Tragically, her death followed shortly after, leading investigators to suspect Gant had silenced her to prevent her from testifying.
Russell Ellwood
Another name in this grim tale is Russell Ellwood, who came under suspicion after being caught in a compromising position near the locations of various murders. Described as a drifter with a long history of drug addiction, Ellwood's erratic behavior during police interviews raised red flags.
In 1997, while incarcerated for drug-related charges, Ellwood allegedly confessed to fellow inmates about his involvement in the murders. He claimed to have driven women to secluded areas, offering drugs that led to overdoses before strangling them.
In a bizarre twist, Ellwood called into The Howard Stern Show in August 1997, detailing murders he claimed to have committed. This call drew significant media attention, although its authenticity was later questioned.
Ellwood's trial began in June 1999, where several witnesses testified against him, recounting assaults and his presence with victims before they disappeared. Despite his denials, he was ultimately convicted of murdering Cheryl Lewis and sentenced to life in prison without parole on August 17, 1999.
Aftermath
As of November 2021, all murders aside from Cheryl Lewis's remain unsolved. Ellwood continues to be a suspect in the ongoing investigation, while Victor Gant's whereabouts after leaving New Orleans remain largely unknown. He is still considered a person of interest in this chilling case.
Ellwood passed away in Angola State Prison in Louisiana in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of questions and unresolved terror that still haunts the streets of New Orleans.
Sources
- "Police officer suspected in New Orleans killings." Tampa Bay Times.
- Lohr, David. "Exclusive: Detective Tries To Solve 25-Year-Old Serial Killer Cold Case. One Suspect Is A Cop." HuffPost.
- Bell, Bill. "COP EYED AS NEW ORLEANS SERIAL KILLER." New York Daily News.
- Copeland, Larry. "Police Officer Is Suspect In New Orleans Killing Spree." The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- "Ellwood charged in murders." L'Observateur.
- Jeffreys, Daniel. "Dial 911 and speak to the prime suspect." The Independent.
- Court of Appeal of Louisiana, Fourth Circuit. "Gant V. Department of Police (2000)."
- Clendenning, Alan. "Case Against Cabbie May Crumble." Associated Press.
- Smithers, Dominic. "'Serial Killer' Once Called Howard Stern's Radio Show To Claim He'd Killed 12 Prostitutes." LADbible.
- "STATE v. ELLWOOD (2001)." findlaw.
- Hall, Anthony T. "Murder case moves to Lafayette for trial." The Daily Advertiser.
- "Investigator denies destroying evidence." The Times.
- "One charge against Ellwood will be dropped." L'Observateur.
- "Investigation of 26 killings concludes with one sentencing." The Daily Review.
For further reading, visit the original Wikipedia article.
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First Attempted Murder
A young woman, referred to as 'Brenda', survives an attempted murder by an unidentified man in Algiers.
First Body Found
The body of 17-year-old Danielle Britton is discovered, marking the start of the Storyville Slayer's known victims.
Task Force Established
The New Orleans Police Department forms a task force to investigate the series of murders linked to the Storyville Slayer.
Victor Gant Named Suspect
Police announce Victor Gant as the prime suspect in the murders, having connections to one of the victims.
Final Body Found
Skeletal remains of 39-year-old Lola Porter are discovered, marking the last known victim linked to the Storyville Slayer.
Ellwood Charged
Russell Ellwood is charged with the murders of Cheryl Lewis and Delores Mack after multiple confessions.
Ellwood's Trial Begins
The trial of Russell Ellwood commences, featuring testimonies from former cellmates and victims.
Ellwood Sentenced
Russell Ellwood is found guilty of the murder of Cheryl Lewis and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
Case Remains Unsolved
As of November 2021, all murders aside from Cheryl Lewis's remain unsolved, with Ellwood still a suspect.
The Storyville Slayer is an unidentified American serial killer responsible for the murders of at least 12 prostitutes in New Orleans, Louisiana, between 1991 and 1996. The victims, primarily women of African-American descent, were often strangled and disposed of in isolated waterways, complicating the investigation due to the decomposition of evidence. The case remains unsolved, with two suspects previously considered, one of whom was convicted of a related murder, suggesting the possibility of multiple perpetrators.
Theories surrounding the Storyville Slayer case suggest that multiple killers may be responsible for the murders, as two suspects were considered during the investigation, one of whom was convicted of a single murder. Additionally, the modus operandi indicates a targeted approach towards vulnerable women, raising speculation about a potential pattern or connection among the victims. The isolated dumping sites and the extreme decomposition of the bodies have led to theories about the killer's ability to evade detection over an extended period.
