The Most Famous Killer in Texas, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the killer you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 20, 2024 08:13

In the heart of Texas, the tales of notorious killers have echoed through the annals of history, each story more gripping than the last. These individuals have not only shaped the darker chapters of local lore but also captivated the curiosity of many across the nation. Understanding who ranks as the most infamous among them not only satisfies a morbid curiosity but also deepens our insight into the socio-cultural underpinnings of crime in Texas. This list presents a chance to cast your vote and see where these killers stand according to public perception. By participating, you provide a more dynamic and up-to-date consensus on who is considered the most notorious killer in Texas. Your vote helps paint a clearer picture of the past, influencing not just current understandings but also future explorations into Texas's criminal history.

Who Is the Most Famous Killer in Texas?

1

78
votes
Unknown photographer · Public domain

Ted Bundy

Ted Bundy

Although not originally from Texas, Bundy committed several murders in the state and is one of the most notorious serial killers of all time.
Ted Bundy was an American serial killer who terrorized the country during the 1970s. He was known for his charm and good looks, which he used to gain the trust of his victims before committing heinous acts of violence. Bundy's crimes were characterized by abduction, rape, and murder of young women. His case captured national attention due to the scale and brutality of his crimes, as well as his ability to evade capture for an extended period of time.

Number of Victims: Confirmed 30+, suspected over 100

Method of Killing: Strangulation, bludgeoning, and blunt force trauma

Victim Profile: Young women, usually college students

Crime Spree Timeline: 1974-1978

Modus Operandi: Attraction and deception to gain trust before abducting victims, often impersonating authority figures
Ted Bundy in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Death Row inmate
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular serial killer in America
- Position 1 of 10 in Most intriguing serial killer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous criminal in America
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous criminal of all time
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous prison escapees
2

14
votes

Henry Lee Lucas

A convicted serial killer who claimed responsibility for hundreds of murders, many of which occurred in Texas.
3

20
votes

University of Texas · Public domain

Charles Whitman

A former Marine who went on a shooting spree at the University of Texas in 1966, killing 14 people and injuring 31 others.
4

9
votes

Kenneth McDuff

A convicted serial killer who was sentenced to death for the murders of at least nine people in Texas.
5

21
votes

FBI · Public domain

Angel Maturino Resendiz

Known as the "Railroad Killer," Resendiz was convicted of several murders across the United States, including multiple in Texas.
6

15
votes

US Military · Public domain

Dean Corll

Also known as the "Candy Man," Corll was responsible for the murders of at least 28 young boys in the Houston area during the 1970s.
7

13
votes

McLennan County Sheriff's Office. · Public domain

David Koresh

The leader of the Branch Davidians, a religious cult based in Waco, Texas, who died along with many of his followers during a standoff with federal agents in 1993.
8

9
votes

Robert Ben Rhoades

A convicted serial killer who was responsible for the deaths of at least three women in Texas and is suspected of several others across the country.
9

10
votes

Othell O. Owensby Jr. · Public domain

Elmer Wayne Henley

An accomplice to Dean Corll who helped lure young boys to their deaths in exchange for money. Henley was convicted of six murders.
10

2
votes

Genene Jones

A former nurse who was convicted of killing one infant and suspected of killing several others while working at a hospital in San Antonio.

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Ranking factors for famous killer

Number of victims

The number of victims that the killer had is an important factor, as it adds to the severity of their crimes.
Notoriety

How well known the killer is, and whether their crimes were high profile or garnered a lot of media attention.
Impact on society

How much impact the killer had on Texas society at the time of their crimes, and whether their actions had any lasting effects.
Infamy

Whether the killer became infamous for their crimes and was remembered long after the crimes were committed.
Legal consequences

The severity of the legal consequences that the killer faced, such as the length of their prison sentence or whether they were executed, is also an important factor.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous killer in Texas. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or killer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2184 views
192 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each killer once every 24 hours. The rank of each killer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous killer in texas

Texas is known for many things, but one of the most infamous aspects of its history is the presence of notorious killers. From the infamous serial killer, Ted Bundy, to the notorious Charles Manson, Texas has had its fair share of notorious murderers. However, there is one killer who stands out from the rest and continues to captivate people's imaginations to this day. The killer in question is none other than the infamous "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" killer, Leatherface. This iconic character has become a cultural icon, appearing in countless films, TV shows, and even video games. Despite being a fictional character, Leatherface remains one of the most famous "killers" associated with the state of Texas, and his legacy continues to live on to this day.