The past decade has seen some of the most shocking and heart-wrenching true crime cases. From family murders to mysterious disappearances, these stories have captivated the public and left lasting impacts. This article delves into the top 10 true crime murders of the last ten years, exploring the details and key takeaways of each case.
Key Takeaways
- Chris Watts shocked the world by killing his entire family in 2018.
- The Delphi Murders remain unsolved, keeping the public and investigators searching for answers.
- Jeffrey Epstein’s arrest and subsequent death raised many questions about justice and power.
1. Chris Watts Murder Case
The Chris Watts murder case is one of the most gripping true crime stories of the decade. In August 2018, Chris Watts, a seemingly loving husband and father, shocked the world when he confessed to killing his pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. The case quickly gained national attention due to the disturbing nature of the crime and the subsequent investigation.
The Crime
On August 13, 2018, Shanann Watts and her daughters were reported missing. Chris initially claimed that his family had simply disappeared. However, his story quickly fell apart under police scrutiny. Just days later, Chris confessed to the murders, leading investigators to the location of the bodies.
The Investigation
The investigation revealed chilling details about the murders. Chris had strangled Shanann in their home and then smothered his daughters. He disposed of their bodies at a remote oil site where he worked. The case was further complicated by Chris’s affair with a coworker, which many believe was a motive for the murders.
The Trial
Chris Watts pleaded guilty to the murders in November 2018 to avoid the death penalty. He was sentenced to five life terms without the possibility of parole. The case left a lasting impact on the community and highlighted the dark side of seemingly perfect families.
The Chris Watts murder case serves as a grim reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind closed doors.
2. The Unsolved Delphi Murders
The Delphi Murders remain one of the most haunting unsolved cases in recent history. In February 2017, two young girls, Abigail Williams and Liberty German, went for a hike on the Monon High Bridge in Delphi, Indiana. They never returned home. Their bodies were discovered the next day, sparking a massive investigation.
Despite numerous tips and leads, the case remains unsolved. Richard Allen is charged with four counts of murder in connection to the case, but the mystery persists. The community continues to seek justice for Abby and Libby, hoping that one day, the truth will come to light.
Key Points
- The girls were last seen on the Monon High Bridge.
- Their bodies were found the following day.
- Richard Allen faces charges, but the case is still open.
The Delphi Murders serve as a chilling reminder of the unresolved pain and questions that linger in the wake of such tragedies.
3. The Turpin Family Child Abuse Case
The Turpin Family Child Abuse Case shocked the world when it came to light in 2018. David and Louise Turpin were arrested after one of their 13 children escaped from their home in Perris, California, and called the police. The children, aged 2 to 29, were found in filthy conditions, some shackled to their beds.
The Discovery
The case began when a 17-year-old girl managed to escape through a window and used a deactivated cell phone to call 911. She told the dispatcher that her siblings were being held captive by their parents. When police arrived, they found the children malnourished and living in squalor.
The Arrest
David and Louise Turpin were arrested and charged with multiple counts of child abuse, false imprisonment, and torture. The couple pleaded guilty to 14 felony counts and were sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
The Aftermath
The Turpin case sparked discussions about child abuse and neglect, potentially prompting collective action and awareness. The children were placed in foster care and have since been working to rebuild their lives. The bravery of the 17-year-old girl who escaped and alerted authorities was crucial in ending the years of abuse.
The Turpin case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and support systems in preventing child abuse. It highlights the need for communities to be aware and proactive in protecting vulnerable individuals.
4. Rhoden Family Murders
The Rhoden Family Murders, also known as the Pike County Massacre, took place in 2016. Eight members of the Rhoden family were found dead in their homes in Pike County, Ohio. The victims were shot execution-style, and the crime scene was spread across four different locations.
The Investigation
The investigation into the murders was extensive and complex. Authorities initially struggled to find leads, but over time, they uncovered a web of family feuds and criminal activities. The case took a significant turn when George “Billy” Wagner was accused of helping his two sons, George and Jake Wagner, carry out the murders.
Arrests and Charges
In 2018, the Wagner family was arrested and charged with the murders. The charges included aggravated murder, conspiracy, and other related offenses. The prosecution argued that the motive behind the killings was a custody dispute involving Jake Wagner and one of the Rhoden family members.
