Edmund Kemper III, often referred to as the 6’9″ serial killer, is one of America’s most notorious criminals. His towering height and brutal crimes have cemented his place in the annals of true crime history. This article delves into his early life, the horrific murders he committed, his eventual capture, and the insights he provided into the mind of a serial killer.
Early Life
Edmund Kemper III was born on December 18, 1948, in Burbank, California. His childhood was troubled, marked by a dysfunctional family dynamic. His parents’ divorce when he was nine years old left a profound impact on him, particularly his strained relationship with his mother, Clarnell Strandberg. Clarnell was reportedly abusive and critical, often belittling Kemper, which fueled his deep-seated resentment towards her.
The First Murders
Kemper’s violent tendencies emerged early. At the age of 15, he shot and killed his grandparents, claiming he wanted to see what it felt like to kill and to prevent his grandmother from nagging him. This shocking act led to his commitment to the Atascadero State Hospital, a facility for mentally ill criminals. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, he was released at 21, deemed rehabilitated by doctors.
The Killing Spree
Upon his release, Kemper returned to live with his mother in Santa Cruz, California. Between May 1972 and April 1973, he embarked on a killing spree that would claim the lives of eight young women. Posing as a friendly figure, he picked up female hitchhikers, drove them to isolated locations, and then brutally murdered them. His crimes often involved dismemberment and necrophilia, displaying a chilling lack of remorse and a calculated method to his madness.
The Final Murders
The culmination of Kemper’s violent rampage was the murder of his mother and her best friend in April 1973. After killing his mother, he decapitated her and used her head for target practice. He then invited her friend over, killed her, and fled the scene. Kemper drove to Pueblo, Colorado, where he called the police and confessed to the murders, tired of the killing and seeking to stop himself.
Capture and Conviction
Kemper’s confession led to his arrest without resistance. During his trial, he provided detailed accounts of his crimes, showcasing his high intelligence and articulate manner. In November 1973, he was found guilty of eight counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Insights into a Killer’s Mind
Kemper has been remarkably cooperative with law enforcement and psychologists, offering insights into his psyche and the nature of his crimes. His willingness to talk has provided valuable information on the workings of a serial killer’s mind, making him a subject of study in criminology and psychology.
Ed Kemper’s notoriety is partly due to his imposing physical presence and the gruesome nature of his crimes. His story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and television shows, contributing to the public’s morbid fascination with serial killers.