LAWRENCE PAUL MILLS III | Targeting Sex Workers, a Bizarre Serial Killer Used His Vehicle as a Weapon, Soliciting Victims Before Violently Assaulting Them, Often Running Them Over to Reclaim His Money | ALS

Lawrence Mills. Autographed Letter Signed. Commercial #10 (4.125” x 9.5”) envelope. Metroplex, MI. February 12, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

The Motor City Menace: The Crimes of Lawrence Paul Mills III

In the heart of Detroit, a city known for its resilience and rhythm, a sinister force lurked in the shadows between 2017 and 2020. Lawrence Paul Mills III, born on September 3, 1987, in Garden City, Michigan, transformed from a seemingly ordinary man into a predator who weaponized his vehicle to terrorize vulnerable women.

Basic Information

• Full Name: Lawrence Paul Mills III

• Date of Birth: September 3, 1987

• Place of Birth: Garden City, Michigan, USA

• Current Location: Incarcerated at Macomb Correctional Facility

• Criminal Record Summary: Convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and assault causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or death, with suspicions of involvement in additional hit-and-run incidents.

Background

Mills' early life in Garden City was unremarkable. A father to one son, he often shared glimpses of their bond on social media, painting a picture of a devoted parent. Employed at a local pizza establishment in Allen Park, Mills maintained a facade of normalcy. However, beneath this veneer lay a man with a dark proclivity for violence, particularly targeting sex workers in Detroit's southwest neighborhoods.

Criminal Activity

Between October and December 2017, Mills embarked on a harrowing spree. His modus operandi involved soliciting sex workers, engaging in sexual acts, and subsequently assaulting them to reclaim his money. He utilized his 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer as a weapon, running over his victims, and in some instances, physically beating them prior to the vehicular assault.

The terror began on October 16, 2017, when the lifeless body of 34-year-old Melinda Salazar, who was pregnant, was discovered on a sidewalk in Southwest Detroit around 3 a.m. The brutality escalated with the murder of 59-year-old Carrole Ann White, found face-down in the snow on December 13, 2017, near Campbell Street at approximately 3:45 a.m. Days later, a 29-year-old pregnant woman narrowly escaped death after being beaten and struck multiple times by Mills' vehicle; her resilience allowed her to survive and inform the authorities.

Investigations have also linked Mills to other hit-and-run incidents. On March 17, 2017, a victim survived a similar attack near Michigan and St. James in the early morning hours. Additionally, the death of 32-year-old Mary Penegor, found on the same street as previous victims, bears the hallmarks of Mills' violent pattern. Authorities suspect Mills' involvement in these and potentially other unsolved cases, given his access to multiple vehicles and skills in automotive repair.

Legal Proceedings

After years of meticulous investigation, law enforcement apprehended Mills on April 24, 2020. Despite his confessions to two murders, Mills entered a plea of not guilty. The judicial process culminated on November 17, 2021, with Mills receiving a sentence of 28 to 48 years in prison. He was convicted on two counts of second-degree murder and assault causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or death. He is currently serving his sentence at the Macomb Correctional Facility.

Impact on Victims and Society

Mills' heinous acts left an indelible scar on the community. The victims, primarily marginalized women, suffered unimaginable physical and psychological trauma. The surviving victim's courage in coming forward was instrumental in bringing Mills to justice. The media coverage of these events sparked public outrage, shedding light on the perils faced by sex workers and prompting discussions on their protection. While no specific legislative changes have been directly attributed to Mills' crimes, the heightened awareness has influenced ongoing debates about policies aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Current Status

Incarcerated at the Macomb Correctional Facility, Mills is serving his sentence with a projected release between 2049 and 2069. There is no public record of his participation in rehabilitation programs. Given the nature of his crimes, authorities remain vigilant regarding any potential future threat he may pose upon release.

Conclusion

The case of Lawrence Paul Mills III underscores the necessity for robust protective measures for society's most vulnerable members. It highlights the importance of community vigilance, comprehensive support systems, and the critical role of law enforcement in addressing and preventing such predatory behaviors. Ensuring the safety of marginalized groups requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing legal reforms, societal awareness, and unwavering support for victims.

Additional Note

Given the notoriety of Mills' case, items bearing his autograph have become rare collector's pieces, sought after for their unique and macabre historical significance.

VIDEO: Savage Serial Killer And His GTA Inspired Murders | https://youtu.be/qOFxJgg1y9U

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