Current Status
As of now, the case is still ongoing, with the Wagner family awaiting trial. The community remains shaken by the brutality of the crime, and the Rhoden family continues to seek justice for their lost loved ones.
The Rhoden Family Murders serve as a chilling reminder of how deep-seated family conflicts can escalate into unimaginable violence.
5. Casey Anthony
In 2011, the world was captivated by the trial of Casey Anthony, a young mother accused of killing her two-year-old daughter, Caylee. The case began when Caylee’s grandmother, Cindy, reported her missing. Less than five months later, Caylee’s remains were found on the family’s property.
Casey Anthony quickly became the prime suspect. For weeks, she had lied about Caylee’s whereabouts, and Cindy claimed that Casey’s car smelled like it had housed a decomposing body. During the trial, prosecutors presented DNA evidence linking Caylee’s body to Casey’s car. They also showed that Casey had searched extensively on her computer for information on making and using chloroform.
Despite the evidence, the jury acquitted Casey Anthony of murder, convicting her only of providing false information to law enforcement. She was released on time served, which ignited public outrage.
The case was so compelling that it inspired the title: Casey Anthony: An American Murder Mystery, a documentary that delves into the troubled investigation and the tragic death of Caylee.
The Casey Anthony case remains one of the most controversial and talked-about true crime stories of the last decade.
6. Sandy Hook
The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting is one of the most tragic events in recent history. On December 14, 2012, 20-year-old Adam Lanza entered the school in Newtown, Connecticut, after killing his mother, Nancy Lanza, at their home. Armed with a Bushmaster semi-automatic rifle, he took the lives of 26 people, including 20 children aged 6 and 7, before turning the gun on himself.
The Attack
The attack began early in the morning when Adam Lanza shot his mother four times with a .22-caliber rifle. He then drove to Sandy Hook Elementary School, where he forced his way in and started shooting. The entire incident lasted less than five minutes but left a lasting impact on the community and the nation.
The Victims
The victims included 20 young children and six staff members. The loss of so many innocent lives, especially children, shocked the world and led to widespread mourning and calls for action against gun violence.
Aftermath and Impact
In the aftermath of the shooting, there were numerous calls for stricter gun control laws. The tragedy also sparked debates about mental health care and school safety. Various memorials and tributes were created to honor the victims, and the event remains a somber reminder of the need for change.
The Sandy Hook shooting is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of addressing issues like gun control and mental health. The community of Newtown continues to heal, but the memory of that day will never fade.
Key Points
- Adam Lanza killed his mother before attacking the school.
- The shooting lasted less than five minutes.
- 26 people were killed, including 20 children.
- The event led to calls for stricter gun control and better mental health care.
- Memorials and tributes were created to honor the victims.
7. Samuel Little
Samuel Little is known as the most prolific serial killer in American history. He was already in prison for three murders when he began confessing to many more. Little, then 78 years old, told Texas Ranger James Holland that he had killed over 90 people during his life. Most of his victims were women, and he usually killed them by strangulation.
Authorities across the country quickly confirmed dozens of his confessions. According to the FBI, Little’s confirmed murders make him the most prolific serial killer in the United States. Despite this, many Americans still don’t know his name.
The sheer number of victims and the brutality of his crimes make Samuel Little’s case one of the most shocking in recent history.
Key Facts
- Number of Victims: Over 90
- Method of Killing: Strangulation
- Target: Mostly women
- Age at Confession: 78 years old
Little’s case has been featured in various true crime podcasts and documentaries, shedding light on his horrific crimes and the lives of his many victims. His story is a grim reminder of the dark side of human nature and the importance of vigilance in solving cold cases.
8. Niels Högel
Niels Högel, a former nurse in Germany, is considered one of the most prolific serial killers in modern history. He was convicted of murdering 85 patients by administering lethal doses of medication. However, some estimates suggest that his true body count might be closer to 300.
The Crimes
Högel’s killing spree took place over several years while he worked in various hospitals. He would inject patients with drugs that caused heart failure or other medical emergencies, only to then attempt to resuscitate them. This gave him a twisted sense of heroism and control.
