Wuornos, Aileen (1956–2002)

views updated

Wuornos, Aileen (1956–2002)

American murderer. Name variations: Lee Wuornos. Born Aileen Pittman, Feb 29, 1956, in Rochester, Michigan; executed Oct 9, 2002, in Florida; dau. of Leo (convicted child molester) and Diane (Wuornos) Pittman; brought up by grandparents, Lauri and Britta Wuornos.

Said to have been America's 1st female serial killer (though not true), killed 7 men in Florida; pregnant at 14, became ward of the court; took to the streets; moved to Florida (1976); became involved with Tyria Moore in Daytona Beach (1986); as an alcoholic and prostitute, worked the highways, picking up men; claimed she killed the 1st man in self-defense, after he assaulted her; taken into custody (Jan 1991), received 6 death sentences.

See also (film) Monster, starring Charlize Theron (2003).