The Crimes of Arthur Shawcross: Unveiling the Chilling Legacy of the Genesee River Killer

Matthew Jack
5 min readJan 12, 2024

Genesee River Killer, responsible for 14 murders in New York from 1972 to 1989

Prezi (Prezi.com)

Overview of Arthur Shawcross

Arthur Shawcross, a name that would later send shivers down the spine of many in upstate New York, was an infamous figure in the annals of American crime history. Known predominantly as the Genesee River Killer, Shawcross was an American serial killer who left a bloody trail of 14 murders in New York over 17 years, from 1972 to 1989. Shawcross’s reign of terror led to the creation of several monikers, each more terrifying than the last. He was frequently referred to as the Monster of the Rivers, the Genesee River Strangler, and the Rochester Strangler, all names that chillingly depicted his brutal and violent crimes.

Shawcross was born in Maine, but his life was far from ideal. His childhood was fraught with difficulties and was marked by a pattern of pathological lying that hinted at the darker path his life would eventually take. His personal life was equally tumultuous, with several failed marriages adding to his troubles. Shawcross also served in the Army, an experience that some argue may have played a role in shaping the brutal killer he would later become. His life, marked by personal turmoil and eventual brutal…

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Matthew Jack

My 30-year law enforcement career fuels my interest in True-Crime writing. Since I am a business owner, I also write about business development and strategy.