Billy Mansfield Jr., born in 1956 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a serial killer who committed five murders from 1975 to 1980. He was convicted of murdering René Saling, a mother of three, but pleaded guilty to other killings to avoid the death penalty. Mansfield's violent behavior and bisexuality prompted his divorce in 1979. He married Phyllis Spielmaker in 1975 and divorced in 1979. Mansfield's story has inspired a number of media interpretations, including the suspense film "The Man in the White Van," which investigates themes of abduction and dread in 1970s communities. His plea deal saved him from the death penalty, but it resulted in many life sentences without the possibility of parole.
I am pleading guilty because I am guilty of the charges and I have no other reason.
Mansfield. Letter, Envelope. Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Sacremento, CA. January 23, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.
Billy Mansfield Jr.
Classification: Serial killer
Characteristics: Rape
Number of victims: 5 +
Date of murders: 1976-1980
Date of birth: 1956
Victims profile: Elaine Zeigler, 15 / Two "Jane Doe" / Sandra Graham, 21 / Rene Sailing, 30
Method of murder: Strangulation
Location: Florida/California, USA
Status: Sentenced to concurrent life terms in California and Florida
Early Life and Background
William “Billy” Mansfield Jr. was born in 1956 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the eldest of five children. His father, William Sr., had a criminal history as a convicted child molester, which may have influenced Billy’s later behavior. Despite claiming to have had a good upbringing, Mansfield’s life took a turn for the worse at age 14 when he dropped out of school and altered his birth certificate to join the Army. During his service, he developed alcoholism and drug addiction, leading to multiple stints in treatment facilities.
Mansfield married Phyllis Spielmaker in 1975 and had two children with her; however, their marriage ended in divorce in 1979. Spielmaker described him as violent when intoxicated and noted his bisexuality and tendency to bring men home from bars.
Criminal Activities
Mansfield’s criminal activities began with sexual misconduct charges in 1977 when he pleaded guilty to assaulting a babysitter. He received six months of imprisonment followed by probation but continued to engage in violent behavior after his release. In June 1980, he assaulted an 18-year-old woman named Pamela Sherrell but managed to evade arrest initially.
Murders Committed
Between 1975 and 1980, Mansfield is known to have murdered five women and girls:
Elaine Louise Zeigler (1975): A 15-year-old girl who went missing from a campground in Florida on New Year’s Eve.
René Saling (1980): A mother of three whose body was found strangled near Watsonville, California.
Jane Doe: she was initially thought to be less than 13 years old.[29]
Theresa Fillingim: Described as a white female, aged 22–30, found on March 17. It was speculated that she might have been 21-year-old Melinda Harder, who had gone missing from St. Petersburg on July 27, 1980, but this was ruled out when Harder's remains were identified in 2008. She was finally identified using genetic genealogy in July 2022. The 16-year-old had been reported missing on May 16, 1980.
Sandra Jean Graham (21): A Tampa native and employee of the Hillsborough Community College, Graham was last seen at the parking lot of Pam's Liquor Lounge on April 27, 1980, accompanied by a man described as a "biker". She had left her cigarettes, car keys and eyeglasses at the bar. Her decomposed body was identified through a forensic dentist.
Mansfield was arrested alongside his brother Gary after René Saling’s murder was discovered. He eventually confessed to several murders to avoid the death penalty and received four life sentences instead.
Legal Consequences
After being convicted for the murder of René Saling, Mansfield pleaded guilty to other murders committed during that time frame. His plea deal allowed him to escape capital punishment but resulted in multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Cultural Impact
Mansfield’s story has inspired various media portrayals, including a thriller film titled “The Man in the White Van,” which explores themes of abduction and fear within communities during the 1970s.
In summary, Billy Mansfield Jr. is an American serial killer responsible for the murders of five women between 1975 and 1980, serving multiple life sentences for these crimes.
VIDEO: Billy Mansfield Jr. | World’s Most Evil Killers | https://youtu.be/_0cREQBuB0s
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