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The Life and Crimes of Tommy Lynn Sells: “Coast-to-Coast Killer” An American Serial Killer
Tommy Lynn Sells, known as the “Coast-to-Coast Killer,” was an American serial killer whose criminal activities spanned two decades and multiple states. Despite being convicted of only one murder, Sells claimed to have killed over 70 people. His life was marked by violence, substance abuse, and a transient lifestyle that allowed him to evade law enforcement for years. This article delves into the details of Sells’ life, his crimes, and the timeline of his notorious activities.
Early Life
- Birth: Tommy Lynn Sells was born on June 28, 1964, in Oakland, California. He had a troubled childhood, marked by instability and familial issues.
- Education: Sells had an eighth-grade education and struggled with literacy throughout his life. His early years were characterized by a lack of direction and purpose, leading him to a life of crime.
Criminal Beginnings
Sells’ criminal activities began in his teenage years and escalated over time. His early offenses included theft and drug-related crimes, which set the stage for his later violent behavior.
- First Arrest: In 1990, Sells was arrested for stealing a truck in Wyoming, leading to a 16-month prison sentence. During his time in prison, he was diagnosed with several mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
The Transient Lifestyle
After his release from prison in 1997, Sells adopted a transient lifestyle, hitchhiking and train-hopping across the United States. This nomadic existence allowed him to evade law enforcement while he committed numerous crimes.
- Substance Abuse: Sells struggled with severe substance abuse issues, including alcohol and opioid dependence, which fueled his violent tendencies.
Timeline of Crimes
1980s: The Early Years of Violence
- December 1988, Tucson, Arizona: Sells killed Ken Lauten over a drug deal gone wrong.
Ken Lauten was a 51-year-old man who became one of the victims of Tommy Lynn Sells in…
