Danny Rolling - Definition and Overview

Danny Rolling (born 26th May, 1954), known as the "Gainesville Ripper", pleaded guilty to the murder and mutilation of 5 young students in Gainesville, Florida in August 1990. He was also suspected of a triple homicide in November 1991 in Shreveport, Louisiana and the attempted murder of his father in May 1990.

Danny Rolling was born to James and Claudia Rolling. His father was abusive to both him and his mother, and later his brother, Kevin. After repeated attempts to leave his abusive father, his mother Claudia always returned. His father, ironically, was a police officer. After several incarceratons as a teen and young adult for a string of robberies in Georgia, Rolling was released. He had much trouble trying to assimilate into society and holding down a steady job. Finally, after years of abuse, Rolling attempted to kill his father during an argument that was started by James Rolling. He later fled to the state of Florida where he began his burglary and robbery spree which culminated in the murders of five people in Gainesville. His signature was to arrange the bodies in such a way as to highlight the carnage in the dorm rooms - this even included setting up several mirrors. He was convicted of his crimes nearly four years later and sentenced to the death penalty in each case.

A second man, Edward Humphrey, was considered an initial suspect in the Gainesville murders; authorities cleared him of all charges after Rolling's arrest.

Aided the writing career of Sondra London who met him in prison while working with Gerard Schaefer and other serial killers.

See also: Serial killer