Serial Killers New Target Area

Serial Killers Target Women Along U.S. Highways

By Sharnellia Bennett-Smith

Washington, D.C. - The FBI’s Highway Serial Killings Initiative, established in 2009, exposed a chilling pattern involving numerous women with transient lifestyles, often involved in drug abuse or prostitution, being murdered and discarded along major highways in the United States, especially the Interstate 40 corridor. Utilizing the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program, authorities compiled extensive records of victims and suspects, underscoring the alarming frequency of these crimes. The initiative identified hundreds of potential victims and suspects, revealing that many of these violent acts were linked to long-haul truck drivers.

Victims, frequently termed "Lot Lizards" by perpetrators, were specifically targeted due to their vulnerability—resulting from drug dependency, prostitution, and transient living situations. These women were often perceived as easy targets, isolated and largely overlooked by society. Although the initiative successfully collected critical data and helped spotlight these serial murders, the FBI has since ceased the program, significantly hampering efforts to monitor and link these crimes effectively.

As of 2024, former members of the initiative continue to express concern over approximately 200 unsolved cases among hundreds initially identified. While the vast majority of truck drivers operate lawfully, the transient nature of their work complicates investigative efforts and contributes to the challenge of identifying and prosecuting perpetrators. Advocacy groups persistently call for renewed federal attention, improved safety protocols, and stronger oversight measures to address and reduce these tragic, violent crimes against vulnerable women.