Leonard Lake ID Mistake Arrest

American serial killer Leonard Lake, who abducted, tortured, and murdered at least 11 victims in California between 1983 and 1985, was caught after a small mistake during a police encounter. When officers questioned him in South San Francisco on June 2, 1985, Lake presented a driver’s license belonging to Robin Scott Stapley, a man who had recently disappeared. Police quickly realized the man in front of them did not resemble the photo on the ID and arrested him after discovering an illegal firearm in his car. While in custody, the serial killer swallowed cyanide capsules he had sewn into his clothing and died four days later.

Previous Fact Next Fact