David Carpenter: The Trailside Killer (Part 1)

12 snips

Apr 14, 2025

The podcast explores the chilling history of David Carpenter, known as the Trailside Killer, who terrorized California for over a decade. It highlights his traumatic childhood marked by abuse and societal pressures, leading to his violent behavior. The discussion includes a harrowing account of Carpenter's brutal attacks on women, along with the failures of the justice system that allowed him to remain a threat. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the complexities of abusive relationships and the psychological manipulation involved.

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ANECDOTE

First Assault

Carpenter was committed to Napa State Hospital for assaulting a young family member.
Despite his juvenile record of sexual assaults and escape, he was deemed not a threat.

ANECDOTE

Acquittal

Carpenter was acquitted in a sexual assault trial despite not denying the allegations.
He cooperated and asked for help, but received none.

ANECDOTE

Uncontrolled Rage

Carpenter's need for sex three times a night was the only thing keeping his rage in check.
Even that sometimes failed, resulting in violent blackouts he'd later deny.

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Throughout the 1960s and 70s, from Los Angeles to San Francisco, Californians were terrorized by multiple killers including notorious serial killers like the Zodiac Killer, the Hillside Stranglers, Herbert Mullin, and Ed Kemper. While the decade may have ended with these killers disappearing or apprehended, the threat of violence and murder simply moved north.

Though less known than his contemporaries, David Carpenter was no less prolific and frightening a killer than those men mentioned above. Nicknamed “The Trailside Killer” by the press, Carpenter terrorized Point Reyes and Santa Cruz County for a decade, assaulting, kidnapping, and killing at least eight people, but he was suspected of more. Like those other killers, Carpenter had a long history of violent and antisocial behavior going back to his childhood, including multiple arrests and incarcerations. How was it that a man with such an alarming history of violence could go uncaught for a decade?

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Associated Press. 1980. "Trail Killer will strike again." Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 1: 1.

Burkhardt, Bill. 1979. "Woman found murdered on Mt. Tam." San Francisco Examiner, August 21: 1.

Graysmith, Robert. 1990. The Sleeping Lady: The Trailside Murders Above the Golden Gate. New York, NY: Onyx.

Keraghosian, Greg. 2020. "'Do not hike alone': For 21 months, the Trailside Killer terrorized Bay Area's outdoors." San Francisco Chronicle, October 25.

Leader, Lewis. 1980. "Identification ends dad's long quest." San Francisco Examiner, December 2: 2.

San Francisco Examiner. 1960. "MP's shots foil attack on woman." San Francisco Examiner, July 13: 1.

—. 1961. "Presidio attacker gets 14 yrs." San Francisco Examiner, March 10: 11.

—. 1960. "Sex case insanity plea." San Francisco Examiner, October 8: 5.

Santa Cruz Sentinel. 1970. "Boulder Creek girl attacked." Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 29: 22.

—. 1970. "Grand jury indicts con." Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 17: 7.

—. 1970. "SLV kidnap suspect flees Calaveras jail." Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 27: 1.

The People v. Carpenter. 1997. S004654 (Superior Court of Los Angeles County, April 28).

The People vs. David Carpenter. 1999. S006547 (Superior Court of San Diego County, November 29).

Todd, John. 1980. "Tam closed in hunt for clues." San Francisco Examiner, October 16: 1.

Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)

Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)

Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley

Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally

Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025)

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