Biography[]
Harvey Louis Carignan (May 18, 1927 — March 6, 2023), also known as the "Want-Ad Killer," was an American serial killer who operated during the 1970s.
Early life[]
Harvey Louis Carignan was born on May 18, 1927, in Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
Criminal History[]
Carignan's criminal record began in the 1940s with various offenses, including theft and assault. He served time in prison on multiple occasions. Despite his criminal history, he was released on parole.
Killings[]
Carignan's most notorious crimes occurred in the 1970s. He gained the nickname "Want-Ad Killer" because he responded to classified ads for employment and used them as a way to target and lure his victims. His modus operandi often involved violence and sexual assault.
Arrest and Conviction[]
In 1974, Carignan was arrested in Alaska and later convicted for the murder of two women. He was sentenced to prison but managed to escape briefly before being recaptured. In 1985, he faced trial for additional murders, receiving multiple life sentences.
Imprisonment[]
Carignan spent the rest of his life behind bars. His criminal activities and brutal methods earned him a place among notorious American serial killers.
Death[]
Harvey Carignan died on March 6, 2023 of natural causes, while still incarcerated at Oak Park Heights Prison in Minnesota.
Victims[]
Confirmed victims[]
| Name | Age | Disappeared | Body Found | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Showalter | 58 | July 31, 1949 | ||
| Eileen Hunley | 29 | August 10, 1974 | Bludgeoning | |
| Katherine Schultz | 18 | September 20, 1974 | September 21, 1974 | Bludgeoning |
Survivors[]
| Name | Age | Date of Attack | Method of Attack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christine Norton | September 16, 1949 | ||
| Jerri Billings | 13 | September 9, 1973 | |
| Sally Versoi | September 18, 1974 | ||
| Diane Flynn | September 18, 1974 |
Suspected victims[]
| Name | Age | Disappeared | Body Found | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leslie Laura Brock | 19 | October 15, 1972 | ||
| Kathy Sue Miller | 15 | May 1, 1973 | Bludgeoning |
Timeline[]
Bibliography[]
Literature[]
- Rule, Ann (1983). The Want-Ad Killer, Berkley. ISBN 978-0451166883
Articles[]
- Ann Rule. The Want-Ad Killer: Harvey Carignan. MysteryCrimeScene.com. Archived from the original on January 12, 2010.
- Hope Sloop (March 14, 2023). 'Want-Ad Killer' dies in prison aged 95: Sadistic serial attacker lured women to their deaths using fake 'wanted adverts' then raped them and bludgeoned them with a hammer. Dailymail.Com.
Documentaries[]
Television[]
YouTube Documentaries[]
Podcasts[]
- "Harv the Hammer" Harvey Carignan - Part 1. Serial Killers with Greg Polcyn & Vanessa Richardson.
- "Harv the Hammer" Harvey Carignan - Part 2. Serial Killers with Greg Polcyn & Vanessa Richardson.
In popular culture[]
Film adaptation[]
Related Articles[]
See also[]
Links[]
- Harvey Carignan at Wikipedia
- Harvey Carignan on IMDb
- Harvey Carignan. Minnesota Department of Corrections.
- Harvey Louis Carignan. Radford University.