10 Freed Killers Who Murdered Again
Can a killer ever truly change? These 10 disturbing true crime cases suggest otherwise. Each murderer was convicted, served time, and was released—only to kill again. These aren’t just tragic tales; they’re powerful arguments against careless parole decisions and a justice system that sometimes gambles with innocent lives.
This article examines 10 murderers who were released from prison—despite violent pasts—and went on to take more lives. In some cases, justice failed multiple times before it finally stuck.
1. Albert Flick — The Aging Killer Who Never Stopped
First convicted in 1979 for fatally stabbing his wife in front of her daughter, Flick was released in 2000. Despite two more violent arrests, he wasn’t kept behind bars. In 2018, he murdered Kimberly Dobbie—again in front of children. Judges had wrongly assumed age would calm him. It didn’t.
Victims after release: 1
Time between release and new murder: 8 years
2. Jimmy Lee Gray — From Teen Killer to Child Murderer
After murdering his 16-year-old girlfriend in 1968, Gray served just 7 years. On release, he kidnapped and killed a 3-year-old girl. Mississippi executed him in 1983, but not before his early release led to another child’s death.
3. Graeme Burton — Paroled in NZ, Back to Killing in Months
Burton’s first murder was in 1992. Released in 2006 despite warnings, he killed again just months later and injured several more. He was eventually caught after a gunfight and sentenced to life.
4. Arthur Shawcross — A Serial Killer Released
Shawcross killed two children in the ’70s and served 15 years. Once released in 1987, he murdered 11 more people—mostly sex workers—before finally being caught. His case is one of the most infamous failures of parole policy.
5. Louise Peete — A Killer Through Decades
Peete killed in the 1920s, served 18 years, and was paroled. She killed again soon after and became the second woman ever executed in California. Her case shows how manipulation and charm can fool even seasoned parole boards.
6. John Lawrence Miller — Murder at 15, Again at 34
First imprisoned at 15 for killing a toddler, Miller was released after under 20 years. Within 2 months, he murdered his parents. He died in prison in 1987 after finally being locked up for life.
7. John McRae — Child Killer Who Struck Again Decades Later
McRae killed at 15 and was released years later. In 1987, he killed another boy—his son’s friend—and buried him in his yard. His past wasn’t known until too late. He died in prison in 2005.
8. Kenneth McDuff — Texas’ Most Infamous Parole Mistake
McDuff killed three teens in the ’60s and was given the death penalty—then released in 1988 after a technicality. Days later, he began a new killing spree, murdering at least nine women before finally being re-captured.
9. Arthur Bomar — Early Release Led to College Student’s Death
Released after a 1978 murder, Bomar went on to kill Aimee Willard in 1996. A paperwork failure allowed him to stay out even after another assault charge. He was sentenced to death in 1998.
10. David Edward Maust — A Killer From Childhood
Maust tried to kill his brother at 9 and was later convicted of murder twice. After serving time, he was released and killed three more teens. He was caught and later died by suicide in prison.
Patterns of Failure: What These Cases Teach Us
| Name | Killed Before Prison | Killed After Release | Sentence After Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Flick | 1 | 1 | Life |
| Jimmy Lee Gray | 1 | 1 | Death |
| Graeme Burton | 1 | 1+ | Life |
| Arthur Shawcross | 2 | 11+ | 250 Years |
| Louise Peete | 1 | 1 | Death |
| John Miller | 1 | 2 | Life |
| John McRae | 1 | 1 | Life |
| Kenneth McDuff | 3 | 9+ | Death |
| Arthur Bomar | 1 | 1 | Death |
| David Maust | 1 | 3+ | Life (Died by Suicide) |
FAQs
Why are murderers sometimes released from prison?
In many cases, parole boards believe the individual has been rehabilitated, or legal changes reduce their sentence. These cases show how that trust can be dangerously misplaced.
How can someone with a murder conviction be paroled?
Depending on the original sentence and state laws, some murderers become eligible for parole. Judges and boards must weigh public safety—sometimes, they miscalculate.
What is recidivism, and is it common in violent criminals?
Recidivism refers to re-offending after release. While most murderers have lower recidivism rates than other criminals, these cases show it’s not impossible—and the stakes are fatal.
Can laws prevent this from happening again?
Many states have revised parole eligibility laws or increased sentences for violent crimes to avoid releasing dangerous individuals. But systemic gaps still exist.
Is life without parole safer than the death penalty?
It’s a long-standing debate. Some argue life without parole ensures safety while avoiding execution risks. Others cite these cases to support the death penalty for repeat killers.
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