June 20, 2013

Crime History: Teen couple goes on epic killing spree in Nebraska

BY: SCOTT MCCABE JANUARY 27, 2013 | 8:00 PM
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On this day, Jan. 28, in 1958, Charles Starkweather and his 14-year-old girlfriend killed three people during a murderous spree in Nebraska that would leave 10 people dead.

The crimes inspired the 1973 film "Badlands," starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek, and Bruce Springsteen's 1982 song "Nebraska."

Starkweather, 19, first killed a clerk who refused to sell him a stuffed animal on credit.

Starkweather later fatally shot the parents of his girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate, then strangled her 2-year-old sister.

Police showed up six days later and the couple fled, killing anyone in their path, including a family friend and two teenagers who assisted them on the side of the road.

Starkweather surrendered after he was cut by glass during a gunfight.

Starkweather died in the electric chair. Fugate was paroled after 17 years in prison.

- Scott McCabe

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Scott McCabe

Staff Writer - Crime
The Washington Examiner

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