The Toolbox Killers

Named for the everyday hardware tools (pliers, ice picks, sledgehammers, screwdrivers) they used to torture and murder their victims. They cruised Southern California in a windowless silver GMC van ("Murder Mack"), abducting young girls, often offering them rides. Once inside, the victims were tortured using tools from a standard toolbox and their final moments were often recorded on audio tape.

Bittaker and Norris meet in in 1977 at San Luis Obispo prison. They shared a bond over violent fantasies. Both were released from prison and reunited in October of 1979 and Begin planning abductions, buying tools, and practicing luring techniques. Lawrence & Roy abducted and murdered five teenage girls between June and October of 1979.

On Nov 20, 1979, Norris was arrested for an unrelated assault but later confessed and led police to Bittaker. On March 24, 1981, Bittaker was convicted of five murders and sentenced to death. Bittaker died from natural causes while on death row at San Quentin on Dec 13, 2019. Norris died in prison from natural causes on Feb24, 2020.

Victims

Lucinda Lynn Schaefer, age 16 — Returning home from a church meeting when she was abducted. She was raped, tortured, and strangled. A bright spirit lost after a simple walk home.

Andrea Joy Hall, age 18 — While hitchhiking home from the beach, she accepted a ride. She was bound, photographed, tortured, and killed with an ice pick. A young woman who trusted the wrong stranger.

Jacqueline Doris Gilliam, age 15 — Abducted along with her friend Leah Lamp while waiting for a bus. She was held for nearly two days, raped, tortured with vice-grip pliers, and killed with an ice pick. An adventurous teen who deserved a full life.

Leah Gail Lamp, age 13 — Abducted and killed alongside her friend Jacqueline. She endured hours of torture and was ultimately killed with a sledgehammer. A child whose last day should’ve been just another afternoon.

Shirley Lynette Ledford, age 16 — Accepted a ride after leaving a Halloween party. Her murder was recorded on a haunting audio tape that later became infamous in court for its sheer brutality. She was tortured with pliers, beaten, and strangled. A Halloween night forever haunted by her absence.

Lawrence Bittaker & Roy Norris "The Toolbox Killers"

Active 1979

California