Richard Evonitz

ABOUT

Richard Marc Evonitz was an American serial killer, kidnapper, and rapist whose criminal activities spanned several states before they were ultimately brought to a stop in 2002. Known for preying on young girls, Evonitz's heinous acts left a dark mark on the communities he terrorized, particularly in Virginia. His capture and the subsequent revelations about his life and crimes shocked the nation, exposing a deeply troubled individual with a terrifying propensity for violence and deception.

BEFORE FAME

Richard Evonitz was born on July 29, 1963, in Columbia, South Carolina. He had a relatively unremarkable early life, growing up in what appeared to be a typical American household. After completing high school, he joined the United States Navy, where he served with some distinction. Post military service, Evonitz worked as a sales representative, a job that often required him to travel, which inadvertently facilitated his criminal activities.

TRIVIA

• His ability to elude capture was largely due to his seemingly normal and likable persona, which allowed him to blend into the community unnoticed.
• Evonitz meticulously planned his crimes, exhibiting traits often associated with organized serial killers.
• The break in his case came when one of his intended victims managed to escape, leading to a multi-state manhunt that culminated in his suicide on June 27, 2002.

FAMILY LIFE

Evonitz came from a family with a history of mental health issues, which some believe may have influenced his behavior. His parents were aware of some of their son's troubles but were reportedly unaware of the full extent of his crimes. He was married twice; both marriages ended in divorce, with his second wife providing crucial information that helped law enforcement piece together his activities.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Richard Evonitz’s criminal legacy is often discussed in the context of the broader pattern of behavior exhibited by serial predators in the United States. His case is juxtaposed with those of other notorious criminals like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy, who similarly led double lives, hiding their nefarious activities beneath a veneer of normalcy. Evonitz's capture and the subsequent investigations provided important insights into the psychological profile of such offenders, contributing to the field of criminal psychology and profiling.