Can you Pass the Ultimate True Crime Test?

Sure, you might consider yourself a true crime junkie, but do you really know all the ins and outs of these criminals? From serial killers to con men, put your skills to the test in this ultimate true crime quiz. 

Known for targeting and cannibalizing men, this serial killer committed his first murder at 18. Who is he?

Correct

Jeffrey Dahmer is believed to have murdered 17 men between 1978 and 1991. He committed particularly gruesome killings, which often involved cannibalism. 

Incorrect

You chose:

Jeffrey Dahmer is believed to have murdered 17 men between 1978 and 1991. He committed particularly gruesome killings, which often involved cannibalism. 

This famous face was first known as a professional athlete and actor, but the height of his fame occurred during his murder trial. Who is he?

Correct

OJ Simpson was on trial in 1994 for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Simpson was acquitted.

Incorrect

You chose:

OJ Simpson was on trial in 1994 for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Simpson was acquitted.

This murderer's sins caught up with him in 2018 when advancements in genealogy and DNA finally identified him as the "Golden State Killer." Who is he?

Correct

This one is fresh off the presses. Known as "The Golden State Killer" or the "East Area Rapist." In 2018, advances in DNA evidence and genealogy put Joseph James DeAngelo on investigators' radar. He was arrested and charged with the crime sprees, including eight counts of first-degree murder.

Incorrect

You chose:

This one is fresh off the presses. Known as "The Golden State Killer" or the "East Area Rapist." In 2018, advances in DNA evidence and genealogy put Joseph James DeAngelo on investigators' radar. He was arrested and charged with the crime sprees, including eight counts of first-degree murder.

This serial killer was known as the "Son of Sam" and committed his heinous crimes in NYC in the 1970s. Who is he?

Correct

For over a year, the "Son of Sam" killed victims, primarily women with long brown hair, in NYC. This actually led to a massive dyeing and cutting trend among NYC females. Thankfully he was caught in 1977 and given six consecutive life sentences.

Incorrect

You chose:

For over a year, the "Son of Sam" killed victims, primarily women with long brown hair, in NYC. This actually led to a massive dyeing and cutting trend among NYC females. Thankfully he was caught in 1977 and given six consecutive life sentences.

This man founded the Branch Davidians, a cult that resided in Waco, Texas. Who is he?

Correct

When federal law enforcement agents approached the Branch Davidian compound, Koresh refused to surrender, resulting in a standoff that would last for 51 days. As the compound went down in flames, Koresh had been preaching that the apocalypse was near, which was probably the reason his 70 followers perished with him.

Incorrect

You chose:

When federal law enforcement agents approached the Branch Davidian compound, Koresh refused to surrender, resulting in a standoff that would last for 51 days. As the compound went down in flames, Koresh had been preaching that the apocalypse was near, which was probably the reason his 70 followers perished with him.

This con man was infamous for pretending to be from different powerful families like the Rockefellers. Who is he?

Correct

The imposter and convicted murderer, Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter, took on identities that were just important enough to get him name recognition but not important enough to doubt or call into question, the greatest example of which is his turn as Clark Rockefeller.

Incorrect

You chose:

The imposter and convicted murderer, Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter, took on identities that were just important enough to get him name recognition but not important enough to doubt or call into question, the greatest example of which is his turn as Clark Rockefeller.

This murderous narcissist represented himself at a trial that became the first televised murder trial. Who is he?

Correct

This serial killer used to prey on the kindness of strangers, often wearing a cast and pretending he just needed help carrying something to his car. Ted Bundy was such a narcissist that he represented himself at trial, but his skills in the courtroom did not match the size of his ego, as he was convicted and executed in the electric chair in 1989.

Incorrect

You chose:

This serial killer used to prey on the kindness of strangers, often wearing a cast and pretending he just needed help carrying something to his car. Ted Bundy was such a narcissist that he represented himself at trial, but his skills in the courtroom did not match the size of his ego, as he was convicted and executed in the electric chair in 1989.

This singer and actor became more well-known for his domestic violence arrests. Who is he?

Correct

In 2009, Chris Brown was charged with domestic violence against his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. A charge for which he turned himself in. 

Incorrect

You chose:

In 2009, Chris Brown was charged with domestic violence against his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. A charge for which he turned himself in. 

This serial killer sent cryptic messages to the Bay Area Press to be decoded and was never caught. Who is he?

Correct

The Zodiac Killer taunted the Bay Area Press with letters accompanied by ciphers to decode them in the '60s and '70s. He claimed to have killed 37 in his final letter, which was the only one decoded.

