Lecture Notes on Eileen Warnos

Key Themes

• Childhood and Background
  • Eileen Warnos was born on February 29, 1956, in Rochester, Michigan.
  • She had a turbulent childhood characterized by violence and neglect.
  • Parents: Diane and Leo Pitman; Diane was a young mother, Leo a convicted criminal.
  • Eileen was abandoned by her mother at a young age and raised by her grandparents.

Early Life and Trauma

• Abandonment and Abuse

  • Eileen and her brother Keith were adopted by their grandparents after their mother fled.
  • Eileen faced strict discipline from her grandfather, leading to a troubled relationship.
  • Experienced sexual experimentation with her brother and other neighborhood boys at a young age.

• Teenage Struggles

  • At age 14, Eileen became pregnant due to rape; the child was put up for adoption.
  • Eileen’s behavior spiraled downward; she engaged in prostitution and substance abuse.

Criminal Behavior

• Path to Prostitution

  • Eileen turned to prostitution as a means of survival after being kicked out by her grandparents.
  • Lived a transient lifestyle, hitchhiking and engaging in illegal activities.

• Murders

  • Between November 1989 and November 1990, Eileen was responsible for the murders of seven men.
  • Victims included Richard Mallory, David Spears, Charles Carskaddon, and Peter Sims.
  • Eileen used a .22 caliber handgun and often robbed her victims.

Relationships and Mental Health

• Romantic Relationship with Tyra Moore

  • Eileen found companionship with Tyra Moore, which was a significant part of her life.
  • Their relationship was marked by Eileen's possessiveness and fear of abandonment.

• Mental Health Issues

  • Eileen exhibited behaviors consistent with borderline personality disorder.
  • Struggled with anger, often reacting violently to perceived slights.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

• Arrest and Confession

  • Eileen was arrested on January 9, 1991, after a series of killings.
  • Confessed to the murders while trying to protect Tyra from prosecution.

• Trial

  • Eileen’s trial for the murder of Richard Mallory began in January 1992.
  • The jury found her guilty after deliberating for less than two hours.
  • Eileen was sentenced to death for her crimes.

Death Row and Execution

• Final Days

  • Eileen expressed a desire to expedite her execution and pleaded guilty to additional charges.
  • Maintained a belief in God and sought forgiveness for her sins.

• Execution

  • Eileen was executed by lethal injection on October 9, 2002, at the age of 46.
  • Her final words: "I’ll be back like Independence Day."

Conclusion

• Reflection on Eileen Warnos's Life
  • Eileen’s life was marked by tragedy and trauma, suggesting complex psychological issues.
  • Her story raises questions about societal failures and the nature of criminal behavior.