In the 1970s, California was a hub for surfers and hippies, known for its laid-back vibe. However, amidst this carefree atmosphere, it also became a favored hunting ground for a serial killer.
Herbert Mullin appeared unassuming and blended well with others, but beneath the surface, he harbored violent delusions. Mullin’s descent into madness began following a tragic event in his youth when a close friend died in a car accident. This loss triggered a shift in his behavior, leading to paranoia and detachment from reality.
By his early twenties, Mullin’s mental health deteriorated, and he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He fixated on the belief that natural disasters were a form of divine retribution for overpopulation. Convinced that he had a mission to address this, Mullin embarked on a killing spree.
Unlike typical serial killers, Mullin targeted random individuals with no apparent connection. His victims ranged from elderly residents to young people, showing no pattern in his attacks. Operating concurrently with another murderer in Santa Cruz, Edmund Kemper, made it challenging for authorities to apprehend him. Mullin used various methods to kill, including shooting, stabbing, and bludgeoning, often catching his victims off guard.
Mullin’s first victim was a drifter whom he lured into helping him fix his car, only to brutally beat him to death. His subsequent victims met similarly gruesome fates, with Mullin’s actions becoming increasingly erratic and violent. Despite appearing calm before committing these heinous acts, Mullin believed each killing postponed an impending earthquake.
Ultimately, Mullin’s reign of terror came to an end in 1973 when he was arrested for shooting a retired man in broad daylight. Following his capture, Mullin confessed to his crimes, attributing them to his delusions and a distorted sense of purpose. He was found guilty of multiple murders and sentenced to life in prison, where he remained unrepentant until his death in August 2022 at the age of 75.