Andrew Cunanan - Definition and Overview

Andrew Cunanan was a spree killer who murdered five people, including Gianni Versace, in a cross-country journey during a three-month period in 1997.

The first murder of the spree was that of his friend Jeffrey Trail on April 27, 1997 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Architect Jeff Madson, the second victim, was also killed in Minneapolis. Cunanan next drove to Chicago and killed prominent real-estate developer Lee Miglin. The fourth victim was a cemetery caretaker, apparently killed for his car. Cunanan remained in hiding in Florida for months between his fourth and fifth murders. He committed suicide aboard a Miami yacht in August 1997.

At the time of the crimes, there was much public and press speculation that Cunanan's motives were tied to a diagnosis of HIV infection; however, an autopsy found him to be HIV-negative.

Cunanan's father, Modesto, is an immigrant from the Philippines.

The gun used by Cunanan was a Taurus semi-automatic pistol in .40 S&W caliber, serial number SMK21812D.

Among the many books written about Cunanan and his crimes are:

• "Three Month Fever," by Gary Indiana
• "Vulgar Favors," by Maureen Orth.