The Freeway Killer: The Complete Story of William Bonin

by Andrew Kelly

The Freeway The Complete Story of William Bonin

William George Bonin (January 8, 1947 – February 23, 1996), infamously known as the "Freeway Killer" and occasionally "The Freeway Strangler," etched a horrific chapter in the annals of American crime. His reign of terror, primarily spanning 1979 to 1980 in Southern California, involved the abduction, sexual assault, torture, and murder of at least 21 young men and boys, although he was convicted of 14 of these homicides and suspected in numerous others, with some estimates reaching 36 or more. A distinctive and particularly disturbing aspect of Bonin's criminal enterprise was his collaboration with multiple accomplices in the commission of these brutal acts. This report aims to provide a comprehensive criminological and psychological analysis of William Bonin, examining his developmental trajectory, the nature and execution of his crimes, the complex law enforcement investigation that led to his capture, the subsequent legal proceedings, and the profound societal impact of his atrocities.

476 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2025

About the author

Andrew Kelly is the Yarra (Birrarung) Riverkeeper, part of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, which is based in New York. He has written numerous books for children and adults and lives within a stone's throw of the river in Melbourne, Australia.