Randall Woodfield, infamously known as the “I-5 Killer” or the “I-5 Bandit,” was a former football player whose life took a dark and tragic turn. Born on December 26, 1950, in Salem, Oregon, Woodfield’s descent into a life of crime has left an indelible mark on the history of American criminal cases.
Early Life and Aspirations
Woodfield was the third child in a prominent Newport family. His mother was a homemaker, and his father held an executive position at Pacific Northwest Bell.
Growing up in Otter Rock, Oregon, a small seaside town near Newport, he was popular among his peers and excelled in sports.
At Newport High School, Woodfield was a star football player, a reputation that continued at Portland State University, where he played as a wide receiver.
His athletic prowess earned him a spot with the Green Bay Packers in the 1974 NFL draft. His career was short-lived, as he was cut from the team during training camp due to multiple arrests for public indecency.
Descent into Crime
Following his departure from professional football, Woodfield’s life took a darker path. In early 1975, he began a series of robberies and sexual assaults targeting women in Portland, Oregon.
These crimes escalated in severity, leading to his arrest and conviction for second-degree robbery. He was sentenced to ten years in prison but was released on parole in July 1979 after serving four years.
Between 1979 and 1981, Woodfield embarked on a violent spree along the Interstate 5 (I-5) corridor, which stretches from Washington through Oregon to California.
His victims were predominantly young women, many of whom worked in restaurants and convenience stores along the highway.
Woodfield’s modus operandi involved robbing, sexually assaulting, and, in many cases, murdering his victims. He often concealed his identity with disguises, including fake beards and athletic tape across his nose.
Modus Operandi and Victim Profile
Woodfield primarily targeted thin white women in their twenties, many from middle-class backgrounds.
His victims were often employees of establishments along the I-5 corridor. Woodfield’s attacks varied; some were random, while others were triggered by rejected sexual advances. He typically concealed his identity during these crimes and used a .32 caliber revolver.
Investigation and Arrest
The increasing frequency and brutality of the crimes along the I-5 corridor prompted an extensive investigation.
Detectives noticed similarities in the modus operandi of the incidents, leading them to suspect a single perpetrator. Woodfield’s connection to several victims and his presence near crime scenes further implicated him.
In March 1981, he was arrested after being identified by multiple victims and linked to the crimes through physical evidence found in his residence.
Trials and Convictions
Woodfield faced multiple trials for his crimes. In June 1981, he was convicted of the murder of Shari Hull and the attempted murder of her co-worker, Beth Wilmot.
He received a life sentence plus 90 years. Subsequently, in October 1981, he was convicted on additional charges related to other assaults, resulting in an additional 35-year sentence.
Suspected Additional Crimes
While Woodfield was convicted of specific murders, authorities suspect his involvement in many more. Investigations have linked him to at least 18 murders and over 60 sexual assaults. Woodfield has never confessed to these crimes, and many remain unsolved.
Life in Prison
Woodfield is serving his sentences at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. In October 1983, he was injured during a prison disturbance.
Despite his incarceration, he filed a $12 million libel suit against author Ann Rule in 1987, alleging inaccuracies in her book “The I-5 Killer.” The lawsuit was dismissed in 1988.
DNA testing in the 2000s linked him to additional murders, further cementing his status as one of America’s most notorious serial killers.
Impact
Woodfield’s crimes have been the subject of various media portrayals. Ann Rule’s book “The I-5 Killer” provides an in-depth look at his life and crimes.
The case has also been featured in television programs and documentaries, highlighting the psychological profile of Woodfield and the investigative efforts to capture him.
FAQs
1. Who is Randall Woodfield?
Randall Woodfield, born on December 26, 1950, in Salem, Oregon, is an American serial killer and former football player. He gained notoriety as the “I-5 Killer” due to his crimes along the Interstate 5 corridor in the 1980s.
2. What was Woodfield’s early life like?
Woodfield was the third child in a prominent Newport family. He excelled in sports, particularly football, during his youth. He attended Portland State University, where he played as a wide receiver and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1974. His career was cut short due to multiple arrests for public indecency.
3. How did Woodfield’s criminal activities begin?
After his football career ended, Woodfield’s behavior became increasingly erratic. In early 1975, he began a series of robberies and sexual assaults targeting women in Portland, Oregon. These crimes escalated, leading to his arrest and conviction for second-degree robbery. He was sentenced to ten years in prison but was released on parole in July 1979 after serving four years.
4. What crimes did Woodfield commit along the I-5 corridor?
Between 1979 and 1981, Woodfield committed multiple robberies, sexual assaults, and murders along the I-5 corridor, which stretches from Washington through Oregon to California. His victims were predominantly young women working in establishments along the highway. Woodfield’s modus operandi involved robbing, sexually assaulting, and murdering his victims, often concealing his identity with disguises.
5. How was Woodfield apprehended?
The increasing frequency and brutality of the crimes prompted an extensive investigation. Detectives linked the incidents through similarities in modus operandi and victim profiles. Woodfield’s connection to several victims and his presence near crime scenes led to his arrest in March 1981. He was identified by multiple victims and linked to the crimes through physical evidence found in his residence.
6. What was Woodfield’s conviction and sentence?
Woodfield faced multiple trials for his crimes. In June 1981, he was convicted of the murder of Shari Hull and the attempted murder of her co-worker, Beth Wilmot. He received a life sentence plus 90 years. In October 1981, he was convicted on additional charges related to other assaults, resulting in an additional 35-year sentence.
7. Is Woodfield linked to other unsolved crimes?
While convicted of specific murders, authorities suspect Woodfield’s involvement in many more. Investigations have linked him to at least 18 murders and over 60 sexual assaults. Woodfield has never confessed to these crimes, and many remain unsolved.
8. Where is Woodfield currently incarcerated?
Woodfield is serving his sentences at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. In October 1983, he was injured during a prison disturbance. Despite his incarceration, he filed a $12 million libel suit against author Ann Rule in 1987, alleging inaccuracies in her book “The I-5 Killer.” The lawsuit was dismissed in 1988.
9. Has Woodfield’s case been portrayed in media?
Yes, Woodfield’s crimes have been the subject of various media portrayals. Ann Rule’s book “The I-5 Killer” provides an in-depth look at his life and crimes. The case has also been featured in television programs and documentaries, highlighting his psychological profile and the investigative efforts to capture him.
10. What is known about Woodfield’s personal life?
During his time in the penitentiary, Woodfield has married three times and divorced twice. Some letters he wrote from prison were published in “The Serial Killer Letters” by The Charles Press. In one of these letters, he wrote to journalist Jennifer Furio.
The Bottom Line
The story of Randall Woodfield serves as a chilling reminder of how a promising life can spiral into darkness. His transformation from a celebrated athlete to a feared serial killer underscores the complexities of human behavior and the factors that can lead individuals down a path of destruction. While some questions about his full range of crimes remain unanswered, Woodfield’s case continues to intrigue and horrify, offering insights into criminal psychology and the relentless pursuit of justice.
