BRANDON THOLMER | "The West Side Rapist" | Preyed on Elderly Women in California in the 80s | Linked to at Least 12 Murders, Though He Was Suspected in as Many as 34 | Autographed Greeting Card Signed

Brandon Tholmer. Autographed Greeting Card Signed. Booklet #5 (5.75” x 8.125”) envelope. Sacramento, CA. February 21, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

The West Side Rapist: The Crimes of Brandon Tholmer

Basic Information

Brandon Tholmer, born in 1949 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is an American serial killer and gerontophilic rapist responsible for at least 12 murders of elderly women. The killings occurred between January 1981 and October 1983 in Los Angeles' West Side, earning Tholmer the nickname "The West Side Rapist." In total, 34 such murders were recorded, during which the killer had a similar modus operandi. In 1986, Tholmer was found guilty of four murders and was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. As of October 2022, he is serving his sentence at the California Medical Facility.

Background

Tholmer's early life was characterized by hardship and instability. Born into an African-American family in New Orleans, he exhibited signs of intellectual disability from a young age. Growing up in a socially dysfunctional environment, he suffered abuse at the hands of relatives. This tumultuous upbringing led him to run away from home in the late 1950s, adopting a vagrant lifestyle alongside other street children. His lack of formal education and stable employment contributed to his marginalization. Throughout the 1960s, Tholmer faced multiple arrests for various offenses, resulting in time spent in juvenile detention facilities where he endured further abuse. These experiences contributed to the development of mental disorders and paraphilic tendencies. In the early 1970s, he relocated to Los Angeles, engaging in low-skilled labor and attempting to pursue a career as a musician, performing as a drummer in a little-known rock band called "The Hostages." Despite these efforts, he struggled to establish a stable life and maintained associations with individuals involved in criminal activities.

Criminal Activity

Tholmer's criminal activities escalated significantly between 1981 and 1983. During this period, he targeted elderly women living alone in the West Side of Los Angeles. His modus operandi involved breaking into the victims' homes during the night, often through windows or doors left unsecured. Once inside, he would sexually assault the victims before murdering them through strangulation, stabbing, or beating. The brutality of his crimes instilled fear throughout the community. Among his confirmed victims were:​

• Rose Lederman, 80, found murdered in her Silver Lake home on August 13, 1981.

• Wolloomooloo Woodcock, 69, strangled in August 1982.​

• Dorothy Fain, 70, killed in August 1983.​

• Mary Pauquette, 72, murdered on September 12, 1983.​

Investigators linked Tholmer to at least 12 murders, though he was suspected in as many as 34 cases. The consistency in his methods, particularly targeting vulnerable elderly women and the nature of the assaults, led authorities to connect these crimes to a single perpetrator.

Legal Proceedings

Tholmer's arrest occurred on November 7, 1983, following surveillance by law enforcement. He was apprehended while attempting to break into the home of an 85-year-old paraplegic woman. A search of his apartment yielded over 200 pieces of jewelry, watches, photographs, and other small items later identified by relatives of 34 elderly women who had died between January 1981 and October 1983. Most of the victims lived alone in the Hollywood area, approximately 500 yards from Tholmer's residence. In January 1984, he was charged with multiple counts, including the murders of Mary Pauquette, Rose Lederman, Wolloomooloo Woodcock, Lorraine Wells, and Dorothy Fain, as well as charges of sodomy, arson, rape, and attempted assault. Despite evidence linking him to additional murders, he was formally charged with four counts. The trial commenced in early 1986, with the prosecution presenting physical evidence, including fingerprints found at crime scenes, and testimony from over 100 witnesses. Witnesses testified to Tholmer's gerontophilic tendencies and his attempts to engage with older women in public places. He was unable to provide alibis for the dates of the murders. In July 1986, Tholmer was convicted on all charges. The defense highlighted his abusive childhood and resulting mental health issues, which led to the jury sparing him the death penalty. In November 1986, he was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.

Impact on Victims and Society

Tholmer's heinous acts left an indelible scar on the community, particularly among elderly residents who felt vulnerable and fearful within their own homes. The psychological trauma extended beyond the immediate victims, affecting families and instilling widespread anxiety. The media extensively covered the case, dubbing Tholmer "The West Side Rapist," which heightened public awareness and fear. This moniker underscored the terror that gripped Los Angeles' West Side during his crime spree. The case also shed light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking and apprehending serial offenders, leading to discussions about improving investigative techniques and inter-agency cooperation.​

Current Status

As of October 2022, Brandon Tholmer, now in his seventies, is serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole at the California Medical Facility. His incarceration ensures that he poses no further threat to society. There is no public record of any rehabilitation efforts on his part, and given the severity of his crimes, he remains incarcerated for the remainder of his life.​

Conclusion

The case of Brandon Tholmer serves as a grim reminder of the potential for violence within marginalized segments of society. His early life, marked by abuse and instability, underscores the importance of addressing social determinants that can lead to criminal behavior. For law enforcement, the case highlights the necessity of vigilance and the development of specialized units to handle serial offenses, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations. Communities must also prioritize the safety and well-being of their elderly residents, ensuring support systems are in place to protect them from such predatory behavior.​

Additional Note

Given the notoriety of Brandon Tholmer's crimes, any items associated with him, particularly those bearing his autograph, could be considered rare collectibles. However, ethical considerations arise when dealing with memorabilia linked to criminal activities. Potential collectors should weigh the moral implications and societal impact of valuing items connected to such heinous acts.

VIDEO: The Terrifying Crimes of Brandon Tholmer: The West Side Rapist Exposed | https://youtu.be/IskF01AIPB8

Archiving Protocol:

• Handled with White Gloves ab initio

• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load

• White Backing Board – Acid Free

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