The Servant Girl Annihilator

The Servant Girl Annihilator is the nickname given to an unidentified American serial killer who terrorized Austin, Texas, between December 1884 and December 1885. The killer targeted primarily Black female servants, attacking them in their sleep, often dragging them outside to secluded areas where they were brutally murdered. Most of the victims were assaulted with an axe or sharp object, and several displayed signs of sexual assault or ritualistic posing. The string of murders was among the earliest recorded serial killings in the United States, predating Jack the Ripper by three years, and caused widespread fear and panic in the city.

Despite numerous arrests and public outcry, no one was ever convicted of the crimes, and the true identity of the Servant Girl Annihilator remains unknown. The case stands as one of the earliest unsolved serial murder sprees in American history.

Victims

Mollie Smith (25), the first known victim, murdered on December 30, 1884, struck in the head with an axe and found in the snow behind her employer’s home.

Eliza Shelley (30), killed on May 7, 1885, was found in her employer's home with her head crushed.

Irene Cross (33), murdered on May 23, was attacked with a knife and nearly scalped—her body left inside her home.

Rebecca Ramey (11) was attacked on August 30 alongside her mother.

Mary Ramey (11), who died from a head injury, while Rebecca survived with severe injuries.

Gracie Vance (20), murdered on September 28. Gracie’s body was found in a shed with her head bashed in.

Orange Washington (age unknown), this was the companion of Gracie Vance.

Susan Hancock (41) Killed with Eula Phillips.

Eula Phillips (17) killed in separate parts of Austin. Eula was dragged into a backyard and found with her skull crushed and legs splayed, her murder sparking rumors of occult motivations.

The Servant Girl Annihilator
Active 1884–1885
Austin, Texas.