Introduction: A Life of Darkness
Carroll Edward Cole: The Alcoholic Strangler, was one of the most chilling serial killers in American history. Unlike other killers driven by sadistic pleasure, Cole’s motivations stemmed from deep psychological scars, childhood trauma, and an uncontrollable hatred toward women.
His crime spree, spanning the 1970s, left at least 16 confirmed victims, although experts believe the real number could be higher. His killings were erratic, brutal, and fueled by alcoholism, which only heightened his violent impulses. But how did a man with such obvious warning signs slip through the cracks for so long?
A Troubled Childhood That Created a Monster
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1938, Carroll Edward Cole had an upbringing filled with humiliation and psychological abuse. His mother was particularly cruel, often dressing him in girls’ clothes and forcing him to act as a substitute for his absent father.
The First Signs of Darkness
From a young age, Cole displayed violent tendencies. He tortured small animals, got into constant fights, and harbored intense resentment toward women. In 1947, at just nine years old, Cole drowned a classmate out of rage but was never caught.
These early warning signs of psychopathy and suppressed aggression would only grow stronger as he entered adulthood.
The Birth of “The Alcoholic Strangler”
As an adult, Cole struggled with alcoholism, which fueled his explosive temper and loss of control. He bounced between different cities, spending time in California, Texas, and Nevada, where he often found work as a handyman or laborer.
How He Chose His Victims
Cole targeted sex workers, unfaithful wives, and women he perceived as immoral. He believed he was “cleansing society” of women like his mother, making his crimes deeply personal.
His killing spree officially began in 1971, although he later claimed to have started earlier.
A String of Strangulation Murders
Between 1971 and 1980, Carroll Edward Cole: The Alcoholic Strangler, lured victims with alcohol, spent time drinking with them, and when the moment was right, he would strangle them—sometimes using his bare hands, other times using whatever was available.
A Growing Body Count
- 1971-1974 – Cole killed multiple women across the West Coast and Texas, but law enforcement failed to connect the cases.
- 1975 – After murdering a woman in San Diego, Cole was arrested but released due to lack of evidence.
- 1977 – He continued his killing spree, moving from Nevada to Texas, leaving bodies in his wake.
- 1980 – His final murders in Las Vegas led to his capture.
Cole’s ability to blend in, change locations, and avoid suspicion allowed him to keep killing for nearly a decade.
The Investigation and Capture
Cole might have evaded justice for longer had he not made a fatal mistake.
The Breakthrough That Led to His Arrest
In 1980, Cole murdered two women in Las Vegas and carelessly left their bodies in a hotel room. Police quickly linked him to the crime and arrested him.
Once in custody, he did something no one expected—he confessed.
Carroll Edward Cole’s Chilling Confession
Cole admitted to at least 16 murders, detailing his methods, motives, and deep hatred for women. His shocking confessions provided investigators with long-awaited answers in multiple unsolved cases.
However, despite his willingness to talk, Cole showed no remorse for his victims.
The Trial and Death Sentence
During his trial, Carroll Edward Cole: The Alcoholic Strangler, was convicted for multiple murders, but the true extent of his crimes remained uncertain.
The Execution of a Serial Killer
In 1981, Cole was sentenced to death by lethal injection. Unlike many serial killers who fight their sentences, Cole did not appeal. On December 6, 1985, he was executed in Nevada, finally putting an end to his reign of terror.
Please read our other article: Harrison Graham: Under-70-IQ Serial Killer
What Made Carroll Edward Cole So Dangerous?
Experts studying Cole’s behavior identified several key psychological factors that made him one of the most dangerous serial killers of his time:
- Severe childhood abuse and humiliation fueled his rage.
- Alcohol addiction worsened his violent tendencies.
- Hatred toward women made his crimes deeply personal.
- A lack of remorse allowed him to kill without hesitation.
His case serves as a reminder of how early intervention in childhood abuse cases could potentially prevent future crimes.
Could Law Enforcement Have Stopped Him Sooner?
Cole had multiple encounters with the law, yet he was repeatedly released due to lack of evidence. His victims, often sex workers and vulnerable women, were rarely prioritized by authorities, allowing him to continue his spree unnoticed.
Could police have stopped him earlier if they had connected the dots sooner?
The Legacy of Carroll Edward Cole: The Alcoholic Strangler
Today, Carroll Edward Cole: The Alcoholic Strangler, is remembered as one of the most disturbing serial killers of the 20th century. His case highlights the dangers of untreated childhood trauma, the role of substance abuse in violent crimes, and the failures of the justice system in preventing repeat offenders.
His execution brought closure to many, but his victims’ families continue to live with the scars of his horrific actions.
Conclusion
The terrifying story of Carroll Edward Cole: The Alcoholic Strangler, is both tragic and haunting. His crimes exposed the flaws in law enforcement, the dangers of unresolved trauma, and the destructive power of unchecked rage.
His story serves as a warning—monsters aren’t always born; sometimes, they’re made.
What do you think? Could Cole’s killing spree have been stopped earlier? Share your thoughts in the comments.
