FBI Hunts Thrill Killers Preying On Adults And Children | The FBI Files | Real Crime

Real Crime27 minutes read

A pair of serial killers in the Midwest targeted adults and children, leading to a massive manhunt involving the FBI and local investigators. The killers, Alton Coleman and accomplice, were eventually apprehended in Illinois after a 1,300-mile crime spree that culminated in Coleman's capture and subsequent execution in Ohio.

Insights

  • Robert Knight, actually Alton Coleman, and accomplice wreak havoc across six states, targeting victims through manipulation and violence, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.
  • The FBI's strategic national media campaign, coupled with relentless pursuit by agents like Special Agent Burden and Ellie, played a pivotal role in capturing Alton Coleman within seven weeks, ultimately preventing further bloodshed.

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Recent questions

  • Who were the serial killers in the Midwest?

    Coleman and Brown

  • How were Coleman and Brown captured?

    Tip-off in Illinois

  • What was the outcome of the FBI's hunt for Coleman?

    Capture within seven weeks

  • How did Coleman and Brown change their appearance?

    Coleman cut his hair

  • What was the fate of Alton Coleman?

    Sentenced to death and executed

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Midwest Serial Killers: Hunt for Coleman

  • Pair of serial killers in the Midwest targeting adults and children
  • Agents trailing behind, following a trail of bodies
  • Crime spree escalating, mounting pressure to stop killers
  • Killers moving through six states, targeting adults and young girls
  • Juanita, single mother, and her daughter Vernita with a new friend, Robert Knight
  • Robert lures Vernita to an abandoned building, claiming a gift for her
  • Juanita, worried, seeks help from friend Ellen Reeves and contacts the police
  • Robert Knight identified as Alton Coleman, a dangerous criminal with a violent past
  • Massive search for Coleman initiated, involving FBI and local investigators
  • Vernita's body found in an abandoned building, evidence linking Coleman to the crime

23:25

National media campaign captures serial killer couple

  • Profiler suggested a national media campaign targeting black communities to capture a serial killer
  • Publicity campaign launched with photos of suspects Brown and Coleman released to media
  • Agents received info about missing woman and found her son, Johnny, and grandson, James, in the house
  • James identified Brown and Coleman as the couple at their house the night before
  • Blood found in the kitchen led to the discovery of bodies of Virginia and Kimberly Blake in the basement
  • Coleman and Brown changed appearance after media attention, Coleman cut his hair
  • Coleman and Brown murdered mother and daughter in Ohio, leaving behind evidence
  • Coleman and Brown's MO involved gaining trust of victims before attacking
  • Coleman and Brown traveled across states, leaving a trail of violence and murder
  • Coleman and Brown were apprehended in Illinois after a tip-off, leading to their arrest and charges

48:51

Rampage: FBI's Hunt for Alton Coleman

  • Rampage covered over 1,300 miles in six states for Special Agent Burden and Ellie.
  • The FBI's intense hunt led to Alton Coleman's capture within seven weeks, preventing further murders.
  • Alton Coleman was sentenced to death four times and executed in Ohio on April 26th, 2000.
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