The Story Of Glennon Engleman A Serial Killer In Missouri Is Frightening

Missouri has seen quite a few serial killers during its long and storied history. Some, including Robert Berdella, have become better known than others. Dr. Glennon Engleman’s name, for example, didn’t hit the headlines until more than two decades after he committed his first murder. By the time his name became better-known in Missouri, he’d already killed eight people. Here’s the story of just one serial killer in Missouri.

Dr. Glennon Engleman was, by all accounts, the trusted dentist of a loyal clientele in St. Louis, who lived a secret, dark double life. He was, in fact, a contract killer and a serial killer, responsible for the deaths of seven people, although authorities believe he murdered far more.

Flickr/Sergio Santos

Engleman committed his first murder in 1958. He shot his victim, James Bullock, as part of what police believed was a scheme to collect insurance money. At the time of his murder, Bullock was married to Engleman’s former wife.

Flickr/Rena Tom The former Mrs. Engleman received $65,000 after her husband’s murder then invested a substantial sum in one of Glennon’s business adventures.

The Missouri serial killer murdered at least six people before he was finally caught after having murdered Sophie Barrera, his seventh victim, in 1980. The dentist had used the services of Barrera’s dental lab but had failed to pay what he owed.

Flickr/Formlabs Inc.

When Barrerra sued for monies owed, Engleman made sure he wouldn’t have to pay. He and an accomplice placed a bomb under Barerra’s car.

Flickr/Ann Althouse

Throughout the years, Engleman had several accomplices, mainly his former wives, and none spoke out. Until 1980. Following Barerra’s death, Engelman’s former wife, Ruth, told the police everything she knew.

Flickr/G20 Voice

Engelman’s other victims included Peter Halm in Pacific in 1976 and Arthur and Vernita Gusewelle in Illinois in 1977. Just a year later, Engelmann would murder the Gusewelle’s son, Ron. Ron’s death, however, had been contracted by his wife.

Flickr/Jim Sheaffer

The former Mrs. Engleman helped lead to the St. Louis dentist’s downfall. Engelman often committed murder to collect insurance money.

Flickr/Jobs For Felons Hub

Engleman would spend the rest of his life in prison, garnering two life sentences for the deaths of Halm and Barrerra. Although he confessed to or police had evidence of at least seven murders, authorities believed Engelman killed a dozen or more individuals. The serial killer died in 1999.

Flickr/Jenn Vargas

Had you heard the story of this serial killer in Missouri? What do you think? Join the conversation in the comments! Fascinated by crime? Read about six notorious criminals in Missouri, of whom you’ve probably already heard.

Flickr/Sergio Santos

Flickr/Rena Tom

The former Mrs. Engleman received $65,000 after her husband’s murder then invested a substantial sum in one of Glennon’s business adventures.