Samuel Little | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 17, 2024

Who is Samuel Little?

Samuel Little, born Samuel McDowell on June 7, 1940, is infamously recognized as the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, according to the FBI. His life of crime began in his teenage years in Reynolds, Georgia, where he faced a troubled upbringing after being raised by his grandmother. Over the years, Little committed a range of offenses, including theft, assault, and armed robbery. By the time he was arrested in 2012 on drug charges, he had accumulated numerous arrests across 19 states, with a past that included two murder convictions escaped prior to his eventual capture.

In 2014, Little was convicted of three murders in California dating back to the late 1980s and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Despite maintaining his innocence at first, he later confessed to a staggering total of 93 killings admitted over decades, predominantly targeting marginalized women, including sex workers and drug addicts. This widespread evasion of justice was attributed to the profiles of his victims, whose deaths were often misclassified or overlooked. Under the name “The Choke-and-Stroke Killer,” Little described his modus operandi of strangulation, and he claimed that he felt compelled by a divine force to carry out these acts.

Early Life and Education

Samuel Little, born Samuel McDowell on June 7, 1940, in Reynolds, Georgia, had a tumultuous early life marked by family instability and criminal behavior. His mother, a teenage prostitute, reportedly abandoned him, leading to a childhood spent with his grandmother in Lorain, Ohio. Little’s upbringing was fraught with challenges, as he struggled academically and ultimately dropped out of high school. From a young age, he began to engage in a cycle of theft and delinquency, which would foreshadow his later criminal endeavors.

Little’s criminal activities escalated following his early experiences with juvenile detention. Throughout the 1950s and into the following decades, he moved frequently across the United States, racking up an extensive criminal record. Over 25 arrests across 11 states for crimes ranging from theft to armed robbery characterized his tumultuous youth. Though he claimed to have developed skills as a boxer during his years in prison, these positive attributes were overshadowed by a lifetime of criminal actions that would culminate in his notoriety as one of America's most infamous serial killers.

Criminal Beginnings in the 1950s

Samuel Little's life of crime commenced in the 1950s, starting with petty theft as a teenager in Ohio. Raised by his grandmother after being abandoned by his mother, he faced numerous challenges that contributed to his troubled youth. Little's early encounters with the law included arrests for various offenses, including fraud and assault. By the age of 35, he had accumulated a staggering 25 arrests across 11 states, setting the stage for a criminal trajectory that would eventually lead him to become one of America's most notorious serial killers.

During these formative years, Little engaged with increasingly severe crimes. His unlawful activities escalated from minor theft to more serious offenses, such as armed robbery and sexual assault. By the time he reached adulthood, Little had gained a reputation as a violent criminal, leading to significant prison time for his actions. While he briefly dabbled in boxing during his incarceration, it was his capacity for violence that defined his legacy, marking the beginning of a harrowing journey culminating in a wave of murders spanning several decades.

Convictions, Confessions, and Victims

Samuel Little's criminal activities escalated significantly after he was linked to three unsolved murders in California dating back to the late 1980s. In 2012, while being held for a drug charge, DNA evidence connected him to the homicides of Carol Ilene Elford, Guadalupe Duarte Apodaca, and Audrey Nelson Everett. By 2014, a jury convicted him of these murders and handed down a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Following this verdict, Little's extensive history of criminal activity came into sharper focus as investigators uncovered links between him and a series of unsolved murders across 19 states, catalyzing further inquiries into his past.

As authorities probed deeper, Samuel Little confessed to committing an extraordinary number of killings, claiming to have murdered 93 individuals between 1970 and 2005. By that time, more than 60 of his confessions were verified, showcasing a pattern of targeting vulnerable populations, including sex workers and drug addicts, often from marginalized communities. Little's modus operandi involved overpowering his victims, often by strangulation, leaving little physical evidence behind. This lack of identifiable causes of death allowed many of his actions to go undetected for years, further compounding the tragedy of his crimes. His chilling admissions articulated a belief that he was fulfilling a twisted purpose, viewing his acts of violence as a form of mercy for those he chose as victims.

Profile of a Serial Killer

Samuel Little, born Samuel McDowell on June 7, 1940, in Reynolds, Georgia, is infamously recognized as the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, according to the FBI. His criminal activities began in adolescence, with a pattern of theft and escalating violence that spanned over several decades. After numerous arrests for various offenses, including assault and armed robbery, Little's reign of terror ultimately culminated in his conviction for three murders in California in 2014. Despite his claims of innocence, Little confessed to committing 93 murders across 19 states between 1970 and 2005, with law enforcement authorities having confirmed more than 60 of these admissions by late 2021.

