Online dating has become increasingly popular, but alongside its convenience comes a darker side: the potential for exploitation and danger. The FBI cautions singles about the risks of romance scams on dating apps, where criminals can easily hide their identities, build trust, and ultimately defraud unsuspecting victims. These con artists are skilled at appearing genuine and caring, making it crucial for users to be vigilant and take precautions.
The FBI recommends researching profile pictures to check for usage elsewhere, being cautious of matches who immediately request to communicate off-platform, and exercising prudence if someone avoids in-person meetings. The following chilling true crime cases highlight the potential dangers lurking within the world of online dating:
A Backpacker's Tragic Tinder Encounter
Grace Millane, a British backpacker, connected with Jesse Shane Kempson on Tinder while traveling the world. Their date ended in tragedy when Kempson strangled Millane in a hotel room. He then photographed her body and concealed her remains in a suitcase. Kempson was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The Catfish Couple's Deadly Deception
Curtis Engeland, a 74-year-old from Washington, fell victim to an intricate catfish scheme on the dating app Scruff. After being reported missing, his body was discovered with signs of blunt force trauma and a stab wound. Investigations revealed that Engeland had been robbed, kidnapped, and poisoned with fentanyl by individuals he met online. Two suspects, Philip J. Brewer and Christina Hardy, were arrested and charged with murder, kidnapping, and identity theft.
The "Baby-Faced" Killer's Double Life
Alex Ray Scott, a transgender individual, used a dating app to meet and murder antiques dealer Kenneth Savinksi in his New York City apartment. Scott, who began transitioning while incarcerated, stabbed Savinksi with a decorative plate and kitchen knife. Scott also confessed to the murder and dismemberment of Robin Skocdopole in Oklahoma. Scott received sentences of 22 years to life for Savinksi's murder and 45 years for Skocdopole's death.
A Trans Teen's Tragic Encounter on Grindr
Pauly Likens, a 14-year-old transgender teen, was tragically murdered after meeting Deshawn Watkins on Grindr. Watkins lured Likens into the woods and dismembered the teenager. Police used video surveillance and cellphone data to link Watkins to the crime. He was subsequently charged with Likens's death, which was ruled a homicide caused by sharp force trauma to the head.
The "Shopping Cart Killer"
Anthony Robinson, known as the "shopping cart killer," used dating apps to murder two women, Beth Redmon and Tonia Smith, in Virginia. He disposed of their bodies using a shopping cart. Video evidence showed Robinson transporting Redmon's body out of a motel. He was convicted of their murders and faces a potential life sentence. Investigators have also connected him to other deaths in Fairfax County and Washington, D.C.
Catching a Killer Through Social Media
Khalil Wheeler-Weaver received a 160-year sentence for murdering three women he met through dating apps in New Jersey. He strangled his victims and discarded their bodies. Friends of one victim, Sarah Butler, played a crucial role in his capture by using social media to create fake profiles, lure Wheeler-Weaver to a meeting, and alert the police. A fourth victim, Tiffany Taylor, survived an attack and provided key information that helped solve the case.
