When we think of serial killers, we often imagine adults with a long history of criminal behavior. But what if I told you one of the most brutal serial killers in American history was just a teenager? Meet Craig Price, the boy next door who became America’s youngest serial killer.
Who Is Craig Price?
Born in 1973 in Warwick, Rhode Island, Craig Price appeared like any ordinary kid in the neighborhood. He was a Boy Scout, played football, and seemed harmless. But beneath that “normal” exterior was a storm brewing—one that would soon erupt into a series of horrifying murders.
A Child Killer at Age 13
At just 13 years old, Craig Price committed his first murder. In 1987, he broke into the home of his neighbor, Rebecca Spencer, and stabbed her 58 times with a kitchen knife. The motive? No robbery. No known grudge. Just rage and impulse. And it didn’t stop there.
The Triple Murder That Shocked the Nation
Two years later, in 1989, at just 15 years old, Craig struck again. This time, he murdered Joan Heaton, a 39-year-old mother, along with her two daughters, Jennifer (10) and Melissa (8). They were stabbed and beaten to death in their own home.
The brutality of the murders shocked not only Rhode Island but the entire country. The level of violence, especially from someone so young, was almost unimaginable.
How Craig Price Was Caught
Craig made a critical mistake. After the triple murder, he told a friend about the crimes. That friend went to the police, which led to Craig’s arrest. During interrogation, he confessed in chilling detail, even mimicking the screams of his victims.
But here’s the twist: because he was still a minor, under Rhode Island law, he couldn’t be tried as an adult. What was the maximum sentence he could face? Just a few years in a juvenile facility.
The Loophole That Sparked Public Outrage
Craig Price was scheduled to be released at age 21. Yes, despite murdering four people, he could’ve walked free.
The public was outraged. Lawmakers rushed to change the laws. But it was too late for Price’s case. He stayed in juvenile detention until he turned 21 in 1994, but due to his violent behavior inside, including stabbing a correctional officer, he remained behind bars on new charges.
Where Is Craig Price Now?
As of today, Craig Price is still incarcerated. He’s been denied parole multiple times due to continued violent behavior and a lack of remorse. What began as a teenage killing spree turned into a lifelong pattern of violence.
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Why Craig Price Still Haunts America
Craig Price’s story is a chilling reminder that evil doesn’t always wear a scary face—and sometimes, it starts young. His case led to changes in juvenile justice laws across the country, but the damage was already done.
He is a symbol of how the justice system can fail, both in catching the signs early and in punishing those responsible, especially when the perpetrator is a minor.
Final Thoughts
The story of Craig Price, America’s youngest serial killer, is more than just another crime tale. It’s a cautionary narrative about unchecked rage, ignored warning signs, and the terrifying potential for evil, even in a teenager.
