The Houston Decapitator - Alys Rankin, Mary Calcutta, Doris Threadgill, Joann Huffman and Robert Spangenberger

Episode 115

In the late summer of 1979 Houston was struck by a series of horrifying murders. Within a two month span, five people were killed in brutal fashion. The city was terrorized by an unknown killer, or possibly, more than one.

For forty-one years the mystery of the Houston Decapitator has haunted Houston police, and those who remember that summer of horror. For Alys Rankin, Mary Calcutta, Doris Threadgill, Joann Huffman and Robert Spangenberger, their lives were stolen from them and justice has remained as illusive as their killers.

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Sources:

“Murder victim Mary Michael Calcutta's family 'just can't let go,' even after 30 years” – Gurman, Post-Gazette

“The Houston Decapitator” – Grimminck, ThisIsTrueCrime.com

“Horrific killings in 1979 left bodies headless” – Pinkerton, Houston Chronicle

“Houston's Creepiest Unsolved Murder Mysteries” – Leicht, Houston Press

“Woman Assaulted, Decapitated” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Police Are Stymied in Slashing Murders” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Houston Women Die Brutally” – Longview News-Journal

“Houston Police Try to Link Killings of Two Women” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Killing Rate in Houston Shocks City” – Stevens, Austin American-Statesman