Harvey Carignan was born on May 18, 1927, in Fargo, North Dakota. He grew up during the Great Depression, which made his childhood challenging. His family moved around frequently, and he experienced a lot of instability in his early years. This lack of stability had a significant impact on his development.

As a teenager, Harvey started getting into trouble. He committed several petty crimes and had frequent run-ins with the law. His behavior became more problematic as he got older, and he struggled to stay out of trouble. These early experiences set the stage for his later criminal activities.

Harvey's troubled youth continued into his adult life. He joined the military, but his service was marred by further criminal behavior.

Harvey Carignan, also known as the "Want-Ad Killer," began his murderous spree in the 1970s. He targeted young women, luring them with job offers placed in newspaper ads. Once he gained their trust, he would brutally attack and kill them, often using a hammer or similar weapon. His victims included women who responded to his ads, seeking employment or a ride.

Carignan was arrested multiple times throughout his criminal career, but it wasn't until 1974 that he was finally apprehended for his series of murders. His arrest came after a failed abduction attempt, where the victim managed to escape and provide crucial information to the police. This led to his capture and the subsequent investigation that linked him to several unsolved cases.

During his trials, Carignan was convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to life in prison. His trials revealed his gruesome methods and the extent of his crimes, shocking the public and bringing justice to the families of his victims. Despite his appeals, Carignan remained in prison for the rest of his life.

Harvey Carignan died on March 3, 2023, at the age of 95, while still serving his life sentences. His death marked the end of the life of a man who had caused so much pain and suffering, but his crimes will be remembered as a dark chapter in the history of serial killers.