The Life and Crimes of Tommy Lynn Sells: “Coast-to-Coast Killer” An American Serial Killer

True Crime Lounge
Memento Mori Desk
Published in
12 min readAug 8, 2024

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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.

Tommy Lynn Sells

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…

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