A shadowy figure roams the streets, looking for his next murder victim… It sounds like the plot of a horror movie – and it is. But it’s also a true story that’s based on a disturbing killing spree, which happened in Arkansas decades ago. The story of the Phantom Killer isn’t as widely known as those of Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer, but he was definitely the most famous serial killer in Arkansas in the mid-1900s. He also left a few scars… and is still unapprehended. Here’s the story:

In the spring and summer of 1946, a serial killer, who would later be dubbed the Phantom Killer, terrorized the residents of Texarkana, a town that straddles the state line between Arkansas and Texas.
Jimmy Emerson Dalton/Wikimedia
The Phantom Killer struck for the first time on February 22, 1946.
Public Domain/Wikimedia
The first victims, Jimmy Hollis, 25, and Mary Jeanne Larey, 19, were attacked while parked at a local lovers’ lane. Despite being terribly beaten, the two survived.
In the months that followed, the Phantom Killer embarked on a murder spree, which the media coined the Texarkana Moonlight Murders. He primarily targeted teenagers, and wore a white mask to conceal his identity.
Texarkana Daily News/Wikimedia
The second attack came about a month after the first. Much like the first, the second incident involved a pair of sweethearts. Both were shot and killed. Their bodies were discovered the next day.

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A majority of the murders took place in Texas. However, the Phantom Killer struck in Arkansas, too.
Carol Von Canon/Flickr
The masked murderer didn't just target teen lovebirds, though. On May 3, 1946, the Phantom Killer set his sights on the residents of a secluded farmhouse in Miller County. Virgil Starks was shot twice and killed. His wife, Katy Starks, was shot twice while trying to call the police. Surprisingly, Katy Starks survived and was able to escape to a neighbor’s house.
Police officers from Arkansas and the Texas Rangers joined forces in an attempt to catch the Phantom Killer.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum/Facebook
Officers weren’t the only ones focused on the case. The media caught wind of the killing spree, and before long, reporters from all over the nation flocked to Texarkana.
Officials didn’t have much to go on.
Texarkana Gazette/Wikimedia
The Phantom Killer didn’t leave behind many clues. However, the cops did have one lead. They knew the killer used a flashlight, like the one pictured. The Texarkana Gazette published a photo of the flashlight, asking the public to keep an eye out for anyone using one like it.
There is great debate as to whether or not the Phantom Killer is still at large today. Many believe that the killer has already been caught and apprehended on other charges. Regardless, his story lives on as they made a movie about the killing spree, the 1976 horror movie, The Town That Dreaded Sundown.
Arkansas Historical Association/Facebook
There are a few discrepancies between the film and real life. However, for the most part, the movie follows reality as it depicts the eight Moonlight Murder stories and victims.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Texarkana Moonlight Murders, the Arkansas killing spree that shook the region. 

Did you know about the Texarkana Moonlight Murders? Or the fact that The Town That Dreaded Sundown was linked to an Arkansas serial killer? Know of another unsolved Arkansas crime? Tell us!

If you’re not creeped out enough yet, here are eight Arkansas urban legends that will keep you up at night.

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