Dale Shawn Hausner

Serial Killer

Dale Shawn Hausner: The Phoenix Serial Shooter

Dale Shawn Hausner was an American serial killer whose random drive-by shootings terrorized the Phoenix metropolitan area between 2005 and 2006. Rather than selecting victims because of personal disputes, robbery, revenge, or any recognizable connection, Hausner targeted strangers who happened to be walking, riding bicycles, waiting at bus stops, or standing outside late at night. The apparent randomness of the attacks made the crimes especially frightening because almost anyone outdoors after dark could become a target. Hausner was ultimately convicted of murdering six people and committing dozens of other offenses, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, drive-by shooting, conspiracy, arson, and animal cruelty. Two additional killings were investigated as part of the same crime series, but Hausner was acquitted of those murders.

Early Life and Personal Background

Dale Shawn Hausner was born on February 4, 1973. Before his arrest, he lived in Arizona and maintained an outwardly ordinary working life. He was employed as a custodian at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and also worked around the local boxing community as a photographer and journalist. Hausner had experienced significant personal tragedy. In 1994, two of his young sons died in an automobile accident. During his later murder trial, evidence was also presented concerning his family relationships, substance abuse, and previous violent behavior. None of these circumstances explained or excused the calculated attacks he committed against strangers. At the time of the shootings, Hausner was regularly using methamphetamine. His friend and roommate, Samuel John Dieteman, joined him during many of the crimes. Hausner's brother, Jeff Hausner, was also involved in several related violent offenses, although the evidence did not establish that Jeff participated in the six murders for which Dale Hausner was convicted.

The Beginning of the Serial Shooter Investigation

The first attacks associated with the Phoenix Serial Shooter investigation occurred in May 2005. The gunman generally approached victims from a moving automobile, fired at them, and quickly left the area. Most of the shootings occurred late at night or during the early morning hours, when there were few witnesses. The victims were frequently pedestrians, bicyclists, unhoused people, or individuals waiting alone near roads and bus stops. Several dogs and other animals were also deliberately shot. The shooters used different firearms, including a .22-caliber weapon and 12-gauge and .410 shotguns. Because the attacks were scattered across Phoenix and surrounding communities, investigators initially had difficulty proving that they were connected. The crimes occurred in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tolleson, and other parts of the metropolitan area. As additional victims were attacked under similar circumstances, police concluded that a serial shooter was deliberately hunting vulnerable people and animals. ...

Confirmed Victims: (6)

David Estrada Age: (20), Date of Death: 2005-06-29

Suspected Victims:

Tony Mendez Age: (39), Date of Death: 2005-05-17

Reginald Remillard Age: (56), Date of Death: 2005-05-24

Survivors:

Barbara Whitner , Date of Attack: December 29, 2005

Timmy Tordai , Date of Attack: December 29, 2005

Clarissa Rowley Age: (21), Date of Attack: December 30, 2005

Kibili Tambadu , Date of Attack: May 2, 2006

Timothy Davenport , Date of Attack: May 17, 2006

James Hodge , Date of Attack: May 30, 2006

Miguel Rodriguez , Date of Attack: May 31, 2006

Daryl Davies , Date of Attack: May 31, 2006

Paul Patrick , Date of Attack: June 8:, 2006

Elizabeth Clark , Date of Attack: June 11, 2006

Frederic Cena , Date of Attack: June 20, 2006

Tony Long , Date of Attack: June 20, 2006

Diane Bein , Date of Attack: July 1, 2006

Jeremy Ortiz , Date of Attack: July 1, 2006

Dale Hausner and Samuel Dieteman - Wikipedia