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Between August 1976 and May 1977, Alexandria, Virginia was under the shadow of the West End Murders. Four women had been murdered, many of them associated with the Holmes Run Apartments. It wasn’t until after the killer was arrested that police discovered the fifth body.
Montie (that’s the official spelling, but it’s often misspelled “Monte” ) Ralph Rissell was born in Wellington, Kansas in 1959. By the age of 14, he had already raped someone. He was institutionalized for the rape, but given a suspended sentence for a later attempted robbery.
Eventually, police would arrest the killer for malicious wounding, and only then discover his dark truths.
The Montie (Monte) Ralph Rissell Milestones
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01
August 4, 1976
Rissell gets mad at his ex-girlfriend and finds prostitute Aura Marina Gabor. He resents that she enjoys having sex with him, and kills her. The 26-year-old victim is dumped down a ravine near her home.
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02
March 6, 1977
Ursula Marie Miltenberger, 22, picks up a hitchhiker. It is Rissell, and he sexually assaults, binds and stabs her to death.
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03
April 8, 1977
Aletha Brittanion Byrd, 34, is murdered in Alexandria, Virginia. She would not be missed for 2 days. Her body was not immediately found.
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04
April 29, 1977
The body of 27-year -old Gladys Rojel Ross Bradley is found in a creek near the Holmes Run Apartments. She had been sexually assaulted, and had drowned.
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05
May 5, 1977
Jeanette M. McClelland, 24, is attacked and stabbed numerous times near the Holmes Run Apartments. Her body is dumped in a culvert near Shirley Highway.
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06
May 13, 1977
Rissell is arrested for malicious wounding. Police begin their investigation and discover evidence of the murders.
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07
May 17, 1977
Byrd’s body is found in a wooded area. Her purse and some belongings were found in the killer’s possession.
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08
September 23 1977
Rissell is found guilty for the murders of Bradley, Byrd, McClelland and Gabor. He entered a plea to avoid additional abduction and rape charges.
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09
October 11, 1977
Rissell is sentenced for all the murders except Miltenberger. He gets life, making a total of 4 consecutive life terms.
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Books about or including Montie Ralph Rissell
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Long-form Videos about or including Montie Ralph Rissell