David Joseph Carpenter American serial killer Date of Birth: 06.05.1930 Country: USA

1. Biography of David Joseph Carpenter
2. Troubled Childhood
3. Marriages and Convictions
4. Suspicions and Conviction
5. DNA Evidence and Reinvestigation

Biography of David Joseph Carpenter

David Joseph Carpenter, also known as the 'Trailside Killer', was an American serial killer who targeted and murdered women on hiking trails near San Francisco, California. He was born on May 6, 1930, in San Francisco, where he grew up.

Troubled Childhood

In his childhood, David suffered from a severe stutter, bedwetting, and exhibited cruel behavior towards animals. He also faced abuse from his alcoholic father and controlling mother. At the age of 17, he was imprisoned for harassing his two cousins.

Marriages and Convictions

In 1955, David got married for the first time. He went on to have three children from his marriages. However, in 1960, he attempted to murder someone, which led to a seven-year prison sentence. In 1970, he was arrested again, this time for kidnapping, and served another seven-year sentence.

Suspicions and Conviction

After his release, Carpenter became a suspect in the infamous Zodiac Killer case. However, he was later cleared of suspicion. Between 1979 and 1980, Carpenter raped and murdered five women. He was also suspected of killing at least two other women. Eventually, he was arrested and found guilty of the murders, receiving a death sentence. Currently, Carpenter is incarcerated in the San Quentin State Prison.

DNA Evidence and Reinvestigation

In December 2009, the San Francisco police reexamined evidence related to the murder of Mary Frances Bennett on October 21, 1979. Bennett, a 23-year-old woman, was attacked and stabbed while running through Lands End Park in San Francisco. DNA evidence obtained from the crime scene matched Carpenter's DNA. In February 2010, the San Francisco police confirmed the DNA match to David Carpenter.