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Patrick Kearney earned infamy as one of America’s most prolific serial killers, leaving a trail of horror during the 1960s and 70s.
Over the course of 15 years, Kearney confessed to the brutal murders of 35 boys and young men, a revelation that sent shockwaves through the nation. His crimes not only stunned the public but also left a chilling mark on America’s criminal history.
Dubbed the 'Trash Bag Killer' for his gruesome method of disposing of victims, Kearney’s story is a haunting chapter in true crime history. This article delves into his life and the twisted path that led to his horrifying deeds.
Patrick Kearney’s early life
Kearney was born in 1939 and grew up in California. During his childhood, he was bullied constantly, which is thought to have been a significant factor in his future crimes. He was berated for his slight build and sickly nature.
As he got older, Kearney fantasised about murdering his enemies. This also led to sexual fantasies focused on dominance and control. He was often violent towards animals, but this developed further when he was 13. At this age, he began to engage in bestiality.
The bullying and ostracisation of Kearney – combined with various personal issues and psychological problems – has always been considered a major factor in his crimes.
Kearney’s crimes
Although briefly married to a woman – which ended in divorce – Kearney was gay and targeted men during his crime spree.
He became a highly skilled pickup artist, particularly in the Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego areas. Kearney had an interest in Latin American culture and was fluent in Spanish, which helped him to form a bond with his older victims.
Kearney’s first murder occurred in the spring of 1962, initiating a spree that lasted until 1977. The victims were always murdered in a similar manner, and their ages ranged from their mid-twenties to as young as five.
Kearney took no pleasure in torturing or tormenting his victims. Instead, he shot them in the head. However, after they were dead, Kearney interfered with their bodies. He was a necrophiliac, and most of the time, he sodomised their bodies after death.
The Trash Bag Killer
Kearney was known as the 'Trash Bag Killer' because of how he would dispose of his victims' bodies.
After he had shot them in the head and sodomised them, he proceeded to dismember his victims. He then put their remains into industrial style trash bags and left them in remote places across California.
As well as in deserts, he would sometimes leave the bags in areas on the freeways of California, leading to the alternative nickname of 'The Freeway Killer'.
The investigation of Kearney’s crimes
The investigation into the murders was complex. It took place over several years and involved different law enforcement departments and agencies.
It was particularly challenging to gather evidence, due to how Kearney had scattered the remains of his victims across California.
The evidence started piling up when the authorities performed forensic analysis and took statements from witnesses. Once the information was gathered, they were able to put together a victim profile. This profile showed that boys and young men were the targets.
The break in the case came in 1977 with the murder of John Otis LaMay. The police realised that LaMay had been in the company of Kearney and his partner David Hill before his death. They issued warrants for the pair’s arrest, leading to Kearney and Hill fleeing to El Paso, Texas.
On 1st July 1977, Kearny surrendered. He turned himself in at Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. He attended the station with his partner, but Hill was later released as it was clear he had no involvement.
Kearney’s confessions
When taken into custody, Kearney confessed to 28 murders. He went on to confess to seven more, making for a total of 35 victims. Despite the police being certain of Kearney’s confessions, they could only gather enough evidence for 21 of the killings.
Kearney pleaded guilty to these charges and was given 21 life sentences, and – as of 2024 – is serving his sentence at Mule Creek State Prison in California.
