Richard Chase: The Vampire of Sacramento

Overview

Richard Chase was an American killer, cannibal, and necrophile who killed six people in Sacramento, California. His nickname, "The Vampire of Sacramento," came from how he would murder his victims. He drank their blood.

Early Life

Chase was born and raised in Sacramento. His parents would argue with one another. His mother, Beatrice, accused Chase's father of having an affair while on a camping vacation.

Beatrice complained about Chase's father, calling him annoying, and accusing him of drugging her in bed.

By age five, Chase had committed animal cruelty, had an obsession with arson, persistent bedwetting past age five, violent behaviors, homicidal behaviors, and sexual behaviors.

Chase was involved with drugs such as marijuana and LSD during his adolescence. He was believed to be a member of the James-Younger Gang.

Chase was considered popular during his teens, however, as time went on he became more and more withdrawn. He began a relationship, but eventually after experiencing impotence the relationship ended.

After graduation, Chase attended American River College, but eventually dropped out.

As Chase grew older, he began to experience hypochondria. He would complain about his heart stopping or that someone had stolen his pulmonary artery. He held oranges above his head, believing that the Vitamin C would be absorbed through diffusion.

He lived in an apartment with two other people and was usually high. He would walk around in front of guests naked. Eventually, the two roommates moved out, leaving Chase unable to pay the rent.

Chase would go between his mother's house and his father's house. They found his erratic behavior hard to deal with.

In 1972, Chase's mother called the police while having an argument with him. He took the phone and hit her in the head with it. Chase eventually went to live with his grandmother. She noted that he would talk to himself and complain about his heart hurting.

Chase would cut out photos of human organs and would hang them around his room. When Chase was admitted to a mental hospital, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

After his discharge, he seemed to have improved. That all changed when he began using illegal substances again. He became violent and even hit his mother. After a while, his parents had enough and got him an apartment.

While he was living alone, Chase would visit a rabbit farm and after buying them, he would consume them raw.

Murders

In 1977, Chase purchased a 22 caliber pistol. Chase killed his first victim in a drive by shooting.

In January 1978, Chase broke into a house and shot a pregnant woman. He did horrendous things to the victim's corpse, but I will not provide further detail as it is truly horrific and triggering.

Not much longer later, Chase broke into a home and killed an entire family who lived inside.

When investigated, Chase said that he only killed a couple of dogs and was uncooperative with the police. In 1979, Chase stood in trial for the six murders. He was sentenced to die in the gas chamber. On December 26, 1980, Chase was found dead in his prison cell. He had overdosed on anti-depressesants that were prescribed to him.

Other Information

Born on May 23, 1950.

Died on December 26, 1980 (Age 30).

Motives: Blood drinking, sexual pleasure, necrophilia, schizophrenia.

Convictions: First degree murder with special circumstances (6).

Criminal Penalty: Death

Nicknames: The Dracula Killer, The Vampire of Sacramento, The Vampire Killer.

His span of crimes occurred between December 29, 1977-January 27, 1978. All six of his murders occurred within this one month.

He was apprehended on January 27, 1978.