Ottis Toole

Ottis Toole Partner of Henry Lee Lukas

Toole was a drifter, arsonist, and confessed serial killer. He's best remembered for his deeply disturbing partnership with fellow murderer Henry Lee Lucas, who also confessed to an enormous number of murders, though both men’s stories were riddled with lies and exaggerations. Most chillingly, Toole confessed to the 1981 abduction and murder of 6-year-old Adam Walsh, the son of John Walsh — host of America’s Most Wanted. Though Toole was never formally charged in court for the murder, police closed the case in 2008, naming him as the killer.

Known & Confirmed Victims

George Sonnenberg, age 64. He was a disabled man who was in a sexual relationship with Toole. Toole set Sonnenberg’s house on fire, leaving him to die from injuries sustained in the blaze.

Adam Walsh, age 6. (believed to be a victim) Adam was abducted from a Sears department store. His severed head was found two weeks later in a canal. Toole confessed multiple times but recanted, and physical evidence was lost.

Suspected Victims

Ottis Toole claimed to have killed over 100 people, but investigators confirmed only a handful, many with help from Henry Lee Lucas. Due to their lies, many cases remain uncertain.

Toole along with Henry Lee Lucas claimed responsibility for dozens of other murders, but law enforcement believes most of these confessions were false or exaggerated. Lucas especially was known for fabricating confessions for attention or favors while in custody, often with Toole supporting the lies.