The Arrest
Högel was finally caught in 2005 when he was observed injecting a patient with a drug they were not prescribed. This led to an investigation that uncovered his horrifying actions.
The Trial
During his trial, Högel confessed to many of the murders, although he claimed he couldn’t remember all of them. He was sentenced to life in prison, making him one of the most notorious European serial killers ever.
The sheer number of victims and the fact that they were vulnerable patients in a healthcare setting make Högel’s crimes particularly terrifying.
The Aftermath
The case led to widespread changes in hospital protocols and increased scrutiny of medical staff in Germany. It also raised questions about how such actions could go unnoticed for so long.
Högel’s case serves as a grim reminder of the potential for abuse in positions of trust and the importance of vigilance in healthcare settings.
9. Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy New York City hedge fund manager with significant influence. He mingled with presidents and British royalty and even owned a private Caribbean island. Despite his high status, Epstein’s life took a dark turn. In 2008, he avoided prison for multiple counts of underage sexual abuse through a controversial plea deal. However, in 2019, he was arrested again, this time for underage sex trafficking. Facing decades in prison, Epstein died in his cell while awaiting trial. The official cause of death was suicide by hanging, but this has been met with skepticism by both his lawyers and the public. The Epstein case is significant because it reflects the ‘Me Too’ movement’s impact on society.
10. The Murder of Shanda Sharer
The murder of Shanda Sharer is one of the most tragic and horrifying true crime cases of the last decade. Shanda was just 12 years old when she was brutally tortured and burned to death by a group of teenage girls. This case shocked the nation and highlighted the extreme cruelty that can exist among young people.
The crime took place in January 1992, when Shanda was lured from her home by four girls: Melinda Loveless, Laurie Tackett, Hope Rippey, and Toni Lawrence. They took her to a remote location where they tortured her for hours before setting her on fire. The brutality of the crime was unimaginable, and it left a lasting impact on everyone who heard about it.
The girls were eventually caught and brought to trial. They were all convicted and sentenced to various terms in prison. The case was widely covered in the media, and it became a symbol of the dangers of unchecked teenage aggression and violence.
The story of Shanda Sharer is a stark reminder of the potential for evil that can exist in anyone, regardless of age. It also serves as a call to action for parents, educators, and communities to be vigilant in recognizing and addressing signs of bullying and violence among young people.
In her book Cruel Sacrifice, Aphrodite Jones discusses the tragic murder of Shanda Sharer in detail, providing a comprehensive look at the events leading up to the crime and its aftermath. The book is a sobering read, but it is also an important one for understanding the depths of human cruelty and the importance of prevention and intervention.
The tragic story of Shanda Sharer is one that continues to haunt many. Her life was cut short in a brutal manner, leaving a lasting impact on all who hear her story. If you want to dive deeper into this case and explore other intriguing mysteries, visit our website. We offer a wealth of resources and exclusive content that you won’t find anywhere else.
Conclusion
The last decade has seen some of the most chilling and unforgettable true crime cases. From mysterious disappearances to shocking murders, these stories have captivated our attention and left us with more questions than answers. As we reflect on these events, it’s clear that the quest for justice and understanding continues. These cases remind us of the importance of vigilance, the advancements in forensic science, and the relentless pursuit of truth by investigators. While some mysteries remain unsolved, the impact of these crimes on the victims’ families and communities is undeniable. True crime not only fascinates us but also serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of human nature. As we move forward, we must continue to seek justice and support those affected by these tragic events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Chris Watts murder case?
In 2018, Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. He initially reported them missing but later confessed to the killings. Watts was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Why are the Delphi murders still unsolved?
The Delphi murders, involving the deaths of teenagers Libby German and Abby Williams in 2017, remain unsolved due to a lack of concrete evidence. Despite numerous tips and leads, the killer has not been identified, and the case is still under investigation.
What was the Turpin family child abuse case about?
The Turpin family case came to light in 2018 when one of the 13 children escaped and called the police. The parents, David and Louise Turpin, were found to have kept their children in horrific conditions, including shackling them to beds and starving them. The parents were sentenced to life in prison.
