Notorious Unsolved Crimes: The Worst Acts of Violence That Remain Unpunished

The world has seen numerous severe and heinous crimes that have gone undetected or uncaught, leaving a trail of mystery and fear. Here are some of the most notable and disturbing cases:

1. The Babysitter Killer

The Oakland County Child Killer, also known as the Babysitter Killer, is an unidentified serial killer who murdered at least four children in Oakland County, Michigan, between 1976 and 1977. The killer's modus operandi included bathing the children before committing the crimes, which led FBI profilers to believe the killer had some form of twisted parental instinct. Despite extensive investigations and a DNA profile created in 2012, the killer remains at large.

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2. The Highway of Tears Killer(s)

Canada's Route 16, known as the Highway of Tears, has been the site of at least 18 (and possibly up to 40) murders or disappearances of Indigenous women between 1969 and 2011. The crimes span over 50 years, suggesting multiple perpetrators. Despite the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identifying some suspects, many cases remain unsolved, and the killers are still at large.

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3. Bible John

Bible John is the nickname given to an unidentified serial killer who murdered three women in Glasgow, Scotland, between 1968 and 1969. The killer's name comes from his frequent references to the Bible. All three victims were beaten and raped before their murders, and the only significant witness was Helen Puttock's sister, Jean, who shared a taxi with the killer on the night of Helen's murder. Jean died in 2010, leaving the case without a key witness, and the killer's identity remains unknown.

4. The Alphabet Killer

The Alphabet Murders occurred in the early 1970s in Rochester, New York. The killer targeted young girls with first and last names beginning with the same letter. The three victims were each raped and strangled. Despite several witnesses and persons of interest, the killer has never been identified, and the case remains open.

5. The West Mesa Bone Collector

The West Mesa Bone Collector is believed to be responsible for the deaths of 11 women in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with another 13 women still missing. The case came to light in 2009 when police found 11 bodies buried in an area of Albuquerque called West Mesa. The killer's identity remains unknown, and the case is still open.

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6. The Zodiac Killer

The Zodiac Killer is one of the most infamous unidentified serial killers in the United States, active in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The killer's name comes from the cryptograms sent to local newspapers, which the killer claimed contained his identity. The Zodiac Killer terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area, killing at least five people and possibly many more. Despite extensive investigations and several suspects, the true identity of the Zodiac Killer remains unknown.

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7. Jack the Ripper

Jack the Ripper is one of the most infamous serial killers in history, active in the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. The killer's name comes from a letter sent to the Central News Agency, supposedly written by the killer. Jack the Ripper is believed to have murdered at least five women, all prostitutes, and mutilated their bodies in a manner suggesting some anatomical or surgical knowledge. Despite numerous investigations and many suspects, the true identity of Jack the Ripper remains unknown.

These cases represent some of the most severe and unresolved crimes in history, leaving a lasting impact on the communities affected and continuing to baffle investigators and the public alike.