So You Think You Know Serial Killers: An Oklahoma Smackdown
Ever notice how Hollywood shoves serial killers into abandoned warehouses in California or creepy cabins in the Pacific Northwest? Listen, us folks in Oklahoma like our peace and quiet, but that doesn't mean our state is devoid of its own brand of... shall we say, eccentricity? So buckle up, true crime junkies, because we're about to take a hilarious (okay, maybe darkly humorous) dive into some of the lesser-known serial killers who hail from the Sooner State.
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| What Serial Killers Are From Oklahoma |
The OG of Odd: B. Monroe Betterton
This guy wasn't exactly "Jack the Ripper," but B. Monroe Betterton holds a special place in Oklahoma history. Nicknamed "The Muskogee Musser," Betterton wasn't the smoothest criminal. In fact, his alleged reign of terror in the early 1900s involved mostly poisoning his own family members with tainted food. Let's be honest, folks, that's some serious kitchen rage.
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
The Family That Slays Together...
Speaking of families, Oklahoma can't escape the truly bizarre. The Kelly family, a traveling clan in the 1930s, left a trail of bodies across the state. Their alleged MO? Targeting elderly couples and relieving them of their valuables (and their lives). Think "The Waltons" with a heavy dose of murder and a side of mayhem.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
The Bird is the Word (But Not a Good One)
Jake Bird wasn't your typical serial killer. This traveling carnival worker in the 1920s had a thing for targeting women... with elephants. Yes, you read that right. Bird allegedly used his job to lure women to their demise, then – you guessed it – fed them to the elephants. Talk about a cruel and unusual punishment.
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QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
Notorious? Not Quite, But Notable
While Oklahoma might not have a household-name serial killer, there are a few other cases that deserve a mention. Robert Wesley Knighton, a man with a gambling problem and a violent streak, is suspected in multiple murders. William Reece, a drifter with a dark secret, may have ties to unsolved killings across the state.
Hold on, weren't there some REALLY famous murders in Oklahoma?
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
Absolutely! The brutal murders of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman in 1999 remain unsolved, and the BTK Killer, Dennis Rader, targeted Kansas, which borders Oklahoma. But hey, we're keeping it strictly Sooner State serial killers here!
## So You Want to Become an Oklahoma Serial Killer Expert? How To:
- Hit the Books (But Not Too Hard): There aren't a ton of resources on Oklahoma serial killers specifically, but true crime books on lesser-known cases can be fascinating.
- Dig Deep Online: Local news archives and historical society websites can be goldmines for information on these forgotten fiends.
- Join the Club (Virtually, of Course): Online forums and communities dedicated to true crime can be a great place to connect with other enthusiasts and share your Oklahoma-based knowledge.
- Don't Be a Betterton: Poisoning your family is a bad idea, both morally and legally. Stick to true crime documentaries, thanks.
- Remember, It's All About Respect: These are real crimes with real victims. Be respectful of the victims and their families while you're feeding your morbid curiosity.
So there you have it, folks! A crash course in Oklahoma's not-so-secret society of serial killers. Now you can go forth and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of creepy Okie history.
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