Incorrect

You chose:

The Zodiac Killer taunted the Bay Area Press with letters accompanied by ciphers to decode them in the '60s and '70s. He claimed to have killed 37 in his final letter, which was the only one decoded.

His wild hair and Hawaiian shirt from his mugshot made it an instant classic for this celebrity. Who is he?

Correct

Nick Nolte was arrested for DUI in Malibu, California. After seeing the mugshot, even Nolte himself said he looked crazed.

Incorrect

You chose:

Nick Nolte was arrested for DUI in Malibu, California. After seeing the mugshot, even Nolte himself said he looked crazed.

This serial killer was dubbed the "Night Stalker" and terrorized California in the '80s. Who is he?

Correct

Richard Ramirez reigned terror on the streets of California, breaking into area homes and killing his victims. His capture was televised when a large group of people charged after him, holding him captive for arrest. He received 13 death penalties.

Incorrect

You chose:

Richard Ramirez reigned terror on the streets of California, breaking into area homes and killing his victims. His capture was televised when a large group of people charged after him, holding him captive for arrest. He received 13 death penalties.

This famous musician ended up in jail for a sexual misconduct charge. Who is he?

Correct

Brian Hugh Warner, whose stage name is "Marilyn Manson", was arrested and ended up in prison for a sexual misconduct charge in 2001. 

Incorrect

You chose:

Brian Hugh Warner, whose stage name is "Marilyn Manson", was arrested and ended up in prison for a sexual misconduct charge in 2001. 

This Italian con man was the OG when it came to scheming. Who is he?

Correct

Charles Ponzi's crooked ways are so notorious that he had a crime scheme named after him. The con man after whom the Ponzi scheme is named was active in the early 20th century and brought down 6 banks with him.

Incorrect

You chose:

Charles Ponzi's crooked ways are so notorious that he had a crime scheme named after him. The con man after whom the Ponzi scheme is named was active in the early 20th century and brought down 6 banks with him.

This boxing promoter was found guilty of manslaughter. Who is he?

Correct

Don King was found guilty of manslaughter after a dispute over money turned violent. He spent three years behind bars until he was pardoned by the Governor of Ohio.

Incorrect

You chose:

Don King was found guilty of manslaughter after a dispute over money turned violent. He spent three years behind bars until he was pardoned by the Governor of Ohio.

This sadistic serial killer built a "murder castle" at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair in which to torture his victims. Who is he?

Correct

H. H. Holmes, the pharmacist-turned-murderer, constructed a three-story inn that he called his "murder castle" with trap doors, secret passageways, soundproof padding, gas lines, and torture chambers. Holmes was caught and convicted of four murders, although he eventually confessed to 27 more. He was hanged in 1896.

Incorrect

You chose:

H. H. Holmes, the pharmacist-turned-murderer, constructed a three-story inn that he called his "murder castle" with trap doors, secret passageways, soundproof padding, gas lines, and torture chambers. Holmes was caught and convicted of four murders, although he eventually confessed to 27 more. He was hanged in 1896.

Throughout his career, this actor has been in trouble with the law countless times. Who is he?

Correct

Among other arrests, Mickey Rourke was convicted of driving under the influence in Miami Beach in 2007.

Incorrect

You chose:

Among other arrests, Mickey Rourke was convicted of driving under the influence in Miami Beach in 2007.

This infamous London killer stalked the night and was never caught. Who is he?

Correct

Jack the Ripper hunted the streets of London in the late 19th century. He targeted sex workers, attacking in a sadistic manner with a carving knife. He was never caught.

Incorrect

You chose:

Jack the Ripper hunted the streets of London in the late 19th century. He targeted sex workers, attacking in a sadistic manner with a carving knife. He was never caught.

This serial killer was known as the "Killer Clown" because he dressed as a clown for children's parties. Who is he?

Correct

While he dressed as a clown for children's parties, in his free time it's believed he killed 33 people, mainly young men. In 1994, he was executed by lethal injection.

Incorrect

You chose:

While he dressed as a clown for children's parties, in his free time it's believed he killed 33 people, mainly young men. In 1994, he was executed by lethal injection.

This cult leader is also a Guinness World Record holder for marrying 6,516 strangers at once in 1988. Who is he?

Correct

Sun Myung Moon was the founder of the Unification Church in the '60s and '70s, with his followers becoming known as "the Moonies." Blending Confucianism, shamanism, anti-communism, and Christianity, Moon was a self-proclaimed prophet who claimed he was "finishing Jesus' mission on Earth."

