Kentucky is famous for its horse racing, bourbon, and bluegrass music, but it’s also been the setting for some of the most infamous true crime cases in the country. From serial killers to mysterious disappearances, here are five cases that have made headlines in the Bluegrass State.
- The Murder of Brenda Sue Schaefer: In 1986, 36-year-old Brenda Sue Schaefer disappeared from her job in Louisville. Her ex-boyfriend, Mel Ignatow, was eventually convicted of her murder, but only after a bizarre trial that saw him acquitted on technicalities before new evidence came to light.
- The Harlan County Murders: In 1997, a group of six men were abducted and killed in Harlan County, allegedly by members of a drug trafficking ring. The case gained national attention for its brutality and the involvement of a local sheriff’s deputy, who was later convicted of his role in the murders.
- The Cincinnati Strangler: In the early 2000s, a series of murders in the Cincinnati area were linked to a single perpetrator, who was eventually identified as Kentucky resident Posteal Laskey Jr. He was convicted of five murders and sentenced to death.
- The Disappearance of Crystal Rogers: In 2015, 35-year-old Crystal Rogers went missing from her home in Bardstown. Despite extensive searches and investigations, her case remains unsolved, and her family continues to push for answers.
- The Amish School Shooting: In 2006, a 32-year-old man named Charles Carl Roberts IV entered an Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County and killed five girls before turning the gun on himself. The incident shocked the country and highlighted issues of mental illness and access to firearms.
These five cases are just a few examples of the true crime stories that have unfolded in Kentucky over the years. While the state may be known for its hospitality and southern charm, these cases remind us that danger can lurk in even the most idyllic of places.
Clusterado 
Leave a comment