Ralph Nuss

Murderer

3known / alleged victims (2 - 3)

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: USA
Location: Michigan/Ohio, USA
Date of birth: ???
Characteristics: history of mental illness, necrophilia, sexual abuse
Victim profile: Arland Withrow, 17 / Thomas Brown, 18 / Robert Pugh
Method of murder: Strangulation
Date(s) of murder: October 1966
Years active: 1966
Date of arrest: —
Status: Life imprisonment
Sentenced to life in prison in Michigan

Case Summary

Background

Ralph Nuss was a psychiatric social worker with the Federal Correctional Institute in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and he was famous for rehabilitation programs aimed at helping prisoners “go straight” upon release.

Nuss led a double life under the name “Donald Russell,” which was known in the local gay community.

The offence

Nuss was associated with homicides in October 1966 involving male victims who were victims of strangling and post-mortem sexual violation.

The homicides began October 16, 1966, when the strangled, violated corpse of Arland Withrow, 17, was fished out of a creek near Ypisilanti.

Eight days later, Robert Pugh, a teacher, was dragged from a river at Toledo, Ohio, some forty miles away. Robert Pugh had been molested after death, like Arland Withrow.

Nuss also confessed to killing Thomas Brown, an 18-year-old trucker, who had lately vanished in the city.

Nuss was alleged to have been a gay necrophile.

Investigation

Detectives investigated and led to a youth who knew “Don Russell,” while a second spoke of “Ralph,” alleged to hold a prison job in Ypsilanti.

Under questioning, Nuss readily confessed to the Withrow slaying, while denying that he murdered Robert Pugh.

Arrest

Under questioning, Nuss confessed to the Withrow slaying while denying that he murdered Robert Pugh.

Trial

Nuss stood weeping in the courtroom.

A judge decreed a term of imprisonment.

Sentencing

Nuss received a life sentence on two counts in Michigan.

Outcome

Nuss was sentenced to life in prison in Michigan.

Other details

Michael Newton — An Encyclopedia of Modern Serial Killers — Hunting Humans is associated with the case details as provided.

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