In the summer of 1995, the cities of Gary and Portage, Indiana became the hunting grounds for one of the state’s most notorious serial killers. Eugene Victor Britt, a troubled man with a violent past, would ultimately confess to killing at least seven women and girls, leaving a trail of devastation that shocked the local communities.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 4, 1957, in Gary, Indiana, Eugene Britt’s childhood was marked by poverty and domestic violence. His parents, both alcoholics, created an unstable home environment where his father frequently abused his mother. Unable to cope with the constant abuse, Britt dropped out of school at age 14 and fled his home, beginning a life on the streets marked by drug use and growing signs of intellectual disability.
Criminal History Before the Murders
In April 1978, at age 20, Britt committed his first known violent crime. He attacked a 17-year-old student returning home from Roosevelt High School, robbing and raping her. This crime resulted in a 30-year sentence, though he would serve only half of it, gaining parole in August 1993.
Life After Initial Release
Upon his return to Gary, Britt struggled to establish stability in his life. He moved between homeless shelters and occasionally stayed with his sister, taking various low-skilled jobs to survive. He became a familiar sight in the city, frequently traveling around on his bicycle. This period of relative quiet would soon give way to a devastating series of crimes that would shock the community.
The Murder Spree
Between May and September 1995, Britt embarked on a series of brutal attacks. His method was consistent and terrifying: he would target victims in isolated areas, attacking from behind before dragging them aside to sexually assault and ultimately strangle them. The frequency of his attacks created an atmosphere of fear in the community, though many deaths were initially not connected to a serial killer.
The Arrest and Investigation
The break in the case came with the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Lynn Paulson, whose body was discovered on August 22, 1995, in Portage. Investigators found crucial evidence linking Britt to the crime:
- Blue polyester fibers matching Hardee’s employee uniforms
- Witness sightings of him near the crime scene
- His employment at a local Hardee’s restaurant
The investigation gained momentum after Britt confessed to Clyde Smith, a homeless shelter manager, who convinced him to surrender to law enforcement.
Confirmed Victims
While Britt claimed responsibility for 10 murders, investigators could confirm seven victims:
- Sarah Lynn Paulson (8 years old)
- Nikita Moore (14 years old)
- Tanya Dunlap (24 years old)
- Michelle Burns (27 years old)
- Maxine Walker (41 years old)
- Deborah McHenry (41 years old)
- Betty Escu (50 years old)
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The legal process unfolded in multiple stages over several years. In May 1996, Britt received life imprisonment plus 100 years for Sarah Paulson’s murder. By February 2000, he faced additional charges for six murders and rape. In October 2006, he pleaded guilty to the remaining charges, receiving an additional 245 years in November of that year. During his sentencing, Britt broke down in tears, expressing remorse and begging forgiveness from the victims’ families.
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Psychological Aspects
Throughout his trials, Britt claimed to hear voices that commanded the murders. While his defense attempted to prove criminal insanity, psychological evaluations deemed him fit to stand trial. However, he was diagnosed with intellectual disability, which the court considered during sentencing. His apparent remorse during the final sentencing hearing suggested some level of understanding of the gravity of his crimes.
Impact on Community
The case profoundly affected the Gary and Portage communities, particularly because several deaths were initially ruled as non-homicidal. This oversight highlighted significant challenges in identifying serial murder patterns in areas with high crime rates, leading to changes in how suspicious deaths were investigated in the region.
Current Status
As of 2021, Britt remains incarcerated at the Indiana State Prison, located approximately 80 kilometers from Chicago, under prison number 963641. Now in his mid-60s, he continues to serve his life sentence.
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