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Quick Facts
Nicknames or Aliases: The Lipstick Killer
Offender Status: Died in Prison
MO: kidnapping, stabbing, mutilation
Timespan of Crimes: 1945-1946
Date Apprehended: June 26, 1946
Date of Incarceration: August 7, 1946
Sentence: three life terms
Case Status: Closed
Number of Victims: 3
Victims: Josephine Ross, Frances Brown, and Suzanne Degnan
Location of Crimes: Chicago, Illinois
Summary of William Heirens’ Crimes
On June 5, 1945, Josephine Ross (43) was found dead in her Chicago apartment. She was found with multiple stab wounds and a dress wrapped around her head. She was holding a fistful of dark hairs in her hand. Nothing was stolen. Police could not identify a dark-complexioned man reportedly seen loitering nearby or running away.
On December 10, 1945, Frances Brown was found dead in her apartment. She'd been shot in the head and had a knife lodged in her neck. Nothing was stolen. A message, written in lipstick, read: "For heavens Sake catch me Before I kill more I cannot control myself."
Evidence found by police included a fingerprint in blood by the front door. Witnesses heard gunshots around 4am. At one point, the suspect was briefly believed to be a woman by Chicago Police.
On January 7, 1946, Suzanne Degnan (6) was discovered missing from her bedroom in Edgewater, Chicago. A ladder was found outside of her apartment window with a note stating, "Get $20,000 ready & wait for my word. Do not notify the FBI or police. Bills are in 5's & 10's. Burn this for her safety."
Repeated ransom calls at the Degnan residence and a ransom note sent to Edward Kelly, Chicago's Mayor at the time, triggered a series of random tips from the community. After taking a chance on those tips, police found various body parts belonging to Suzanne in sewers and storm drains near the Degnan house.
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