Incorrect

You chose:

Sun Myung Moon was the founder of the Unification Church in the '60s and '70s, with his followers becoming known as "the Moonies." Blending Confucianism, shamanism, anti-communism, and Christianity, Moon was a self-proclaimed prophet who claimed he was "finishing Jesus' mission on Earth."

This former NASDAQ chairman is now behind bars for running a $50 billion Ponzi scheme. Who is he?

Correct

Most people know Bernie Madoff's mug, as he is considered the modern-day Ponzi. Madoff was turned in by his own sons in 2008 and was sentenced to 150 years in prison.

Incorrect

You chose:

Most people know Bernie Madoff's mug, as he is considered the modern-day Ponzi. Madoff was turned in by his own sons in 2008 and was sentenced to 150 years in prison.

This "Christian" cult leader of the cult "Children of God" exploited children. Who is he?

Correct

Claiming to be a prophet, hippie David Berg wrote his followers over 3,000 letters known as the "Mo Letters". After serious misconduct and child sex abuse accusations, there was a mass exodus of members.

Incorrect

You chose:

Claiming to be a prophet, hippie David Berg wrote his followers over 3,000 letters known as the "Mo Letters". After serious misconduct and child sex abuse accusations, there was a mass exodus of members.

This infamous con man posed as a pilot for PanAm, a doctor, and a lawyer all before he was even 21. Who is he?

Correct

Banking on his skills in forgery and impersonation, Frank Abagnale hopped aboard Pan Am flights as a fake pilot, before faking his way through other high-flying professions. All the while, he defrauded banks of millions by forging checks. He was arrested in France and later struck a deal with the FBI as a consultant. He's since worked with the FBI for forty years. If this story sounds familiar, it's because it was played out on the silver screen by Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can.

Incorrect

You chose:

Banking on his skills in forgery and impersonation, Frank Abagnale hopped aboard Pan Am flights as a fake pilot, before faking his way through other high-flying professions. All the while, he defrauded banks of millions by forging checks. He was arrested in France and later struck a deal with the FBI as a consultant. He's since worked with the FBI for forty years. If this story sounds familiar, it's because it was played out on the silver screen by Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can.

This "Wolf of Wall Street" ran a boiler room to manipulate investors into a penny-stock scam. Who is he?

Correct

Another con man played by Leonardo DiCaprio, this stock market manipulator went to prison after defrauding investors with his "pump and dump" stock sales. He served only 22 months for bilking investors of $110 million and is now a motivational speaker.

Incorrect

You chose:

Another con man played by Leonardo DiCaprio, this stock market manipulator went to prison after defrauding investors with his "pump and dump" stock sales. He served only 22 months for bilking investors of $110 million and is now a motivational speaker.

Calling it a "revolutionary act," this cult leader ordered hundreds of followers to drink the Kool-Aid in Jonestown. Who is he?

Correct

After setting up camp in San Francisco, the cult leader of the Peoples Temple, Jim Jones, grew chummy with many politicians. But after receiving some negative publicity, he led his cult into a jungle in the South American country of Guyana to start what he said would be a utopia, but what actually was a dystopian cult of abuse. After the U.S. sent in a representative to investigate the abuses and was promptly killed, Jones led his cult in drinking cyanide-laced juice and then killed himself.

Incorrect

You chose:

After setting up camp in San Francisco, the cult leader of the Peoples Temple, Jim Jones, grew chummy with many politicians. But after receiving some negative publicity, he led his cult into a jungle in the South American country of Guyana to start what he said would be a utopia, but what actually was a dystopian cult of abuse. After the U.S. sent in a representative to investigate the abuses and was promptly killed, Jones led his cult in drinking cyanide-laced juice and then killed himself.

This mastermind cultist led a terrorist attack on the Tokyo subway system. Who is he?

Correct

Shoko Asahara, a terrorist cult leader, masterminded an attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995. Shoko Asahara and his cult Aum Shinrikyo ("Supreme Truth") released sarin gas on five crowded morning rush-hour subway trains, killing 13 and causing thousands more to be ill. Asahara was executed in 2018 for the part he played in the attack.

Incorrect

You chose:

Shoko Asahara, a terrorist cult leader, masterminded an attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995. Shoko Asahara and his cult Aum Shinrikyo ("Supreme Truth") released sarin gas on five crowded morning rush-hour subway trains, killing 13 and causing thousands more to be ill. Asahara was executed in 2018 for the part he played in the attack.

Known as "The Butcher," this Russian killer murdered dozens over more than a decade. Who is he?