Little's modus operandi primarily targeted marginalized women, including sex workers and individuals struggling with addiction. His violent act of killing typically involved physical assault followed by strangulation, making many of his victims' deaths appear accidental or drug-related, which contributed to the delayed detection of his crimes. Little's chilling self-perception included believing he was divinely compelled to kill, expressing that the acts provided him a thrill akin to drug use. Drawing became a coping mechanism for him, showcasing his victims through art, which later assisted investigators in identifying some of his unknown victims. Ultimately, Little's life ended in custody on December 30, 2020, leaving behind a haunting legacy of violence and loss.

Personal Life: Relationships and No Children

Samuel Little’s personal life was marked by a series of tumultuous relationships and a lack of family ties. Little claimed to have been married once, though there are no verified records to substantiate this assertion. He had two long-term romantic involvements during his lifetime, but he did not father any children. His most significant relationship was with Orelia “Jean” Dorsey, whom he met while incarcerated in 1971. Dorsey was 27 years his senior and became an integral part of Little's life, serving as both a mother figure and a partner in crime. Their bond was a mixture of love and loyalty until her death in 1988 from a brain hemorrhage.

Throughout his life, Little's relationships were largely overshadowed by his criminal behavior and the chaos that surrounded it. After the death of Dorsey, he remained alone, reflecting a solitary existence that was often punctuated by incarceration. His relationships were not typical; rather, they were entwined with the criminal underbelly that characterized much of his life. Despite the absence of children, Little’s interactions with women, particularly those involved in the sex trade, would ultimately shape his infamous legacy as a serial killer targeting vulnerable individuals.

Net Worth and Earning: Details Unknown

Samuel Little, known as the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, was arrested in 2012 and subsequently convicted of three murders in California. Throughout his life, he was believed to have killed up to 93 people across 19 states. Despite his heinous acts, the details surrounding his net worth and earnings remain largely unknown. Little lived a transient lifestyle, often finding himself homeless or incarcerated, which would have significantly impacted any financial stability he might have had.

As a convicted murderer serving life without parole, Little's focus was primarily on his confessions rather than accumulating wealth. Moreover, he had limited opportunities to earn money, considering his extensive criminal history and the violent nature of his crimes. Consequently, any earnings tied to his life in crime or confessions were overshadowed by his infamy and the seriousness of his actions, leaving a shadow of uncertainty over his financial history.

FAQs

Who was Samuel Little?

Samuel Little was recognized as the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, according to the FBI. Born Samuel McDowell on June 7, 1940, in Reynolds, Georgia, he led a life of crime beginning in his teenage years. His criminal activities included various offenses, which ultimately led to his arrest in 2012. DNA testing linked him to three homicides in California, marking the start of the unraveling of his deadly past.

What were Samuel Little's early life experiences?

Little faced a tumultuous early life, raised by his grandmother after being abandoned by his mother, who was a teenage prostitute. He dropped out of high school and began committing petty crimes, which escalated over the years. By the mid-1970s, Little had been arrested over 25 times for various offenses, including theft, armed robbery, and assaults, spending a total of ten years imprisoned throughout his criminal career.

How many murders did Samuel Little confess to?

Samuel Little confessed to committing 93 murders between 1970 and 2005 across 19 states. His confessions led authorities to link him to more than 60 confirmed murders. His victims were often socially marginalized individuals, including sex workers and drug addicts, which contributed to the difficulty in detecting foul play in many cases.

What methods did Samuel Little use in his crimes?

Little's method of killing began with him incapacitating his victims, often by punching them, followed by strangulation. He was known for his ability to blend into the background, with many cases going unnoticed due to the profile of his victims. As a result, many deaths were initially attributed to natural causes, overdoses, or accidents.

What is known about Samuel Little's relationships?

Little claimed to have been married once, but his most significant relationship was with Orelia "Jean" Dorsey, whom he met in prison. They maintained a close bond until her death in 1988. Dorsey acted as a surrogate mother and traveling companion, supporting Little throughout his criminal activities.

When and how did Samuel Little die?

Samuel Little died in custody on December 30, 2020, at the age of 80. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed, but he had been suffering from various health issues including heart problems and diabetes. At the time of his death, he was wheelchair-bound and had been receiving medical care.

What documentaries have covered Samuel Little's life?

Several documentaries have been produced about Samuel Little, including Oxygen's "Catching a Serial Killer: Sam Little" released in 2020. The following year, "Confronting a Serial Killer," a five-part docuseries aired on Starz, highlighting the relationship between Little and journalist Jillian Lauren, who interviewed him for a book about his crimes.