Story map · 1971–1983
Robert Hansen
Robert Hansen, an Anchorage baker and private pilot, abducted and killed women in Southcentral Alaska from the early 1970s until 1983, often flying them to remote areas. He came under suspicion after a 17-year-old escaped from him at Merrill Field in June 1983, and a search of his home turned up victims' jewelry, guns and an aviation chart marked with dozens of x's. In February 1984 he pleaded guilty to four murders (Sherry Morrow, Joanna Messina, Paula Goulding and the unidentified "Eklutna Annie"), admitted to 17, and led investigators to graves marked on his map; he was sentenced to 461 years.
Scroll to follow the case. Private homes are shown as shaded areas, never exact points.
Other · June 13, 1983
Merrill Field (escape)
June 13, 1983. At this Anchorage airfield, a 17-year-old Robert Hansen had abducted escaped from his car while he loaded his small plane, still handcuffed, and ran for help. Her escape is what finally put police on his trail.
Killer's residence · June 13, 1983
Hansen's home (Muldoon)
Hansen, a baker and private pilot, lived in Anchorage's Muldoon neighborhood. When investigators searched the house in October 1983 they found victims' jewelry, guns, and an aviation chart marked with dozens of x's.
Recovery site · July 1980
Eklutna recovery site
In July 1980, construction workers found the remains of a woman in the woods near Eklutna Lake Road. She has never been identified and is remembered as "Eklutna Annie". Hansen later pleaded guilty to her murder.
Recovery site · July 8, 1980
Gravel pit near Seward
The same month, Joanna Messina's body was found in a gravel pit near Seward, on the Kenai Peninsula.
Recovery site · September 12, 1982
Knik River graves (found 1982-1983)
Hunters found Sherry Morrow's grave on the banks of the Knik River in September 1982, and Paula Goulding's grave was found near the river a year later. The river valley, reachable by small plane, was where Hansen buried many of his victims.
Court / trial · February 1984
Plea and sentencing in Anchorage
In February 1984, Hansen pleaded guilty in Anchorage to four murders, admitted to 17, and was sentenced to 461 years.
Recovery site · April 24, 1984
Knik River area recoveries (1984-1985)
Under the plea deal he helped decode the marks on his map and led investigators to graves. Sue Luna was found near the Knik River in April 1984, and more women were found in the months after.
The full record
Victims, every location, and all sources are on the Robert Hansen case page.