Episode 52: Raymond Lassor
In the summer of 1984 in Providence, Rhode Island, the bodies of three women were found within a five block radius near a bus depot. All had been strangled and left only partially clothed.
On June 26th, 1984, 22-year-old Lori Carlucci’s body was found in a vacant parking lot by a construction site. She had been working as a sex worker. On August 17th, 1984, 18-year-old Wanda Sue Adams’ body was found in the Woonasquatucket river. She was from South Carolina but was in Rhode Island visiting relatives. She was an aspiring model and gospel singer. On August 30th, 1984, 58-year-old Delores Neuser’s beaten body was found in a parking garage.
Authorities knew these murders were linked, but did not have any leads until September 18th, 1984, when 14-year-old Carrie-Ann Talbot was found beaten in a park. She had miraculously survived a rape and brutal attack and was able to identify her attacker as 23-year-old “unemployed drifter” and male sex worker Raymond Lassor.
When he was arrested and shown photos of the murder victims, he stated “I killed all of them.” He also admitted to the rape and attempted murder of Carrie-Ann. After a trial lasting over two years, Raymond Lassor was found guilty on all charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree sexual assault and assault with attempt to murder. He remains in prison and will not be released.
Image sources:
ebay.com - “AP Wire Press Photo - Raymond J. Lassor First Day of Rape Murder Trial 1986”