Correct

Andrei "The Butcher" Chikatilo was a Russian murderer who was convicted of killing 53 victims between 1978 and 1990. He was put to death by firing squad in 1994. 

Incorrect

You chose:

Andrei "The Butcher" Chikatilo was a Russian murderer who was convicted of killing 53 victims between 1978 and 1990. He was put to death by firing squad in 1994. 

This female serial killer was portrayed by Charlize Theron in Monster. Who is she?

Correct

As a sex worker in Florida, Aileen Wuornos killed seven men and stole their money. She was sentenced to death by lethal injection in 1992. 

Incorrect

You chose:

As a sex worker in Florida, Aileen Wuornos killed seven men and stole their money. She was sentenced to death by lethal injection in 1992. 

This Bavarian cult originated out of opposition to the monarchy and religion. What cult is it?

Correct

In fiction and in real life, the Illuminati have been blamed for a wide variety of crimes and revolutions, with some believing that the group controls the world. Founded in 1776 Bavaria, the group was founded under Enlightenment figures who resisted monarchical and religious abuses. 

Incorrect

You chose:

In fiction and in real life, the Illuminati have been blamed for a wide variety of crimes and revolutions, with some believing that the group controls the world. Founded in 1776 Bavaria, the group was founded under Enlightenment figures who resisted monarchical and religious abuses. 

This Japanese Emperor led his followers to complete kamikaze acts, something he referred to as "divine wind." Who is he?

Correct

The last emperor of Japan, Emperor Hirohito, led the country into WWII. In his mission to expand the Japanese Empire, he invoked the concept of the "divine wind" or kamikazes – those dive-bombing pilots who self-sacrificed for the good of god...aka, the emperor, himself.

Incorrect

You chose:

The last emperor of Japan, Emperor Hirohito, led the country into WWII. In his mission to expand the Japanese Empire, he invoked the concept of the "divine wind" or kamikazes – those dive-bombing pilots who self-sacrificed for the good of god...aka, the emperor, himself.

This silent actor and comedian was charged with murder and rape. Who is he?

Correct

In 1921, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle went through three trials in 6 months for his crimes, yet he was acquitted after two hung juries.

Incorrect

You chose:

In 1921, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle went through three trials in 6 months for his crimes, yet he was acquitted after two hung juries.

This '70s punk rocker was arrested and charged with the murder of his girlfriend in 1979. Who is he?

Correct

Sid Vicious, the bassist from the Sex Pistols in the '70s, stabbed his girlfriend to death in a drug-fueled state. He was dead just seven weeks later.

Incorrect

You chose:

Sid Vicious, the bassist from the Sex Pistols in the '70s, stabbed his girlfriend to death in a drug-fueled state. He was dead just seven weeks later.

Nicknamed the "Boston Strangler" this serial killer murdered his victims by strangulation dressed as a handyman. Who is he?

Correct

The early '60s saw Albert DeSalvo stalking the streets of Boston and attacking and killing 13 women. After being given a life sentence, he was on the wrong end of "prison justice" and was killed in 1973.

Incorrect

You chose:

The early '60s saw Albert DeSalvo stalking the streets of Boston and attacking and killing 13 women. After being given a life sentence, he was on the wrong end of "prison justice" and was killed in 1973.

The BTK killer was active for over 20 years. He would break into his victim's homes and "bind, torture, and kill" them. Who is he?

Correct

Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer, was active between '71 and '91. But after falling off the map in 1988, he taunted police by sending the press a floppy disc, which was just what they needed to trace him. He's currently serving 10 consecutive life sentences.

Incorrect

You chose:

Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer, was active between '71 and '91. But after falling off the map in 1988, he taunted police by sending the press a floppy disc, which was just what they needed to trace him. He's currently serving 10 consecutive life sentences.

Often referred to as "the world's worst serial killer" this man is believed to have murdered over 300 people. Who is he?

Correct

Luis "The Beast" Garavito admitted to murdering 147 boys – a number which is believed to be far fewer than the estimate of over 300. Although he should have received 1,853 years in prison at his sentencing in 1999, he may get out in 30, according to a loophole in Colombian law. 

Incorrect

You chose:

Luis "The Beast" Garavito admitted to murdering 147 boys – a number which is believed to be far fewer than the estimate of over 300. Although he should have received 1,853 years in prison at his sentencing in 1999, he may get out in 30, according to a loophole in Colombian law. 

This madman with mommy issues was the inspiration behind Hitchcock's Psycho. Who is he?

Correct

Believed to have murdered 11 people, Ed Gein's issues stemmed from his mother. While alive, his domineering mom controlled his life and, after she passed, Gein built a shrine to her in his home and collected body parts from a local graveyard to reassemble a version of his mom.

