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Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love and romance, but for some, it turns deadly. From poisonous dates to encounters with serial killers, the dangers are real for those seeking love through dating apps. Here, we highlight several chilling cases that expose the underbelly of online dating.
Dating apps such as Tinder and Grindr have transformed the way people connect. These platforms allow users to find potential partners from the comfort of their homes. However, the FBI has issued warnings regarding the risks inherent in these applications.
Criminals often hide behind fake identities, luring unsuspecting singles into dangerous situations. The FBI warns that many of these con artists are skilled manipulators who can appear genuine and trustworthy. Their primary goal is to exploit victims emotionally and financially.
Experts emphasize that it is crucial for users to protect themselves while exploring the world of online dating. Many perpetrators operate from outside the country, complicating law enforcement efforts to track them down. The FBI advises users to be diligent, researching profile pictures to ensure they haven’t been used elsewhere, and to be cautious of individuals eager to engage outside the app. Additionally, users should remain wary of anyone reluctant to meet face-to-face.
When Love Turns to Terror
Prepare to delve into shocking stories where the quest for love became a nightmare. Here is a look at recent incidents where romance spiraled into tragedy.
The Murder of Grace Millane
In a harrowing case from New Zealand, a man named Jesse Shane Kempson now spends life in prison after committing a gruesome murder. Grace Millane, a British backpacker, matched with Kempson on Tinder in 2018. The pair met for drinks in Auckland, and what should have been a fun evening turned fatal.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Kempson strangled Millane during consensual sexual activity in his hotel room. He later took disturbing photos of her naked body before hiding her remains in a suitcase. Authorities discovered Millane’s body in the Waitakere Ranges, and an autopsy found that her injuries were consistent with restraint. Kempson received a life sentence for his crime.
Catfishing and Murder in Washington State
A similar tragedy struck in Mercer Island, Washington, where 74-year-old Curtis Engeland fell victim to a catfishing scheme on the LGBTQ+ dating app Scruff. He was reported missing in February 2024, with his body discovered two weeks later, bearing signs of brutal violence.
Investigators determined that Engeland had been targeted by online criminals he met through the app. Prior to his death, he was reportedly robbed, kidnapped, and poisoned with fentanyl. Two suspects face murder, kidnapping, and identity theft charges in connection with his death.
The Transgender Killer
The case involving Alex Ray Scott, a transgender woman sentenced for two brutal murders, further highlights the dangers. Using a dating app, Scott met antiques dealer Kenneth Savinski in 2020 and stabbed him to death in his Manhattan apartment. Scott also admitted to the gruesome murder of Robin Skocdopole in Oklahoma, confirming the pattern of violence that emerged from seemingly innocent meetings.
A Fatal Encounter with a Minor
In Pennsylvania, a tragic case unfolded involving 14-year-old Pauly Likens. Likens met 29-year-old Deshawn Watkins on Grindr. After spending time at a friend’s house, Likens was lured into the woods where she was brutally murdered and dismembered. Authorities linked Watkins to the crime through video surveillance and cellphone records, revealing that the young girl fell victim to a man who used social media to connect with her.
The Shopping Cart Killer
In Virginia, the so-called
