There are several serial killers in the United States who had long spans of time between their first and last confirmed kills. Here are a few notable examples:
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Samuel Little: Active from 1970 to 2005, Samuel Little claimed to have killed over 90 people. He was apprehended in 2012, but he was active for over 35 years, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history.
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Harold Shipman: Although a British doctor, it's worth noting he has ties to the U.S. context due to his notoriety. Shipman was active from the 1970s to 1998 and is suspected of hundreds of murders, primarily of elderly patients.
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Robert Hansen: Active from 1971 to 1983, Hansen was a hunter who abducted, raped, and killed multiple women in Alaska. His killing spree lasted approximately 12 years.
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Gary Ridgway: Known as the Green River Killer, Ridgway was active from 1982 to 1998. He confessed to killing 71 women, although the total number could be higher. His killing spree lasted around 16 years.
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Aileen Wuornos: Aileen was active from 1989 to 1990, killing seven men over a period of about a year and a half. While her active period was short, her life and background contributed significantly to her notoriety.
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David Berkowitz: Known as the Son of Sam, Berkowitz was active in New York City from 1976 to 1977, committing multiple shootings. His period of activity lasted about one year, but he caused fear and chaos during that time.
These examples illustrate that serial killers can have varied timelines, often spanning years or even decades from their first to last confirmed kill. Their motives, methods, and periods of inactivity vary widely.
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