The Storyville Slayer
Overview
The Storyville Slayer is the chilling moniker assigned to an unidentified American serial killer responsible for the murders of at least 12 prostitutes in New Orleans, Louisiana, between 1991 and 1996. This case has perplexed investigators for decades, leading to the consideration of multiple suspects, one of whom was convicted of a single murder. The prevailing theory suggests that more than one perpetrator may be behind these heinous acts.
Quick Facts
- Other Names: New Orleans Serial Killer
- Victims: At least 12
- Span of Crimes: 1991–1996
- Country: United States
- State: Louisiana
- Date Apprehended: N/A
Modus Operandi
The killer(s) primarily targeted young women and girls of African-American descent, aged between 17 and 42. The methods were horrifyingly brutal: most victims were strangled to death, while others were beaten and drowned, with their bodies discarded in remote swamps, canals, or rivers bordering the western shores of Lake Pontchartrain. The isolated nature of these dumping grounds meant that many bodies were left submerged for extended periods—ranging from weeks to years—resulting in extreme decomposition that obliterated crucial forensic evidence. Tragically, some victims have never been identified.
Timeline of Events
1991
The horror began in the summer of 1991 when a young woman, referred to as "Brenda" in case files, reported a near-fatal encounter with an unknown man in Algiers. She described how he had abducted her, strangling her until she lost consciousness before abandoning her in the streets. This incident marked the beginning of what would become a series of horrific murders.
August 4: The body of 17-year-old Danielle Britton was discovered in a ditch close to where Brenda was attacked. Her remains were covered with trash, and an autopsy revealed she had been beaten and strangled. Britton had recently dropped out of school and was last seen at a bar with an unidentified man.
September 3: The body of Tyra Tassin, a 21-year-old mother of three with a criminal history for drug possession, was found.
September 22: The remains of Charlene Price, 28, were located in a park just a mile from Britton’s body. Like Britton, Price had been beaten and strangled. Although she had a history of drug abuse, it remains uncertain if she was involved in prostitution.
November 21: Regina Oko, 37, was found dead. She was a mother of three and had previously been arrested for prostitution. An autopsy revealed she had been strangled and had ingested a significant amount of cocaine before her death.
December 14: Skeletal remains belonging to a young black woman in her early twenties, referred to as Jane Doe No. 1, were discovered in a ditch near a highway. Despite a distinctive feature—protruding front teeth—she was never identified.
1992
January 4: The body of Lydia Madison, 29, known for her arrests related to prostitution and drug possession, was found under a highway overpass. She had also been strangled.
June 2: George Williams, a 25-year-old transgender woman and exotic dancer, was discovered in the LaBranche Wetlands. An autopsy confirmed she had been strangled.
July 25: The body of Noah Filson, a 33-year-old transgender woman who performed under the name 'Brenda Bewitch,' was found in a canal.
September 21: The remains of Regiter Martin, 29, a mother of three engaged in prostitution, were discovered in another canal.
February 20, 1993: The skeletal remains of Cheryl Lewis, 30, a known prostitute and mother of four, were found in a canal. She had last been seen alive on February 2, entering the car of an unidentified white male.
February 21: Delores Mack, 42, was discovered in a canal nearby. Unlike many victims, she did not have a known history of drugs or prostitution.
1994
The timeline continued with even more tragic discoveries as the investigation unfolded.
February 5: Jane Doe No. 2, skeletal remains of a woman aged between 25 and 35, were found, also confirmed to have been strangled.
February 10: Another unidentified young girl, Jane Doe No. 3, aged 15 to 17, was recovered.
February 13: The body of Stephanie Murray, 25, was found in a pond.
April 2: Two sets of skeletal remains, now referred to as Jane Doe No. 5 and John Doe No. 1, were discovered in canals.
July 3: Michelle Foster, 32, who had gone missing shortly before, was found dead.
October 19: The skeletal remains of Stephanie Brown, 28, were identified in a wooded area.
1995
January 22: The remains of Wanda Ford, 29, an impoverished mother of three with a history of drug abuse, were discovered in a swamp.
January 23: Sandra Warner, 39, was found in St. John the Baptist Parish.
January 25: The remains of Henry Calvin, 25, went missing months earlier, were recovered.
March 24: Another unidentified female, Jane Doe No. 6, was found under an overpass. Her age was estimated between 25 and 35.
April 30: The bodies of Karen Ivester and Sharon Robinson were discovered in a swamp area. Ivester had been strangled, while Robinson had drowned after being beaten.
May 6: The last known victim, Sandra Williams, was also found strangled. This case appeared to mark the end of the murder spree.
1996
Almost a year after the last body was found, on April 8, skeletal remains identified as Lola Porter, 39, who went missing in 1992, were discovered. Investigation revealed she had been living with a white male who vanished shortly after her disappearance.
