Summary of "SOLVED: America's Deadliest Serial Killer 2"
Podcast: Murder: True Crime Stories
Host: Carter Roy
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Produced by: Crime House, Powered by PAVE Studios
Introduction
In the second installment of the two-part series on Samuel Little, the podcast delves deep into the life, crimes, and eventual capture of what is now recognized as America's most prolific serial killer. Carter Roy guides listeners through Little's extensive murder spree, the investigative breakthroughs that led to his downfall, and the enduring impact on his victims' families.
Samuel Little: The Early Years and Criminal Beginnings
Background and Early Crimes (00:00 - 05:30)
Samuel Little's trajectory into becoming a serial killer began in his early adulthood. By 1987, at 47 years old, Little was already a seasoned criminal prowling the streets of Southern California for vulnerable women. Despite his age, he maintained a relentless pursuit of his victims, many of whom were sex workers or struggling with drug addiction—individuals he believed would not be missed or whose disappearances would go unnoticed.
Carter Roy (00:00): "People's lives are like stories with a beginning, a middle, and an end. But sometimes the final chapter comes far too soon."
Little's victim selection reflected his belief that targeting marginalized individuals would allow him to evade detection, a strategy that enabled him to commit crimes for over three decades without significant interference.
Life on the Run: Complicity and Temporary Halts
Partnership with Aurelia Jean Dorsey (05:31 - 12:45)
Little found a semblance of companionship with Aurelia Jean Dorsey, his girlfriend and partner in crime, whom he met in 1971. Despite the substantial age difference—Jean was approximately 30 years his senior—they formed a formidable duo. Together, they traveled across the country, engaging in shoplifting and sales of stolen goods to fund their transient lifestyle.
However, as Jean's health deteriorated in the late 1980s, the couple decided to settle in Los Angeles, a decision that marked a significant shift in Little's criminal activities.
Carter Roy (04:15): "Even decades later, Samuel remembered each one of his victims, what they were wearing, what they looked like, and how he killed them."
Despite the temporary respite following Jean’s death in 1988, Little's compulsion to kill remained unquenched. The loss of his partner coincided with a brief cessation of his murders in 1989, suggesting a momentary pause driven by grief or the need to reorganize after losing their financial support system.
The Murder Spree Intensifies
A Series of Murders (12:46 - 25:00)
In 1990, Samuel Little reignited his killing spree with the murder of Zena Marie Jones in Memphis, Tennessee. Their encounter was brief but fatal, culminating in her death by strangulation and her body being disposed of in the Mississippi River. The lack of identification for Jones exemplified Little's long-standing strategy of eliminating victims who would not be easily noticed.
Over the following years, Little continued his heinous activities across various states, including Ohio and California. Notable victims during this period included:
- Alice Duvall (June 1991, Long Beach, CA): A sex worker in her early 40s.
- Rose Evans (August 24, 1991, Cleveland, OH): A 32-year-old woman struggling with drug addiction and involved in sex work. Rose's disappearance was particularly poignant as her family was aware of her whereabouts until her murder by Little.
Carter Roy (10:30): "Samuel struck a plea deal and served only two years behind bars."
Despite numerous close calls and arrests for lesser crimes, Little adeptly avoided lengthy incarcerations, allowing him to continue his killing spree well into the 1990s and early 2000s.
The Downfall: Advances in Forensic Science and Diligent Investigation
Advances in DNA Technology and Detective Mitzi Roberts (25:01 - 35:00)
The turning point in Little's criminal career came with advancements in DNA technology. In April 2012, Detective Mitzi Roberts of the LAPD Cold Cases Unit received crucial DNA matches connecting Little to the murders of Audrey Nelson and Guadalupe Apodaca, both victims from 1989. This breakthrough was pivotal, but locating Little posed a significant challenge due to his transient lifestyle.
Roberts meticulously combed through Little's extensive police records, uncovering a consistent pattern of behavior and financial transactions that led her to a Walmart debit card used in Louisville, Kentucky. This discovery was instrumental in tracking down Little, culminating in his arrest on September 5, 2012.
Carter Roy (15:20): "Laudable efforts were made by Detective Roberts to ensure Samuel couldn't evade justice as he had in the past."
Despite the arrest, Little’s initial charges were limited to his old drug offenses, delaying prosecution for the murders until additional evidence surfaced.
The Trial and Conviction
Court Proceedings and Conviction (35:01 - 45:00)
In November 2012, ViCAP (the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program) linked additional DNA evidence to another victim, Carol Alford, convicted Little of her murder as well. This accumulation of evidence and patterns in his crimes compelled the District Attorney to press charges against Little for the murders of Carol Alford, Audrey Nelson, and Guadalupe Apodaca.
