Who Was Robert Hansen?
Robert Hansen, known as the “Butcher Baker,” was a serial killer responsible for the deaths of at least 17 women in Alaska. He owned a bakery and led a seemingly ordinary life in Anchorage. However, underneath this facade lay a dark reality.
His Crimes
Hansen’s horrific acts spanned over a decade. He targeted mainly young women, often taking them to isolated areas where he would hunt them. His crime spree came to a halt in 1983 after he abducted 17-year-old Cindy Paulson. Remarkably, Cindy escaped and provided crucial evidence against Hansen, leading to his eventual arrest.
The Investigation
Despite the disappearance of many women, authorities struggled to connect the dots for years. Critics pointed out that the victims were often marginalized individuals—teenagers and sex workers—with little community support. As a result, their disappearances went largely unnoticed, allowing Hansen to continue his rampage.
After Cindy’s escape, police started to connect the dots and began to investigate Hansen more seriously. A search of his properties revealed belongings of his victims and a map marking burial sites. Initially, Hansen denied his involvement, but he later confessed and provided information about some of his victims.
The Legal Outcome
Hansen was charged in 1983 with the murders of four women and admitted to killing 17 in total. In February 1984, he was sentenced to 461 years in prison without parole. He spent his remaining years in various correctional facilities until he died on August 21, 2014, due to natural causes.
His case serves as a reminder of the need to pay attention to all victims, regardless of their background. The tragic stories of Hansen’s victims remain a significant part of this dark chapter in Alaska’s history.
