Clifford Olson
Clifford Robert Olson Jr.
Clifford Robert Olson Jr. was a Canadian serial killer convicted of murdering 11 children and teenagers in British Columbia in 1982. Born in Vancouver, he became one of Canada’s most notorious criminals and was known for the controversial agreement in which police paid him to reveal the locations of his victims’ remains. He died in prison in 2011.
Early life and criminal background
Clifford Olson was born in Vancouver in 1940 and had a long criminal history before the murders for which he became known. Reports describe him as a habitual offender and informant with many arrests prior to his final conviction.
Murders and arrest
Between 1980 and 1981, Olson murdered 11 children and teenagers in British Columbia. His victims were aged 9 to 18. He was arrested in 1981 after police connected him to a series of disappearances and killings.
Trial and sentence
Olson pleaded guilty to 11 counts of murder and received 11 concurrent life sentences in 1982. He remained in custody for the rest of his life, with parole repeatedly denied.
Public reaction and legacy
The case became one of the most infamous in Canadian criminal history and led to criticism of police handling of the investigation. It also prompted discussion about victims’ rights and the controversial payment made to Olson for locating bodies. Olson’s crimes influenced public debate on policing, parole, and victims’ rights.
Key facts
- Olson confessed to murdering 11 children and teenagers in British Columbia.
- His victims were aged 9 to 18.
- He was arrested in 1981 and convicted in 1982.
- Authorities paid him money in exchange for information leading to the recovery of victims’ remains.
- He died in prison in 2011 at age 71.
Olson’s crimes took place in British Columbia and became a major Canadian criminal case, influencing public debate on policing, parole, and victims’ rights.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford_OlsonSupports: Birth name, birth and death dates, nationality, conviction summary, and 11 murders
- CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/serial-killer-clifford-olson-dies-1.1110039Supports: Death in prison, arrest in 1981, payment for body locations, 11 life sentences, and parole history
- The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/05/world/americas/clifford-olson-canadian-serial-killer-is-dead-at-71.htmlSupports: Birth in Vancouver, 11 victims aged 9 to 18, arrest context, public reaction, and death at 71
- The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-life-and-death-of-clifford-olson/article4197011/Supports: Conviction details, victim ages, murder period, and controversial payment for body locations