The heinous crimes committed by Richard Speck on July 13, 1966, have left an indelible mark on the annals of American criminal history. This blog aims to recount the events in a chronological order, providing an insight into the life of Richard Speck, the brutal murders that he committed, and the consequent trial that shook the world.
Prelude to Murder
Before the infamous night, Richard Speck's life was a tumultuous series of criminal activities. His marriage to Shirley Malone was marred by abuse and ended in divorce in 1966. His criminal record was extensive, including thefts, assaults, and an instance where he was sentenced to 16 months in prison but released early due to good behavior.
The Night of Horror
On the night of July 13, 1966, Speck broke into a townhouse that was a dormitory for student nurses in South Chicago with the intention to rob. However, upon encountering the nine women, he tied them up using strips torn from bedsheets, and what began as a burglary turned into a massacre. Speck took his victims into separate rooms, systematically murdering them. One woman, Corazon Amurao, survived by hiding under a bed.
The Capture
Speck's reign of terror came to an end when he attempted suicide, leading to his arrest. Recognized by his distinctive "Born to Raise Hell" tattoo, Speck was apprehended at Cook County Hospital on July 17, 1966, after a physician noticed the tattoo while treating his self-inflicted wounds.
The Trial
The trial began on February 20, 1967, in Peoria, Illinois, due to a change of venue from Chicago. Speck was charged with eight counts of murder. The pivotal moment in the courtroom was when Corazon Amurao identified Speck as the murderer, an act that sealed his fate. Despite his attorney's efforts, Speck was found guilty and sentenced to death, which was later commuted to 100 to 300 years in prison.
Speck's Prison Life and Death
Richard Speck lived out the remainder of his days in prison, passing away from a heart attack in 1991. Controversy surrounded Speck even after his death when a video surfaced showing him in prison partaking in drugs and sex acts, with an altered appearance due to alleged hormone treatments received during his incarceration.
This narrative does not only chronicle the crimes of Richard Speck but also serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the depth of depravity to which a human can descend. The detailed accounts from survivors and the ensuing legal battles reveal a dark chapter in criminal history that still resonates today.
As Always, Thanks For Reading
Rick
References:
A GRAPHIC Look at the Richard Speck Murders (thecrimemag.com)
Richard Franklin Speck Trial: 1967 (encyclopedia.com)
The Untold Truth Of Murderer Richard Speck (grunge.com)