Kemper's childhood was a breeding ground for a future killer. His parents' tumultuous marriage left him and his two sisters under the thumb of his emotionally abusive mother, Clarnell Kemper. Clarnell's cruel and belittling behavior, combined with her mental health struggles, left an indelible mark on young Edmund. She would lock him in a dark basement and constantly denigrate his intelligence and appearance, often telling him she believed he was destined for a dark path.
These early years were marked by Kemper's disturbing cruelty to animals, a common precursor to later violence against humans. He dismembered cats and, at just 10 years old, buried the family cat alive, placing a cross over its grave. This behavior was a chilling glimpse into the sadism that would later define his life.
The First Murders and a Deceptive Release
At the age of 15, Kemper's dark fantasies became a terrifying reality. On August 27, 1964, he murdered both of his paternal grandparents, Maude and Edmund Emil Kemper Sr. He shot his grandmother during an argument and then killed his grandfather upon his return home. He later confessed that his motive was a combination of his hatred for his grandmother and a morbid curiosity to see what it felt like to kill.
Due to his age and a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, Kemper was committed to the Atascadero State Hospital. There, his high intelligence and cunning allowed him to manipulate the system. He became a "model patient," charming psychiatrists into believing he was rehabilitated. Against the warnings of some professionals, he was released at the age of 21 in 1969.
The Reign of Terror Begins
After his release, Kemper attempted to live a normal life. He worked for the California Highway Department and even attended college. However, his violent urges simmered just beneath the surface. In 1972, he could no longer suppress his darkest desires, and he embarked on a series of murders that would shock the nation. His victims were primarily young female hitchhikers, a group he targeted with chilling precision.
Mary Ann Pesce and Anita Luchessa
On May 7, 1972, Kemper picked up 18-year-old college students Mary Ann Pesce and Anita Luchessa. He drove them to a secluded area, where he brutally murdered them. He then took their bodies back to his apartment, where he committed unspeakable violations and dismemberment. He later disposed of their remains, with Pesce's skull being the only part of their bodies ever found.
Aiko Koo
On September 14, 1972, Kemper murdered 15-year-old Aiko Koo. He picked her up while she was hitchhiking to a dance class, drove her to a secluded location, strangled her, and then committed horrific acts against her before dismembering her body.
Cindy Schall
On January 7, 1973, Kemper picked up 18-year-old college student Cindy Schall. He killed her with a .22 caliber pistol, hid her body in his closet overnight, and then dismembered her in the bathtub the next morning.
Rosalind Thorpe and Allison Liu
On February 5, 1973, following a heated argument with his mother, Kemper picked up Rosalind Heather Thorpe, 23, and Allison Helen Liu, 20, from the UCSC campus. He exploited the community's fear of a serial killer by using his mother's UCSC sticker to appear trustworthy. He shot them both, took their bodies to his mother's house, and decapitated them in his car before bringing the remains inside.
The Ultimate Betrayal and Confession
Kemper's final two victims were the most personal. On April 20, 1973, after a party, he returned home and waited for his mother, Clarnell, to fall asleep. He then brutally murdered her with a claw hammer and a penknife. He later decapitated her, a final act of rage against the woman who had tormented him his entire life. He placed her head on a shelf and threw darts at it, later stating that he removed her tongue and larynx to silence her once and for all.
After this gruesome act, he invited his mother's friend, 59-year-old Sara "Sally" Hallett, to the house for dinner. When she arrived, he strangled her. He then placed both bodies in a closet and fled to Colorado. On the long drive, he called the police and confessed to all the murders, finally ending his reign of terror.
Trial, Conviction, and Life in Prison
Kemper was charged with eight counts of first-degree murder. His defense team pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, a claim Kemper himself tried to support by testifying that he had a "killer personality" that would take over. However, three court-appointed psychiatrists deemed him legally sane, despite his history of mental illness. The jury deliberated for five hours before finding him sane and guilty on all counts. Kemper was sentenced to seven years to life for each count, to be served concurrently. He requested the death penalty, but a moratorium on capital punishment in California prevented it.
While in prison, Kemper has been a model inmate. He has worked as a ceramic craftsman and narrated audiobooks for the visually impaired. He has also been a subject of numerous interviews, providing chilling insights into the mind of a serial killer. He remains in prison, having been consistently denied parole.
On July 9, 2024, convicted serial killer Edmund Kemper was denied parole for the 14th time.
Kemper's Absence: Kemper refused to attend the hearing and speak with his attorney, Nicholas Ageo, who requested a postponement that was denied.
According to Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell, Kemper's refusal to participate shows he "doesn't care" and "doesn't respect it." Continued Dangerousness: Rosell argued that Kemper remains a high risk and is "more dangerous now" than at his last hearing in 2017.
A recent risk assessment also listed Kemper as "high risk" to reoffend. Rules Violation: A recent rules violation from 2022 was brought up, where Kemper allegedly grabbed a female staff member's buttocks.
When questioned, Kemper reportedly said, "I just wanted to change the mood. ... What privilege can they take away from me? I’m already here." Psychiatric Evaluation: An April 2024 psychiatric evaluation confirmed Kemper's past admissions of childhood abuse and necrophilia. He has been diagnosed with antisocial, narcissistic, and schizotypal personality disorders.
Victim's Family Statement: Kemper's cousin, Patricia Kemper, spoke on behalf of the victims.
She submitted a statement that highlighted the lasting impact of the murders on their family and claimed Kemper "loves murder." Medical Condition: The hearing also noted Kemper's current medical state, which includes being diabetic, having a pacemaker, and being confined to a wheelchair after a stroke.
Next Hearing: Kemper will be eligible for his next parole hearing in 2031, when he will be 82 years old.
No comments:
Post a Comment