Welcome back to another true crime story. Today, we’re exploring something different from our usual serial killer files. Instead of focusing on a lone perpetrator, we’ll examine a couple who terrorized six states over seven weeks, claiming eight lives. Let’s delve into the disturbing case of Alton Coleman and his accomplice-girlfriend, Debra Brown.
Early Life of Alton Coleman
Born November 6 in Waukegan, Illinois, Alton Coleman was one of five children. His mother, who worked as a prostitute, largely left the responsibility of raising her children to their grandmother while remaining peripherally involved in their lives. Throughout his childhood, Coleman was frequently exposed to drugs and his mother’s profession.
School life proved challenging for Coleman, who faced constant bullying. His classmates mockingly called him “pissy pants” due to incidents of bed-wetting. Eventually, he dropped out of middle school and began attracting the attention of local law enforcement.
Criminal History Before the Spree
Coleman’s criminal career started with minor offenses like property damage but quickly escalated to more serious crimes. Between 1973 and 1983, by age 18, he had been arrested six times for sex-related crimes, including an incident involving his eight-year-old niece. However, Coleman’s smooth-talking nature helped him evade conviction – two cases were dropped, and he was acquitted of the others.
Debra Brown
In 1983, Coleman met 21-year-old Debra Brown, who would become his girlfriend and accomplice. Born on November 11, 1962, in Waukegan, Illinois, Brown came from a stable family and was one of eleven children. However, she had suffered a traumatic head injury in childhood that appeared to affect her intellectual development. Diagnosed with a dependent personality disorder, Brown became deeply infatuated with Coleman, immediately breaking off her existing engagement to be with him.
The Beginning of the Spree
Their violent spree began on May 29, 1984, with the abduction of nine-year-old Vernita Wheat in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Coleman had previously befriended Vernita’s single mother, Juanita Wheat, using the alias Robert Knight. After gaining their trust at a local carnival, Coleman convinced Juanita to let Vernita accompany him to retrieve a gift. Vernita never returned home.
Read more: Belle Gunness: America’s Deadliest Female Serial Killer
The Trail of Terror
Their crime spree expanded across multiple states, including:
Wisconsin and Illinois
- The abduction and murder of Vernita Wheat
- Multiple assaults and robberies
Indiana
- The murder of seven-year-old Tamika Turks
- The assault of Annie Hillard (who survived)
Michigan and Ohio
- The murder of Donna Williams
- Multiple home invasions and assaults
- The murders of Virginia Temple and her daughter Rochelle
- The killing of Tonnie Storey
- The attack on Harry and Marlene Walters
Kentucky
The kidnapping and assault of Odin Carmichael
The Final Capture
After seven weeks of terror across six states, the deadly duo’s spree came to an end on July 20, 1984, in Evanston, Illinois. A former schoolmate recognized Coleman, leading to their arrest. In their possession, police found a loaded .38 caliber pistol, a bloodied steak knife, and bags containing disguises they had used to evade detection.
Justice and Aftermath
Coleman was charged with federal kidnapping and murder charges in three states. Despite acting as his lawyer and attempting to blame Brown for the crimes, he was convicted and ultimately executed by lethal injection on April 26, 2002. His final meal was elaborate, and he spent his last moments reciting Psalms 23, showing no remorse for his crimes.
Debra Brown received two death sentences, but both were later commuted. She now serves multiple life sentences at the Dayton Correctional Institute. Unlike Coleman, Brown has expressed remorse for her actions, releasing an apology video in 2005.
Historical Significance
This case stands out not only for its brutality but also for earning Coleman the rare distinction of being added as an 11th name to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list. The seemingly random nature of their victim selection and their ability to move across state lines made them particularly dangerous and difficult to capture.
Author’s Note: I discovered this lesser-known case while researching serial killer couples. The random nature of their victim selection, reminiscent of the Night Stalker, makes this case particularly chilling. What are your thoughts on this case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
