Samuel Little, Multiple States, (Active: 1970–2005)

Considered the most prolific U.S. serial killer, Little confessed to 93 murders, mostly of marginalized women including prostitutes, drug addicts, and women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many cases were closed based on his confessions. Also known as the "Chokehold Killer," he one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history. He was convicted of three murders, but he confessed to killing 93 women over a span of nearly 40 years, between 1970 and 2005.His killings took place across multiple states. He would strangle his victims, often in a way that left no visible marks. His confessions were confirmed through DNA testing and other investigative work, which led to the identification of numerous victims. Little died in December 2020, but his confessions continue to shed light on many unsolved cases.

Known Victims:

1. Laurie (or "Lori") – Last name and age are unknown. Killed in 1971. Little confessed to killing Laurie in Miami, Florida. Her identity was never conclusively determined. He claimed to have strangled her in a hotel room.

2. Melissa Ann Pritchard – 21 years old. Killed in 1983 in Miami Florida. Melissa was found strangled. Little later confessed to her murder. Her case went unsolved for decades until Little's confession matched her details.

3. Kathy Mae Thomas – 23 years old. Killed in 1984 in Los Angeles CA. Kathy was found strangled, and Little admitted to strangling her in a similar manner to many of his other victims.

4. Anna Stewart – 23 years old. Kille in 1987 in Florida. Stewart was another woman Little confessed to killing. She was strangled, and her body was found in a field.

5. Shirley Ann McDonald – 41 years old. Killed in 1989 in Los Angeles CA. Little confessed to strangling Shirley McDonald after meeting her at a bar. Her body was found near an abandoned building in Los Angeles.

6. Rose Hill – Name and age of this victim is unknown. Little described a woman he strangled in the late 1980s whose identity remains unclear. He referred to her as "Rose Hill" in his confession.

7. Debra Jackson – 23 years old. Killed in Los Angeles, CA. in 1986. Little confessed to the murder of Debra Jackson, whom he strangled and dumped in a secluded area. Her body was not discovered until years later.

8. Mary Ann Luster – 30 years old. Killed in Los Angeles, CA. in 1984. Luster was another victim Little admitted to strangling. Her remains were found in an alley in Los Angeles.

9. Tracie M. Walker – 20 years old. Killed in 1992 in Miami Florida. Little strangled Walker and disposed of her body near a waterway.

10. Barbara Ann Jackson – 38 years old. Killed in 1996 in Los Angeles, CA. Little murdered Barbara after meeting her in Los Angeles. He strangled her and disposed of her body in an alley.

Unsolved Victims

Little's confessions included many more women whose identities are still unknown. He provided details about these victims, including their physical appearances, the locations where he disposed of their bodies, and circumstances surrounding their deaths. Some of these women were identified through DNA and other forensic evidence in the years following his arrest. Many of Little’s victims were young women, often with histories of substance abuse, homelessness, or sex work.

Little was arrested in 2012 for a cold case from 2007, where he was identified as the murderer of a woman named Lillian McKinney in Los Angeles. His arrest led to a larger investigation into his past crimes. Little confessed to 93 murders. He provided detailed descriptions of his victims, the locations of their deaths, and the methods he used to kill them. Investigators continue to work on identifying victims.