Investigation
In May 1995, the New Orleans Police Department, along with local parishes and the FBI, formed a task force to tackle the serial killings. By August, Chief Richard Pennington named Victor Gant, a 33-year-old police officer, as a prime suspect. Gant had a troubling history, including an intimate relationship with victim Sharon Robinson. He matched the description of the original suspect based on Brenda's testimony.
Despite Gant's background and connections, the evidence linking him to the other murders was circumstantial, leading his attorney to assert his innocence. Gant was ultimately dismissed from the force in 1996, but he appealed and had his punishment reduced to a 30-day suspension in 1999.
Victor Gant
Growing up in Algiers, Gant became a police officer in February 1980. His patrols often took him through red-light districts, where he gained a reputation for corruption. In December 1994, Robinson reported Gant for domestic violence. Tragically, her death followed shortly after, leading investigators to suspect Gant had silenced her to prevent her from testifying.
Russell Ellwood
Another name in this grim tale is Russell Ellwood, who came under suspicion after being caught in a compromising position near the locations of various murders. Described as a drifter with a long history of drug addiction, Ellwood's erratic behavior during police interviews raised red flags.
In 1997, while incarcerated for drug-related charges, Ellwood allegedly confessed to fellow inmates about his involvement in the murders. He claimed to have driven women to secluded areas, offering drugs that led to overdoses before strangling them.
In a bizarre twist, Ellwood called into The Howard Stern Show in August 1997, detailing murders he claimed to have committed. This call drew significant media attention, although its authenticity was later questioned.
Ellwood's trial began in June 1999, where several witnesses testified against him, recounting assaults and his presence with victims before they disappeared. Despite his denials, he was ultimately convicted of murdering Cheryl Lewis and sentenced to life in prison without parole on August 17, 1999.
Aftermath
As of November 2021, all murders aside from Cheryl Lewis's remain unsolved. Ellwood continues to be a suspect in the ongoing investigation, while Victor Gant's whereabouts after leaving New Orleans remain largely unknown. He is still considered a person of interest in this chilling case.
Ellwood passed away in Angola State Prison in Louisiana in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of questions and unresolved terror that still haunts the streets of New Orleans.
Sources
- "Police officer suspected in New Orleans killings." Tampa Bay Times.
- Lohr, David. "Exclusive: Detective Tries To Solve 25-Year-Old Serial Killer Cold Case. One Suspect Is A Cop." HuffPost.
- Bell, Bill. "COP EYED AS NEW ORLEANS SERIAL KILLER." New York Daily News.
- Copeland, Larry. "Police Officer Is Suspect In New Orleans Killing Spree." The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- "Ellwood charged in murders." L'Observateur.
- Jeffreys, Daniel. "Dial 911 and speak to the prime suspect." The Independent.
- Court of Appeal of Louisiana, Fourth Circuit. "Gant V. Department of Police (2000)."
- Clendenning, Alan. "Case Against Cabbie May Crumble." Associated Press.
- Smithers, Dominic. "'Serial Killer' Once Called Howard Stern's Radio Show To Claim He'd Killed 12 Prostitutes." LADbible.
- "STATE v. ELLWOOD (2001)." findlaw.
- Hall, Anthony T. "Murder case moves to Lafayette for trial." The Daily Advertiser.
- "Investigator denies destroying evidence." The Times.
- "One charge against Ellwood will be dropped." L'Observateur.
- "Investigation of 26 killings concludes with one sentencing." The Daily Review.
For further reading, visit the original 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 Attempted Murder
A young woman, referred to as 'Brenda', survives an attempted murder by an unidentified man in Algiers.
First Body Found
The body of 17-year-old Danielle Britton is discovered, marking the start of the Storyville Slayer's known victims.
Task Force Established
The New Orleans Police Department forms a task force to investigate the series of murders linked to the Storyville Slayer.
Victor Gant Named Suspect
Police announce Victor Gant as the prime suspect in the murders, having connections to one of the victims.
Final Body Found
Skeletal remains of 39-year-old Lola Porter are discovered, marking the last known victim linked to the Storyville Slayer.
Ellwood Charged
Russell Ellwood is charged with the murders of Cheryl Lewis and Delores Mack after multiple confessions.
Ellwood's Trial Begins
The trial of Russell Ellwood commences, featuring testimonies from former cellmates and victims.
Ellwood Sentenced
Russell Ellwood is found guilty of the murder of Cheryl Lewis and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
Case Remains Unsolved
As of November 2021, all murders aside from Cheryl Lewis's remain unsolved, with Ellwood still a suspect.