Dark History of Tacoma’s Serial Killers
In 1996, Jack Spielman, infamously known as The Wearwolf Butcher, admitted to murdering three individuals—two of whom were children. His crimes were gruesome; not only did he rape his victims, but he also dismembered them, consumed their blood, and removed their sexual organs.
Bob Keppel, the chief criminal investigator for Washington state’s attorney general, described killers like Spielman as exceptionally rare, making up less than one-tenth of a percent of all murderers. This insight is detailed in Caroline Fraser’s new book, “Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers.”
Interestingly, while Keppel highlighted the rarity of such violent offenders, Fraser pointed out that many notorious serial killers have connections to Tacoma. The region is almost a breeding ground for these “unusual breeds,” thriving in an environment she metaphorically likens to fungi.
Fraser emphasizes that the Pacific Northwest is known for certain things—wood, aircraft, technology, coffee, and, unfortunately, a history of serial killers. Connecting the dots back to 1961, one can trace a line between infamous figures like Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Gary Ridgway.
Is this just an unfortunate coincidence, or could there be a deeper link? Fraser raises an intriguing question about whether the area’s industrial pollution plays a role. Tacoma has factories that emit concerning levels of toxic substances like arsenic and cyanide.
In 2018, the Washington State Ecology Agency introduced “Dirt Alert,” a detailed map showing areas of lead and arsenic contamination. Many of the industrial sites, which have been linked to some of the most notorious criminals, are situated in once-contaminated areas.
Fraser doesn’t claim contamination is the sole factor in creating serial killers. She cites a variety of elements—including poverty, neglect, and trauma. But, she wonders, how much does the added factor of environmental toxins contribute?
Tacoma itself, situated about 30 miles southwest of Seattle, has a history of industrial activity, hosting 53 factories. The area is known for its unpleasant odors stemming from various chemical operations, quite infamously referred to as the “Tacoma scent.”
Spielman moved to Tacoma at age seven, living not far from one of these factories. Another notorious figure, Gary Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer, murdered at least 49 victims and grew up close to this industrial landscape, exposed to both toxic smog and jet fuel emissions.
Then there’s Ted Bundy, who moved to Tacoma with his mother at three. His crimes shocked the nation, and it’s fascinating, if troubling, to think of the environmental influences on these killers.
Charles Manson, who led a notorious murder cult, spent five years near Tacoma in the early 60s, arguably shaping his future. Moreover, even local law enforcement figures, like David Brehm, turned to violence, complicating our understanding of how environments can twist individuals.
Fraser’s research supports the idea that exposure to lead during childhood correlates with aggressive behaviors and crime. A survey from 2001 indicated homicide rates are nearly 4% higher in counties with elevated air lead concentrations.
Fraser suggests that the links between air quality and serial killings might be much older than we presume. Even historical figures, like Jack the Ripper, were said to have been influenced by the polluted environments in which they operated.
The Asarco smokestack was demolished in 1993, along with other smelters, due to falling profits and regulatory pressures. Yet, the lingering effects remain—a poignant reminder of what past industrial activities have wrought on the community and its people.
Fraser concludes by reflecting on the enduring impact of contamination, likening it to the potential emergence of another “Frankenstein monster.”
