The Most Famous Arsonist, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the arsonist you think is the most famous!
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 07:01
In the annals of crime history, arson has always held a peculiar and dark allure. Understanding the minds behind such deliberate acts of fire-setting not only fascinates but also aids criminologists and psychologists in studying motive and pathological behavior. A compilation and examination of the most renowned arsonists offer insights into the disturbing yet significant aspect of criminal psychology.
By ranking these individuals, users contribute to a broader analysis while satisfying a curiosity about the darker corners of human action. Your votes help determine which cases are considered most notorious and provide a dynamic measure of public perception. This ongoing interaction adds depth to our collective understanding of crime and its impact on society.
Who Is the Most Famous Arsonist?
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121votesJohn Leonard Orr is a former arson investigator for the Glendale Fire Department, he is believed to have set over 2,000 fires in Southern California. He was convicted of four counts of arson and four counts of murder and is currently serving a life sentence.
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227votesRaymond Lee Oyler is a former firefighter who was convicted of starting the Esperanza Fire in California in 2006, which killed five firefighters. He was sentenced to death in 2009.
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322votesPeter Dinsdale is a British serial arsonist who set over 90 fires in the 1970s and 1980s. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was sentenced to life in prison.
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421votesRobert Dale Segee is also known as the "Apothecary Bomber," he set over 130 fires in Ohio and was convicted of several bombings in the early 1970s. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and died in prison in 2017.
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522votes
David Berkowitz
David BerkowitzDavid Berkowitz is better known as the "Son of Sam," he was a serial killer who also set over 1,400 fires in New York City in the mid-1970s. He was sentenced to life in prison.David Berkowitz, also known as the 'Son of Sam,' was an infamous American serial killer who terrorized New York City in the 1970s. He confessed to murdering six people and wounding several others between 1976 and 1977.- Birth Name: Richard David Falco
- Alias: Son of Sam
- Date of Birth: June 1, 1953
- Number of Confirmed Victims: 6
- Crime Period: July 29, 1976 - July 31, 1977
David Berkowitz in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular serial killer in America
- Position 9 of 10 in Most intriguing serial killer
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611votesPaul Keller is a former volunteer firefighter who set over 60 fires in Michigan, including one that killed nine horses. He was sentenced to 200 years in prison.
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710votes
Federal Bureau of Investigation · Public domainLeonard Lake and Charles Ng is a pair of serial killers who also set several fires in California in the 1980s. They were convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to death. -
84votesGeorge Metesky - known as the "Mad Bomber," he set over 30 bombs in New York City in the 1940s and 1950s. He was eventually caught and diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He died in 1994.
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912votesDaniel William Hiers Jr. is a former firefighter who set several fires in South Carolina in the 2000s. He was convicted of two counts of murder and several counts of arson and is currently serving a life sentence.
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101votesBruce George Peter Lee is a British serial arsonist who set over 20 fires in the 1970s and 1980s, killing 26 people. He was sentenced to life in prison and died in 2013.
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Ranking factors for famous arsonist
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Number of arson incidentsThe more incidents an arsonist has committed, the more infamous they may be considered.
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Property damageThe amount of damage caused by the arsonist's actions can also be a factor. High-profile arson cases that have resulted in significant property damage and loss of life may be more widely known.
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Public attentionIf the arsonist's actions received significant media coverage or public attention, this can also contribute to their level of notoriety.
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MotiveThe reason behind the arsonist's actions may also be a consideration, and cases with particularly unusual, controversial, or extreme motives may stand out.
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Historical significanceIn some cases, the historical significance of the arsonist or their actions may be relevant. For example, an arsonist responsible for a major incident during a time of war or political unrest may be considered more famous or significant.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous arsonist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or arsonist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3662 views
- 139 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each arsonist once every 24 hours. The rank of each arsonist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous arsonist
Arson is a serious crime that involves intentionally setting fire to property or structures. Arsonists are often motivated by revenge, financial gain, or a desire for attention. Over the years, there have been many notorious arsonists who have gained notoriety for their crimes. From the "Mad Bomber" of New York City to the "Angel of Fire" in Australia, these individuals have left a trail of destruction in their wake. But who is the most famous arsonist of all? That's what we aim to explore in this article. Join us as we delve into the world of arson and uncover the stories behind some of the most infamous arsonists in history.
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