David Whitson

Mass murderer

4known / alleged victims

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: USA
Location: Scott Mills, Oregon, USA
Date of birth: 1960
Age at first offence: 35
Characteristics: parricide, domestic violence, rape
Victim profile: His estranged wife, Laura Whitson, 35, and their three daughters, Sarah, 6, Rachel, 3, and April, 6 months
Method of murder: Shooting
Date(s) of murder: September 13, 1995
Years active: 1995
Date of arrest: Same day
Status: Died in custody
Sentenced to life in prison; committed suicide by hanging himself in his cell in the Oregon State Penitentiary in June of 1996

Case Summary

Background

David Whitson of Seattle was involved in a tumultuous divorce with his estranged wife, Laura Whitson.

Mrs. Whitson had moved from Seattle to live with her mother and had obtained a restraining order against Mr. Whitson. The restraining order alleged that Mr. Whitson had forced her to have sex.

The offence

Authorities said that Mr. Whitson tracked down his estranged wife and killed her and their three daughters.

Laura Whitson, 35, was shot to death, along with the couple’s children:

Sarah, 6
Rachel, 3
April, 6 months

Mrs. Whitson’s mother, Margaret Magee, was shot in the arm.

Investigation

Marion County deputy district attorney Dale Penn said:

“A man who had been ordered to stay away from his estranged wife tracked her down and killed her and their three daughters, the authorities said today.”
“The man, David Whitson of Seattle, was charged with four counts of aggravated murder in Monday’s slayings, said Dale Penn, the Marion County deputy district attorney.”
“If convicted, Mr. Whitson could receive the death penalty.”
“Laura Whitson, 35, was shot to death, along with the couple’s children, Sarah, 6, Rachel, 3, and April, 6 months.”
“Mrs. Whitson’s mother, Margaret Magee, was shot in the arm, Mr. Penn said.”
“The Whitsons were in the midst of a tumultuous divorce, Mr. Penn said.”

Trial

Mr. Whitson was charged with four counts of aggravated murder in the slayings.

Sentencing

Mr. Whitson was serving a life sentence at the time of his death.

Outcome

David Whitson hanged himself in his cell in the Oregon State Penitentiary in June of 1996 while he was serving a life sentence.

Aftermath

Mr. Whitson’s death occurred in the Oregon State Penitentiary in June of 1996 while he was serving his life sentence.

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