True Crime Trivia Round One

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| By Forensicmyles

Forensicmyles

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 1,060

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 1,064 | Updated: Mar 20, 2023

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Questions and Answers

1.
1. Which serial killer was known as The Clown Killer?
- A.
  
  Jeffrey Dahmer
- B.
  
  Ted Bundy
- C.
  
  John Wayne Gacy
- D.
  
  Dennis Raider
Correct Answer
C. John Wayne Gacy

Explanation
John Wayne Gacy was known as The Clown Killer because he would dress up as a clown named "Pogo" for children's parties and events. However, behind this facade, Gacy was a serial killer who sexually assaulted and murdered at least 33 teenage boys and young men between 1972 and 1978. He buried many of his victims in the crawl space of his home, earning him the nickname "Killer Clown" or "The Clown Killer." Gacy's heinous crimes shocked the nation and he was eventually convicted and executed for his crimes.

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2.

What controversial theory is attached to the death of Kathleen Peterson?
- A.
  
  The Owl Theory
- B.
  
  The Rabbit Theory
- C.
  
  The Squirrel Theory
- D.
  
  The Snake Theory
Correct Answer
A. The Owl Theory

Explanation
The Owl Theory suggests that Kathleen Peterson's death was caused by an attack from an owl. Supporters of this theory argue that the wounds on her scalp were consistent with owl talon marks, and that an owl attack could have caused her to fall down the stairs. This theory has been met with controversy and skepticism, as it is considered highly unlikely for an owl to attack a human in such a manner. However, it remains a topic of debate in the case.

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3.

Which Serial killer appeared on “The Dating Game” in 1978
- A.
  
  Ed Gein
- B.
  
  Rodney Alcala
- C.
  
  Charles Manson
- D.
  
  Richard Ramirez
Correct Answer
B. Rodney Alcala

Explanation
Rodney Alcala is the correct answer because he appeared on "The Dating Game" in 1978. Alcala was a convicted serial killer and rapist who appeared on the popular dating show as a contestant. Despite his criminal background, he was chosen by the bachelorette and went on a date with her. This shocking revelation came to light after Alcala was arrested and convicted for multiple murders in the years following his appearance on the show.

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4.

What serial killer once worked at a suicide prevention hotline?
- A.
  
  Son of Sam
- B.
  
  Cleveland Torso Killer
- C.
  
  Jim Jones
- D.
  
  Ted Bundy
Correct Answer
D. Ted Bundy

Explanation
Ted Bundy is the correct answer because he was known to have worked at a suicide prevention hotline. Bundy, a notorious serial killer, volunteered at the Seattle Crisis Center in the early 1970s, where he would talk to individuals in distress and potentially prevent them from taking their own lives. This information adds another disturbing layer to Bundy's complex and sinister personality.

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5.

H.H. Holmes built a house in Chicago that bore which nickname?
- A.
  
  The Dungeon
- B.
  
  Murder Castle
- C.
  
  Fraudville
- D.
  
  Hotel Death
Correct Answer
B. Murder Castle

Explanation
H.H. Holmes built a house in Chicago that became infamously known as the "Murder Castle". This nickname was given to the house because Holmes used it as a facade for his gruesome crimes. The house was designed with secret rooms, trapdoors, and a labyrinthine layout, allowing Holmes to easily trap and kill his victims. The nickname "Murder Castle" accurately captures the sinister nature of the house and the horrific acts that took place within its walls.

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6.

What old school storage device was used to take down BTK?
- A.
  
  Floppy Disk
- B.
  
  The Selectron Tube
- C.
  
  The Hard Disk Drive
- D.
  
  Magnetic Tape
Correct Answer
A. Floppy Disk

Explanation
The correct answer is Floppy Disk. BTK, which stands for Bind, Torture, Kill, was a serial killer who was active from the 1970s to the 2000s. In 2004, he resurfaced and sent a floppy disk to the local media. This floppy disk contained metadata that linked it to a computer at the church where BTK was a leader. The information on the disk ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of Dennis Rader, the man behind the BTK killings. Floppy disks were a common storage device during the time when BTK was active, making it the correct answer.

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7.

What fruit is widely discussed in the JonBenet Ramsey case?
- A.
  
  Apples
- B.
  
  Grapes
- C.
  
  Pineapple
- D.
  
  Watermelon
Correct Answer
C. Pineapple

Explanation
In the JonBenet Ramsey case, pineapple is widely discussed because a bowl of pineapple was found on the kitchen counter with a spoon next to it. The pineapple was partially eaten, indicating that someone in the house had consumed it. This piece of evidence became important in the investigation as it suggested that someone had been awake and eating pineapple with JonBenet shortly before her death.

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8.

In which decade was the term “serial killer” coined?
- A.
  
  1940s
- B.
  
  1950s
- C.
  
  1960s
- D.
  
  1970s
Correct Answer
D. 1970s

Explanation
The term "serial killer" was coined in the 1970s. This term was used to describe individuals who commit a series of murders over a period of time, typically with a cooling-off period between each murder. The 1970s saw a rise in media coverage and public awareness of serial killers, with infamous cases such as Ted Bundy and the Zodiac Killer gaining widespread attention. The term "serial killer" became more widely known and used during this decade to describe this specific type of criminal behavior.

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9.

Which three behaviors are known as the MacDonald Triad?
- A.
  
  Bullying, arson, bed-wetting
- B.
  
  Bed-wetting, arson, cruelty to animals
- C.
  
  Bed-wetting, nail-biting, arson
- D.
  
  Nail-biting, cruelty to animals, arson
Correct Answer
B. Bed-wetting, arson, cruelty to animals

Explanation
The MacDonald Triad refers to three behaviors that are often associated with violent and antisocial tendencies in individuals. These behaviors are bed-wetting, arson (deliberate fire-setting), and cruelty to animals. Research suggests that individuals who exhibit these behaviors during childhood may be more likely to engage in violent behavior later in life. This triad is named after psychiatrist John M. MacDonald, who first proposed the concept in the 1960s.

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10.

What object did John Dillinger use to escape from jail?
- A.
  
  A toothbrush
- B.
  
  A hammer
- C.
  
  A wooden gun
- D.
  
  A knife
Correct Answer
C. A wooden gun

Explanation
John Dillinger used a wooden gun to escape from jail. A wooden gun would have allowed him to create the illusion of having a real weapon, potentially intimidating the guards or other inmates. This would have provided him with the opportunity to overpower them or create a distraction, enabling his escape. The use of a wooden gun would have also made it easier for Dillinger to conceal the weapon and avoid detection during his escape attempt.

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Current Version
Mar 20, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
May 06, 2020

Quiz Created by
Forensicmyles

True Crime Trivia Round One

Which serial killer was known as The Clown Killer?

What controversial theory is attached to the death of Kathleen Peterson?

Which Serial killer appeared on “The Dating Game” in 1978

What serial killer once worked at a suicide prevention hotline?

H.H. Holmes built a house in Chicago that bore which nickname?

What old school storage device was used to take down BTK?

What fruit is widely discussed in the JonBenet Ramsey case?

In which decade was the term “serial killer” coined?

Which three behaviors are known as the MacDonald Triad?

What object did John Dillinger use to escape from jail?