Samuel Little, dubbed the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history by the FBI, died in December 2020. However, the horror and anguish that surround his case continue to unravel. From 1970 until his arrest in 2012, Little claimed the lives of 93 women, although only 50 have been verified. Here we dig deep into the life, crimes, and the ensuing investigations surrounding Samuel Little.
Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
Samuel Little was born on June 7, 1940, in Reynolds, Georgia. Raised primarily by his grandmother, his first arrest came at the age of 16, setting the stage for a lifetime filled with petty crimes. “Samuel Little’s early life was a harbinger of the horror that would follow,” notes criminal psychologist Dr. Sharon Morgan.
1970-1980: A Trail of Violence
From shoplifting to fraud, Little’s offenses were initially non-violent. But in 1970, the nature of his crimes escalated dramatically when he was arrested for assault and rape. While he faced multiple charges over the decade, he seemed to escape the long arm of the law. The Miami Herald quoted an anonymous detective saying, “He was always slippery; multiple arrests, no convictions.”
1980-1990: Murders and Missed Opportunities
Little’s first murder was believed to have been committed in 1982. Throughout the ’80s, he drifted across states like Florida, California, and Ohio, leaving an increasing number of victims in his wake. In 1984, he was arrested in connection with the murder of Patricia Mount but was acquitted due to lack of evidence. “The system failed; Little walked free, and the killings continued,” said The Washington Post in an article dated 2019.
1990-2000: Eluding Justice
By the ’90s, Little had been arrested over 26 times in 11 states but had spent less than 10 years in prison. Prosecution attempts consistently fell flat. The New York Times commented in 2018, “Despite the overwhelming DNA evidence, Little managed to dodge any substantial conviction.”
2000-2012: Final Years of Killing
In the 2000s, he migrated to Los Angeles, California. It wasn’t until 2012 when Little was arrested on a narcotics charge, and subsequent DNA testing linked him to three cold cases. This marked the beginning of the end for Samuel Little.
2012-2018: Confessions and Convictions
Arrested in 2012, Little was eventually convicted of three counts of first-degree murder in 2014. However, it wasn’t until 2018 when he started confessing to more murders. The Los Angeles Times reported, “In a surprising twist, Samuel Little started talking, revealing details only the killer could know.”
Legacy: The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
At the time of his death in 2020, Little had been convicted for eight murders but had provided details on 93, out of which 50 have been confirmed by the FBI. Investigations remain ongoing to corroborate his other confessions.
Samuel Little’s life showcases a dark tale of systemic failures, missed opportunities, and a man who exploited every gap in the system. The haunting memories of his deeds are a stain on American criminal justice, a cruel paradox in a system designed to protect.