Incorrect

You chose:

Believed to have murdered 11 people, Ed Gein's issues stemmed from his mother. While alive, his domineering mom controlled his life and, after she passed, Gein built a shrine to her in his home and collected body parts from a local graveyard to reassemble a version of his mom.

This con man charmed his way out of being convicted for his fake cure for consumption. Who is he?

Correct

John St. John Long was an Irish con man active in the 19th century. Faking medical expertise, Long banked on his good looks and claimed to have developed a cure for tuberculosis with secret chemicals, one of which was to be used as an ointment on the back and chest, the other as a vapor to inhale. Though he was put on trial for killing patients, he paid small fines and was acquitted of murder charges.

Incorrect

You chose:

John St. John Long was an Irish con man active in the 19th century. Faking medical expertise, Long banked on his good looks and claimed to have developed a cure for tuberculosis with secret chemicals, one of which was to be used as an ointment on the back and chest, the other as a vapor to inhale. Though he was put on trial for killing patients, he paid small fines and was acquitted of murder charges.

Known in the Caribbean as "Sir Allen," this Ponzi giant bilked investors out of $7 billion. Who is he?

Correct

Texas mogul Allen Stanford ran away with $7 billion from tens of thousands of investors, after promising impossible returns and inventing fraudulent financial statements to corroborate investor earnings. Stanford was sentenced to 110 years behind bars.

Incorrect

You chose:

Texas mogul Allen Stanford ran away with $7 billion from tens of thousands of investors, after promising impossible returns and inventing fraudulent financial statements to corroborate investor earnings. Stanford was sentenced to 110 years behind bars.

Founded in New York by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada this cult was accused of child abuse. What cult is it?

Correct

Hare Krishna was founded in New York by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. Although the movement as a whole isn't necessarily labeled as a cult, the counterculture of hippies in devotee communes worshipped their leaders as cult-like figures. As the movement spread to India over the next two decades, the ISKCON's boarding schools were accused of widespread child abuse, including beatings, denial of medical care, and sexual assault.

Incorrect

You chose:

Hare Krishna was founded in New York by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. Although the movement as a whole isn't necessarily labeled as a cult, the counterculture of hippies in devotee communes worshipped their leaders as cult-like figures. As the movement spread to India over the next two decades, the ISKCON's boarding schools were accused of widespread child abuse, including beatings, denial of medical care, and sexual assault.

This Santeria cult leader blended Voodoo with Roman Catholicism to "disappear" people. Who is he?

Correct

Adolfo Constanzo embraced the occult, training under a Santeria sorcerer, and aligning himself with Mexican drug lords and crime syndicates, in order to extort them out of thousands by performing Santeria rituals in their favor. Constanzo began "disappearing" people in drug cartels who wouldn't give him the dollar figure he asked for.

Incorrect

You chose:

Adolfo Constanzo embraced the occult, training under a Santeria sorcerer, and aligning himself with Mexican drug lords and crime syndicates, in order to extort them out of thousands by performing Santeria rituals in their favor. Constanzo began "disappearing" people in drug cartels who wouldn't give him the dollar figure he asked for.

This music mogul gave the world Backstreet Boys and 'NSYNC and also swindled investors into funding a fake airline. Who is he?

Correct

Music mogul Lou Pearlman – who helped form Backstreet Boys, 'NSYNC, and O-Town – was a fraudster at heart. Not only was he scamming his artists, but he also ran a Ponzi scheme, for which he created an airline and service company out of thin air, bilking $300 million from investors. He fled to Indonesia but was later caught and convicted of money laundering and conspiracy, earning 25 years behind bars.

Incorrect

You chose:

Music mogul Lou Pearlman – who helped form Backstreet Boys, 'NSYNC, and O-Town – was a fraudster at heart. Not only was he scamming his artists, but he also ran a Ponzi scheme, for which he created an airline and service company out of thin air, bilking $300 million from investors. He fled to Indonesia but was later caught and convicted of money laundering and conspiracy, earning 25 years behind bars.

Quiz Results

You scored: %

Next Post →

Advertisement

The More You Know

  • A quarter of all the bones in your body are in your feet.
  • The "Like" button on Facebook was supposed to be the "Awesome" button.
  • The 442nd Infantry Regiment, a largely Japanese American unit that served during WWII, did so while their families were held in internment camps. Their motto was "Go for Broke" and they were the most decorated unit in U.S. military history.
  • Holding a sneeze can be dangerous.
Next Post →

Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.