Detective Roberts played a critical role in securing testimonials from two survivors, Hilda Nelson and Leila McLean, who had previously endured assaults by Little in the early 1980s. Their courageous testimonies provided the necessary witness accounts to solidify the prosecution's case.
The trial, which commenced in September 2014 when Little was 74, was marked by irrefutable DNA evidence and heartfelt victim testimonies. After weeks of rigorous proceedings, Samuel Little was found guilty on all charges.
Samuel Little (Verdict Announcement, 40:45): "I didn't do it."
Despite the presence of the death penalty in California at the time, the court sentenced Little to three consecutive life sentences, recognizing the need to keep him alive for ongoing investigations into his additional crimes.
Continued Investigations and Additional Confessions
Expanding the Case and Further Confessions (45:01 - 55:30)
Detective Roberts and her team remained undeterred in their quest to solve more of Little's crimes. In 2018, Texas Ranger James Holland took center stage in interviewing the aged serial killer. Utilizing rapport-building techniques and appealing to Little's well-documented memory of his victims, Holland successfully extracted further confessions.
Little's ability to recall intricate details about his victims—such as hairstyles, jewelry, and physical features—proved invaluable. He began drawing rudimentary portraits of his victims, which became a cornerstone in identifying previously unknown victims.
One significant breakthrough came when Bernice Talley recognized her mother, Zena Marie Jones, from one of Little’s drawings. This identification underscored the profound impact of Little’s confessions and the continued efforts to bring closure to countless families.
In October 2018, additional confessions led to formal charges in Ohio, including the murders of Mary Jo Paton and Rose Evans. By August 2019, Samuel Little pleaded guilty to these additional murders, further cementing his legacy as the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history.
Detective Mitzi Roberts (54:20): "He couldn't resist making eye contact with Samuel after the verdict was read out."
Legacy and Final Capture
Final Years and Death (55:31 - 1:05:00)
Samuel Little's reign of terror officially ended with his death in prison on December 30, 2020, at the age of 80. While no official cause of death was released, it was widely speculated to be related to his long-standing health issues, including diabetes and heart disease.
Throughout his incarceration, Little continued to provide information that aided in solving numerous cold cases, though his passing marked the closure of a dark chapter in true crime history.
Carter Roy (1:00:45): "While Samuel will never be charged with another murder, the FBI has continued to work on identifying all of his victims."
The FBI and various law enforcement agencies continue to honor Little’s confessions by striving to identify the remaining victims, emphasizing the enduring need for justice and closure for the families affected by his crimes.
Conclusion
Samuel Little's story is a harrowing testament to the complexities of criminal psychology, the challenges of law enforcement in tracking serial offenders, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through meticulous investigation and advancements in forensic science, law enforcement finally brought one of the most elusive and deadly serial killers to justice. The podcast not only highlights Little's extensive list of victims but also underscores the profound human impact behind each statistic.
Carter Roy (Final Touch): "Thanks so much for listening. I'm Carter Roy and this is True Crime Stories."
Call to Action
Samuel Little's case remains open in many jurisdictions, with at least 40 victims yet to be identified. The FBI encourages anyone with information about missing individuals from 1970 to 2005 to visit their dedicated webpage and assist in bringing closure to more families affected by Little’s horrendous crimes.
Carter Roy (End Statement): "Share the link with family and friends too. At this point, it's the best form of justice we can offer their loved ones."
Notable Quotes
- Carter Roy (00:00): "People's lives are like stories with a beginning, a middle, and an end. But sometimes the final chapter comes far too soon."
- Carter Roy (04:15): "Even decades later, Samuel remembered each one of his victims, what they were wearing, what they looked like, and how he killed them."
- Carter Roy (10:30): "Samuel struck a plea deal and served only two years behind bars."
- Carter Roy (15:20): "Laudable efforts were made by Detective Roberts to ensure Samuel couldn't evade justice as he had in the past."
- Samuel Little (Verdict Announcement, 40:45): "I didn't do it."
Additional Resources
For those interested in exploring more about Samuel Little and other intriguing true crime stories, follow Murder: True Crime Stories on Instagram @crimehouse and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform to stay updated with the latest episodes every Tuesday.
Produced by:
Max Cutler, Ron Shapiro, Alex Benidon, Natalie Pertsofsky, Lori Marinelli, Sarah Camp, Jelena War, Beth Johnson, and Russell Nash.
Listen to More:
Explore Murder in the Media, Crime House Studios' first audiobook, available on Spotify, which examines the intricate relationship between media and true crime storytelling through five gripping murder cases.
End of Summary