While he was on trial in 1980 for the murder of Robin Samsoe, her mother, Marianne Frazier, sneaked a pistol into the courtroom with the express intent of using it to kill him. She decided at the last minute not to do it.
Served as a clerk in the US Army and trained as a paratrooper in the early 1960s. He was given a medical discharge after he was found to be mentally unstable.
Is believed to have been responsible for 50-130 murders across the US and possibly Europe, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in history.
Allegedly had an IQ of 160.
Filed lawsuits against the state of California for both a slip-and-fall incident and also for failing to provide him with a low-fat diet while incarcerated.
Was a standout student in high school and college. He was on the yearbook planning committee and the track/cross-country team. He was well-liked by his professors at UCLA.