Gary, Indiana: Suspected Serial Killer Darren Vann Allegedly Hints At More Victims

A Gary, Indiana, man has allegedly admitted killing at least seven women. Darren Vann, 43, was arrested on Saturday afternoon. During a police interview, the suspect confessed to seven murders. He also suggested he killed numerous others over a period of 20 years.

In 2009, Vann was convicted of raping a woman in Austin, Texas. Although he was sentenced to five years, he was released in 2013 with credit for time served. As a condition of his release, Vann was required to register as a sex offender. However, he was classified as “low risk” by the The Texas Department of Public Safety.

Upon moving to Gary, Vann failed to register as a sex offender with the state of Indiana.

On Saturday, he was arrested in the alleged rape and murder of 19-year-old Affrika Hardy. As reported by WTHITV, Hardy was a known prostitute. However, police believe that when she refused to perform “a certain sex act,” Vann “snapped and strangled her.” Following his arrest, the suspect confessed to killing Hardy and six others.

Darren Vann’s confession led authorities to seven bodies throughout northwest Indiana. In addition to Afrikka Hardy, the victims were identified as Anith Jones, 35, Christine Williams, 36, and Teairra Batey, 28. Authorities located three other victims in the same neighborhood. However, they have not been identified.

Authorities in Gary, Indiana, and Austin, Texas, are re-examining unresolved murder cases for any ties to the suspect. Although Vann could have allegedly killed dozens of women, they may be difficult to find or identify.

Authorities confirmed all seven women were found inside abandoned homes. As reported by Inter Mountain, it appears that Vann “preyed on individuals that might be less likely to be reported missing.”

Indeed, only two of his seven victims were reported missing. Joseph Ways Sr., director of the Chicago Crime Commission, suggested the women were likely prostitutes. He said, “If one of them goes missing for days or weeks, it might be that nobody notices.”

Hammond Police Chief John Doughty said all seven victims were killed within the last two months. However, Darren Vann’s murder spree “could go back as far as 20 years.” The suspect is reportedly cooperating with police in an attempt to secure a plea deal.

Darren Vann was charged in the murder of Afrikka Hardy. However, authorities said further charges are currently pending. The Gary, Indiana man remains incarcerated pending trial.

[Image via ABC News]