What Happened to Serial Killer Junior Pierce?
Mindhunter's second season featured some new serial killers.
Junior Pierce was depicted in the season, and he was seen talking to FBI agents Holden Ford and Jim Barney.
Here's what you need to know about the real-life Junior Pierce.
The second season of Mindhunter featured a whole new crop of serial killers, and while most viewers are familiar with the story of cult leader Charles Manson, other fans might be less knowledgeable about people like Wayne Williams and Ed Kemper. Another serial killer that was depicted on the season was Junior Pierce, and he was questioned by Jonathan Groff's Holden Ford. FBI Agent Jim Barney gives Pierce candy in exchange for him talking to the agents, which is based on a famous photo of Pierce in prison surrounded by candy.
But besides that, Mindhunter didn't really delve into the story behind Pierce's crimes.
Who is Junior Pierce?
Junior Pierce was actually born William Pierce Jr, but he chose to go by "Junior." Not much is known about his early life, but by 1970 he was in prison in Georgia, serving out a 10-20 year sentence for burglary.
However, Pierce was released on parole not even halfway into his sentence. It's unclear why Pierce was released so early, especially since a prison psychologist said that "his test scores reveal the possibility of sociopathic disorders. This individual may be dangerous to himself or others."
Just a month after being released, Pierce killed his first victim, and he went on to kill eight more people between 1970 and 1971.
Who were Junior Pierce's victims?
13-year-old Margaret "Peg" Cuttino, the daughter of a South Carolina state senator.
17-year-old waitress Kathy Anderson.
60-year-old service station operator James L. Shires.
51-year-old county store operator Lacy Thigpen.
50-year-old gas station attendant Joe Fletcher.
20-year-old housekeeper Virigina Maines.
60-year-old storekeeper Vivian Miles.
31-year-old storekeeper Hazel Wilcoz.
18-year-old college student Ann Goodwin.
The murders took place in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Where is Junior Pierce now?
Pierce was arrested in March 1971, and in 1973, he was sentenced to life in prison. He appealed his conviction in 1975, 1976, and 1977, but his appeals were denied each time. As of August 2019, Pierce is still alive and serving his time at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison.
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