The Confession Killer

Henry Lee Lucas "The Connfession Killer"

Lucas became infamous not only for his crimes, but for falsely confessing to hundreds of murders across the United States — earning him the nickname "The Confession Killer." While his stories gained him notoriety, free meals, and police attention, most of his claims were eventually debunked.

Despite the lies, Lucas was convicted of 11 homicides and was linked to several more, including the murder of his mother, Viola Lucas. His confirmed kill count is small, but his manipulation of law enforcement and the media exposed the cracks in America’s justice system.

Known & Confirmed Victims

Viola Lucas (Lucas's own mother), age 74, January 11, 1960. Lucas stabbed her to death during an argument in Michigan. She was abusive throughout his life.

Becky Powell, age 15, Lucas’s underage girlfriend. He murdered her and dismembered her remains near Denton, Texas. She was a runaway with little family contact.

Kate Rich, age 80, An elderly woman who had given Lucas odd jobs. He killed her and burned her body in Texas. She was a local widow, known to help down-and-out people.

Suspected Victims

Lucas confessed to over 600 murders, but most were discredited due to physical impossibilities (he was often proven to be in another state when the murders happened). However, a few unsolved murders are still loosely associated with him based on geography and his inconsistent confessions.