About Patrick Kearney
Patrick Wayne Kearney, born on September 24, 1939, is an American serial killer and necrophile who terrorized Southern California during the 1970s.
Known as the ‘The Trash Bag Killer’ or ‘Freeway Killer’, he was responsible for the brutal murders of at least 21 young men and boys, though he later claimed to have killed as many as 43 victims between 1965 and 1977.
Kearney gained notoriety for his method of luring victims, dismembering their bodies, and disposing of the remains in trash bags along highways, a gruesome practice that earned him his infamous nickname. Unlike many serial killers, Kearney voluntarily surrendered to authorities and confessed to his crimes, resulting in a swift conviction.
NAME: Patrick Wayne Kearney
ALIAS: The Trash Bag Killer, The Freeway Killer
DOB: September 24, 1939
COUNTRY: California, United States
VICTIMS: 21 confirmed
ARREST: July 1, 1977
SENTENCE: December 21, 1977 – 21 consecutive life sentences with the possibility of parole
PRISON: Mule Creek State Prison, Ione, California
WHERE IS Patrick Kearney NOW?
- 21 consecutive life sentences with the possibility of parole – December 21, 1977
Patrick Kearney is currently still imprisoned at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, California. He is serving 21 consecutive life sentences (starting Dec 21, 1977) with the possibility of parole.
Kearney has maintained a low profile in prison, avoiding media attention and rarely granting interviews. Unlike many other infamous serial killers, he has not sought publicity or attempted to appeal his sentence. There have been no notable updates about his status, and he is expected to spend the remainder of his life incarcerated.
- February, 1984 first time eligible for parole [1]
- January 31, 2012 denied parole for 15 years [1]
- Next chance for parole slated for January, 2027 [1]
[1] CDCR: California incarcerated records and information search (CIRIS)
CRIMES COMMITTED
Patrick Kearney targeted young men and boys, primarily in Southern California. His victims ranged in age from 5 to 28, with most being hitchhikers, runaways, or individuals he encountered in gay bars. Kearney would lure them into his vehicle, often a Volkswagen Beetle, before shooting them in the head with a small-caliber gun.
After killing his victims, Kearney would mutilate and dismember their bodies, often engaging in necrophilia. He disposed of their remains in trash bags, dumping them in remote areas such as deserts or along highways. Kearney later confessed to at least 28 murders, though he was only convicted of 21. Some investigators suspect his actual victim count may be even higher.
Kearney admitted that his first victim was a 19-year-old male in 1962, who accepted a ride on Kearney’s motorcycle. Kearney shot him in the head, sexually assaulted him, and mutilated the body.
In 1967, Kearney met his partner, David Hill. The couple frequently argued, giving Kearney opportunities to prey on his victims during their disputes.
Over time, Kearney adjusted his methods, allowing him to carry out his crimes more efficiently and frequently. Beginning in 1974, he is believed to have committed murders almost monthly.
Kearney’s final victim was a young man named John LaMay, who was killed on March 13, 1977. LaMay had come to Kearney’s house looking for Hill, who wasn’t home, and Kearney invited him in. Without warning, Kearney shot LaMay in the back of the head and later disposed of his remains.
CAPTURE & INVESTIGATION
Kearney managed to evade detection for years, meticulously covering his tracks. However, his crimes came to light in 1977 when police linked him to the disappearance of 17-year-old John LaMay. Before visiting David Hill’s house, LaMay had informed someone that he was going to see Hill. When authorities questioned Kearney and his longtime partner, David Hill, the two men fled to Texas.
While on the run, Kearney and Hill realized their capture was inevitable. In an unexpected move, they returned to California, where Kearney voluntarily surrendered to police in Riverside.
To avoid the death penalty, Kearney agreed to a plea deal, confessing to 21 murders. He provided detailed accounts of his crimes, including how he lured, killed, and disposed of his victims. His confession helped close numerous cold cases and brought closure to some families.
Hill was arrested and questioned but was ultimately cleared of any involvement and released.
TRIAL & CONVICTIONS
Unlike many serial killers, Patrick Kearney did not undergo a lengthy trial. In 1977, he pleaded guilty to 21 counts of murder, avoiding the death penalty in exchange for life in prison without the possibility of parole. His detailed confession enabled prosecutors to close multiple unsolved cases, though some investigators believe he may have killed more victims than he admitted.
Kearney remains one of the lesser-known serial killers compared to his contemporaries, such as Randy Kraft and William Bonin, who were also dubbed “Freeway Killers.” However, his crimes were equally brutal, and his willingness to confess distinguished him from other serial murderers.
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REFERENCES / CITATIONS:
1. CDCR: California incarcerated records and information search (CIRIS)
2. Factual America: Patrick Kearney’s Trash Bag Epilogue: Death Row to Life Sentence
3. ATI: The Story Of Patrick Kearney, The Genius Serial Killer Who Had Sex With His Victims After Murdering Them – Jun 14, 2018
4. Radford University, Department of Psychology: Patrick Kearney, “The Trash Bag Killer” (PDF)
BOOKS ABOUT Patrick Kearney
Patrick Kearney: The True Story of The Freeway Killer: Historical Serial Killers and Murderers
Patrick Wayne Kearney had a grudge. The American serial killer had been small and scrawny as a kid, and his classmates bullied him mercilessly. As a result, Kearney took his rage out on young men who either made the mistake of hitching a ride with him or…
TV SHOWS & DOCS FEATURING Patrick Kearney
Faces of Evil S1.E2 – Patrick Kearney – The Trash Bag Killer
Patrick Kearney earned infamy as one of America’s most prolific killers. He confessed the brutal murders of 35 boys and young men during the 1960s and 70s.
TV Mini Series / Documentary | 2024
A&E
World’s Most Evil Killers S5.E7 – Patrick Kearney: The Trash Bag Killer
The story of Patrick Wayne Kearney, one of the most prolific serial killers in America, with a victim list of at least 32 – the youngest aged just five.
TV Series / Documentary | 2017
YOUTUBE
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MORE ARTICLES ABOUT Patrick Kearney
A selection of interesting articles about Patrick Kearney, sourced and curated from around the web:
How Many Victims Did ‘The Trash Bag Killer’ Patrick Kearney Really Have?
Grunge | Author: Brian Myers | Jan 25, 2023
The Story Of Patrick Kearney, The Genius Serial Killer Who Had Sex With His Victims After Murdering Them
ATI | Author: Wyatt Redd | Jun 14, 2018
Man Guilty in ‘Trash Bag’ Deaths Is Charged in 21st Murder Count
NY Times | Author: NY Times Archives | Feb. 19, 1978
11 th Possible Victim Is Identified In Multiple Murder Case on Coast
NY Times | Author: Robert Lindsey | July 7, 1977
