The Makings of a Killer: The Story of Henry Lee Lucas

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Oliver Stone once stated, “The line between thinking murder and committing murder is very thin” (Murder Quotes). While the line is thin, many have crossed it and have done so to such an extent they have been labeled as a serial killer. A serial killer is defined as one who carries out a series of murders over an extended period of time. One of the names that rise to the top of the list is none other than Henry Lee Lucas. Lucas was notorious for his series of rape and murders both alone and with his partner in crime: Ottis Toole. While Lucas spent most of his life in and out of jail for being linked to murders, he would continually be released for lack of evidence or good behavior. After finally being convicted and sentenced for life, Lucas admitted to a number of murders that surprised most authorities. Henry Lee Lucas eventually confessed to an alleged 500 murders. While many are bewildered by the actions of Henry Lee Lucas, there is always some explanation for the things he did and the reasons for which he did them. Many theories have been stated, but the biggest influence is his abusive and neglectful childhood that left him scarred for life.

Henry Lee Lucas was born on August 23, 1936 to Anderson and Viola Lucas. He was born in the small town of Blacksburg, Virginia, which rested in the Appalachian Mountains. Shortly after birth his father, Anderson, lost both legs in a drunken driving accident. This left his mother, Viola, as the sole source of income in the house. While forced to share a minute two-room log cabin with eight siblings for the early part of his life, Henry’s siblings were quickly famed out to distant relatives leaving just his half-brother and him to be forced reside with his abusive mother. To make money, Lu...

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...hows, Schedules, and Biographies on Bio. History Channel. Web. 19 Jan. 2011. .

"Lucas, Henry Lee Biography - S9.com." Biographical Dictionary - S9.com. 02 May 2007. Web. 19 Jan. 2011. .

"Murder Quotes - BrainyQuote." Famous Quotes at BrainyQuote. 2011. Web. 19 Jan. 2011. .

Rathus, Spencer A. Holt Psychology Principles in Practice. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2007. Print.

"The Biography Channel - Notorious Crime Profiles Henry Lee Lucas." Biography.com. A&E. Web. 19 Jan. 2011. .

Thomas, W. LaVerne. Holt Sociology the Study of Human Relationships. Orlando, FL: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2008. Print.

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