David Elliott Penton was born on February 9, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio. He was an only child. His father left when he was young, so his mother raised him alone. David attended school and graduated from high school. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army in 1977.

In the Army, he worked as a track vehicle mechanic. David performed well and became known as an expert marksman. His commanding officer described him as “highly motivated.” However, David faced some trouble during his service. In 1980, he was charged for storing alcohol in his foot locker. A few months later, he faced another charge for lying about his marital status to get military benefits. Because of this, he was demoted from sergeant to specialist.

While stationed in Korea, David often solicited prostitutes, and he admitted that some of them were underage. He also used illegal drugs, like LSD and cocaine. David’s military career lasted until 1984 when he completed his service. After leaving the Army, he faced significant challenges in his life.

Between 1984 and 1988, David Elliott Penton is believed to have killed at least five people. His first known victim was his own 2-month-old son, Michael. Penton violently shook Michael in a fit of rage because the baby would not stop crying. After pleading guilty to manslaughter, he received a five-year prison sentence but was later released on bond while he appealed his case.

After the death of his son, Penton allegedly kidnapped and murdered several young girls. On January 19, 1985, he abducted 5-year-old Christi Lynn Meeks while she was playing outside. Her body was found on April 3, 1985, in Lake Texoma. She had been raped and strangled.

On February 12, 1986, 10-year-old Tiffany Ibarra was taken after being pulled into a van. She later identified Penton as her abductor under hypnosis. Just a few days later, on February 15, 1986, 9-year-old Christie Diane Proctor was reported missing. Her remains were found years later beneath a mattress.

Penton also abducted 4-year-old Roxann Hope Reyes on November 3, 1987. Her body was discovered on May 19, 1988, and she had also been sexually assaulted and strangled. In Ohio, he was involved in the case of 9-year-old Nydra Anntionette Ross, who was last seen on March 31, 1988, and was later found dead. Penton’s van contained traces of her blood.

In 2003, Penton was indicted for the murders of the three Texas girls. He signed a plea deal to avoid the death penalty and pleaded guilty to all three cases in January 2005. He was sentenced to serve time in the Ohio State Penitentiary and will begin serving three consecutive life sentences in Texas after completing his Ohio sentence. As of now, he is eligible for parole in 2027.

Additionally, authorities believe Penton may be connected to other unsolved cases and that he might have claimed to have killed more than 50 children. However, law enforcement estimates the real number may be between 25 and 30 victims.