Roy Lewis Norris American serial killer Country: USA

Biography of Roy Norris

Roy Norris was born on February 2, 1948, in Greeley, Colorado. At the age of 17, he dropped out of school and joined the United States Navy. He spent most of his military service in San Diego, with an additional four months serving in Vietnam. Although he did not participate in combat, Norris was discharged from the Navy due to his psychological problems.

In November 1969, Norris was arrested for attempted rape. After three months on bail, he was arrested again for attempting to assault a woman in her own home. By this time, the Navy had already dismissed Norris due to his psychological issues. In May 1970, after being released on bail again, Norris attacked a student on the San Diego State University campus. He brutally assaulted her, but she survived. Norris was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and was sent to the Atascadero State Hospital, where he was classified as a sexual offender and spent five years.

After his release, Norris moved to Los Angeles to live with his mother. It is believed that his incestuous relationships began during this time. Norris soon connected with Lawrence Bittaker, whom he had met in prison. They continued their friendship outside of prison and began planning the abduction, rape, and murder of local girls. Bittaker bought a 1977 GMC cargo van, which they nicknamed the "Murder Mac." From February to June 1979, they carried out their heinous plan.

Norris and Bittaker would drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at beaches and approaching young women to take their pictures. When they were arrested, the police found around 500 photographs among Bittaker's belongings. Their first victim, according to their claims, was 16-year-old Cindy Schaeffer. They abducted her, raped her, and ultimately killed her by strangling her with wire coat hangers.

Their next victim was 18-year-old Andrea Hall, whom they abducted, raped, and left for dead. However, she managed to survive. They then abducted and killed 15-year-old Jackie Gilliam and 13-year-old Leah Lamp, subjecting them to days of torture and sexual abuse. Gilliam was ultimately strangled while Lamp was bludgeoned to death. Their final victim was 16-year-old Shirley Lynette Ledford, whom they raped, tortured, and killed. They left her body on the lawn of Hermosa Beach.

After Norris confessed to his prison friend Jimmy Dalton about the murders, Dalton went to the Los Angeles Police Department and provided information about Norris. Norris and Bittaker were both charged with murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual perversion, and conspiracy. Bittaker was sentenced to death, while Norris received a life sentence in exchange for his testimony against Bittaker. Norris was denied parole in 2009 and will be eligible to request parole again in ten years.

As of 2008, Bittaker is still awaiting execution, while Norris continues to serve his life sentence in prison.