Edmund Kemper, also known as the “Co-ed Killer,” is one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. Born on December 18, 1948, in Burbank, California, Kemper had a troubled childhood. He was physically and emotionally abused by his mother, who often belittled him and referred to him as a “weirdo.” Kemper’s parents divorced when he was nine years old, and he was sent to live with his paternal grandparents in North Fork, California.
Kemper’s first murders occurred when he was just 15 years old. He killed his grandparents, Maude and Edmund Kemper Sr., shooting them both with a .22 caliber rifle. He then called his mother, who was living in Montana at the time, and told her what he had done. She instructed him to call the police and turn himself in, which he did. He was sent to the Atascadero State Hospital for the criminally insane, where he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
Kemper was released from the hospital in 1969, at the age of 21. He moved back in with his mother, who lived in Santa Cruz, California. Over the next few years, Kemper killed eight more people, most of whom were young women. He would pick up hitchhikers and bring them back to his mother’s house, where he would torture and kill them.
In April 1973, Kemper murdered his mother and her best friend. He then drove to Pueblo, Colorado, where he was arrested after calling the police and confessing to his crimes.
Kemper was convicted of eight counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He is currently incarcerated at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, California.
Edmund Kemper’s victims were:
- Mary Anne Pesce
- Anita Luchessa
- Aiko Koo
- Cindy Schall
- Rosalind Thorpe
- Alice Liu
- Clarnell Strandberg (Kemper’s mother)
- Sally Hallett (Clarnell Strandberg’s best friend)
- Kemper also murdered his grandparents, Maude and Edmund Kemper Sr., when he was 15 years old.
Kemper’s case is particularly disturbing because of his intelligence and his ability to manipulate those around him. He often participated in interviews and psychological evaluations with law enforcement and psychologists, and he was able to use his knowledge of psychology to convince them that he was not a threat. Edmund Kemper was known for his high IQ and articulate speech, which often surprised and disarmed those who interacted with him. Despite his horrific crimes, Kemper was able to present himself as a likable and charming individual, even fooling law enforcement officials during the early stages of his killing spree. He was particularly skilled at manipulating others, using his intelligence and persuasive abilities to convince people to do what he wanted. In interviews, Kemper displayed an impressive vocabulary and a clear, analytical mind, discussing his crimes in a matter-of-fact manner that was both chilling and unsettling.
Edmund Kemper’s psychiatric diagnosis was initially paranoid schizophrenia, which was the reason he was sent to the Atascadero State Hospital for the criminally insane at the age of 15 after he killed his grandparents. However, his diagnosis was later changed to personality disorder and borderline personality disorder after he was released from the hospital and committed the rest of his murders. Kemper’s behavior and actions displayed a lack of empathy and remorse, as well as manipulative and violent tendencies, which are common traits associated with personality disorders. It is important to note that psychiatric diagnoses are complex and can change over time, and that individuals can have multiple diagnoses. Kemper’s diagnosis highlights the importance of early intervention and treatment for mental health issues, as well as the need for ongoing care and support for those who struggle with personality disorders.
Edmund Kemper has been the subject of numerous media and Hollywood portrayals. In 1983, a made-for-TV movie called “The Killing of America” included an interview with Kemper. He was also featured in the documentary series “The Mindhunter” on Netflix, which tells the story of FBI agents who interview serial killers in order to understand their behavior. Kemper is portrayed by actor Cameron Britton in the series, which has garnered critical acclaim for its realistic and nuanced portrayal of the killers. Kemper has also been mentioned in various books, podcasts, and other forms of media about true crime and serial killers. Overall, Kemper’s disturbing story and twisted psychology have captivated the public’s fascination for decades, making him a popular subject for both serious analysis and sensationalized entertainment.
Edmund Kemper, also known as the “Co-ed Killer,” was a tall man, standing at 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) in height. This made him one of the tallest serial killers in recorded history. His imposing stature was often cited as a factor in his ability to overpower and kill his victims, many of whom were young women. Kemper’s height, combined with his high IQ and manipulative personality, made him a particularly dangerous and frightening individual. However, it is important to remember that physical attributes alone do not make a person more likely to commit violent acts, and that there are many factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
Edmund Kemper was born on December 18, 1948, in Burbank, California. His astrology sign is Sagittarius. Sagittarius is known for being independent, adventurous, and outgoing. They are also known for their honesty, sometimes to a fault, and their love of learning and exploring new ideas. However, Sagittarius can also be impulsive and prone to taking risks without considering the consequences. While it is interesting to note Kemper’s astrology sign, it is important to remember that astrology does not have any scientific basis and should not be used to make assumptions about an individual’s personality or behavior.
In conclusion, Edmund Kemper’s story is a chilling reminder of the horrors that some people are capable of committing. It also highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to those who need it.
Chelsea Hoffman is a true crime writer with over a decade of professional writing experience. She is best known for her coverage of missing people including the tragic disappearance of Madeleine McCann as well as the heartbreaking cases of Dylan Redwine, Heather Elvis and many others.
