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The Chilling Case of Russell Johnson: The Killer who got away with murder 4 times
Russell Johnson was found guilty of three murders in Ontario, Canada in the 1970s, and committed to the maximum-security wing of the Ontario Mental Health Centre. He was also suspected of four other “natural” deaths, which were undetected murders that took place over a ten-month period.
Russell Johnson, also known as the “Bedroom Strangler,” is a convicted serial killer who has been denied parole for the 12th time by a review board in Canada. Johnson was convicted of murdering eight women in the 1970s and has been serving a life sentence in prison since 1978.
Johnson’s crimes were particularly heinous as he was known for sexually assaulting and strangling his victims before leaving their bodies in their own bedrooms. He would often leave behind clues and notes for authorities to find, leading to his nickname “Bedroom Strangler.”
According to psychiatrists, Johnson was motivated by sexual gratification, anger toward women, and a need for revenge and control. In a recent review, Johnson’s current psychiatrist expressed concern about any contact he may have with women in a reduced security facility and noted that “control and domination was a core factor in his behavior.”
Despite being described as a model inmate, Johnson has not fully disclosed his underlying feelings and motivations to his caregivers. He has been active in patient activities, such as the wood shop and fitness and sports, and is described as a leader in these areas. However, in conversation, he reportedly tries to take control and will talk until directly interrupted.
Johnson’s case is particularly disturbing as at the time of the murders, his reputed sexual dysfunction did not impede him from engaging in extreme acts of sexual violence and depravity.
London criminology professor Michael Arntfield, who has lectured about Johnson for years…
