Richard Holman

Serial Killer

Richard Holman and the ".22 Caliber Killers"

Background

Richard "Ricky" Holman was born on August 20, 1961, in East St. Louis, Illinois. As a teenager, he became involved in a violent series of robberies, shootings, and murders with Girvies L. Davis, an older criminal associate. The pair operated primarily in southwestern Illinois during 1978 and 1979 and became known as the ".22 Caliber Killers" because a .22-caliber firearm was associated with several of their crimes. Holman was still a juvenile during the murder spree. He had previously been placed on probation for burglary and had spent time in juvenile custody for property crimes. Court records later described him as having limited education, a low measured IQ, and a tendency to follow more dominant people. Holman testified that Davis began paying him small amounts of money to drive him around when he was approximately sixteen or seventeen years old. These circumstances were considered during later sentencing proceedings, but they did not excuse his participation in the crimes.

Pattern of Crimes

Holman and Davis generally targeted homes, trailers, and small businesses where they expected to find money or property. Many of the victims were elderly and physically vulnerable. During the robberies, household possessions such as televisions, radios, firearms, watches, and lawn equipment were taken. Prosecutors argued that violence was used to prevent victims and witnesses from identifying the offenders. The precise responsibility of each man differed from crime to crime. Evidence indicated that Holman personally fired the fatal shots in some cases, while Davis was identified as the principal attacker in others. Under Illinois law, however, a participant in an armed burglary or robbery could be held legally responsible for a murder committed by an accomplice during that crime. Holman was therefore convicted not only for direct violence but also for murders committed while he was actively participating in the underlying offenses. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Frieda Mueller Age: (78), Date of Death: 1978-12-08

Survivors:

James Ostman , Date of Attack: 1979-08-30

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