James Mitchell DeBardeleben Jr.

James Mitchell "Mike" DeBardeleben Jr. is a name etched in infamy, notorious for his reign of terror characterized by counterfeiting, kidnapping, rape, and suspected serial killings. Here's an in-depth exploration of his heinous crimes, the victims who suffered at his hands, and the harrowing trial that brought his atrocities to light.

From 1979 to 1983, DeBardeleben embarked on a nationwide counterfeiting spree, earning him the moniker "Mall Passer." Yet, his criminal activities extended far beyond mere forgery. He lured unsuspecting victims, often posing as a police officer, before subjecting them to unspeakable acts of sadism and violence.

Among his victims were:

1. Edna Terry McDonald (52)

Found strangled on June 6, 1971, after meeting "Mr. Peter Morgan" in Barrington, Rhode Island.

2. Lucy Alexander (19)

Kidnapped on March 9, 1978, from Georgetown, Delaware, enduring rape and sodomy.

3. Elizabeth Mason (31)

Survived a brutal attack on April 2, 1979, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, by DeBardeleben.

4. Laurie Jensen (20)

Endured three days of torture in Ocean City, Maryland, starting January 6, 1979.

5. Diane Overton (25)

Escaped an attempted rape on January 11, 1980, in a residential area.

6. Maria Santini (27)

Abducted, raped, and released on December 11, 1980, in a wilderness area.

7. Jean McPhaul (37)

Found strangled on April 28, 1982, in Bossier City, Louisiana, after meeting "Dr. Zack."

8. Kellie Marie Brownlee (17)

Disappeared on May 20, 1982, from Novi, Michigan, suspected victim of DeBardeleben.

9. Joe Rapini and David Starr (42)

Joe kidnapped and later found shot dead on April 13, 1983, in Greece, New York.

These victims fell prey to DeBardeleben's sadistic crimes, leaving scars that endure even after his demise.

DeBardeleben's reign of terror came to an end with his arrest in 1983, leading to a trial that exposed the depths of his depravity. Prosecutors presented a mountain of evidence, including photographs and recordings depicting the torture and rape of his victims. During cross-examination, DeBardeleben callously forced one of his victims to listen to an audio recording of her own abuse, showcasing his utter lack of remorse.

While DeBardeleben was convicted for his counterfeiting and sexual crimes, suspicions lingered regarding his involvement in several unsolved homicides. Victims like Edna Terry McDonald, a 52-year-old realtor found strangled in Barrington, Rhode Island, bore eerie similarities to DeBardeleben's modus operandi, yet conclusive evidence remained elusive.

DeBardeleben's trial marked a pivotal moment in the annals of criminal justice, shedding light on the horrifying extent of his crimes. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was found guilty on multiple charges and sentenced to 375 years in federal prison. His death in 2011 brought an end to a reign of terror that had haunted communities across the United States for decades.

In retrospect, James Mitchell DeBardeleben Jr.'s legacy serves as a grim reminder of the capacity for evil that resides within humanity. His victims, forever scarred by his cruelty, stand as testaments to the importance of vigilance and justice in the face of unspeakable horror.