Bio

William Lyle Woratzeck was born on September 11, 1945. He grew up in a time and place that shaped him in ways that would eventually lead to a notorious life. While specific details of his childhood aren't well-documented, it is understood that his early experiences and environment had an impact on his development.

He settled in Arizona at some point during his life. Throughout his adult years, Woratzeck faced financial difficulties. By February 1980, he was reportedly over $2,000 behind on payments for a trailer park property he was purchasing. This situation put significant pressure on him.

Woratzeck managed a small trailer park where tenants included individuals who relied on assistance. One of these tenants was Linda Louise Leslie, a 36-year-old woman suffering from Huntington's chorea, which had left her with the mental capacity of a 15-year-old. Leslie lived in a trailer that was rented from Woratzeck's property. At that time, any daily management or issues in the park were directly associated with Woratzeck.

The growing financial burdens and challenges in his life may have compounded Woratzeck's circumstances during this period. However, detailed accounts of his personal relationships or psychological state during these years are limited.

In the early hours of March 6, 1980, Woratzeck became involved in a serious crime that dramatically changed the course of his life and led to significant legal consequences. A series of events would follow, thrusting him into the national spotlight as he faced accusations, trial, and eventual sentencing. These developments would significantly shape his legacy, but details about his early life remain sparse.

Murder Story

On March 6, 1980, William Lyle Woratzeck entered the room of Linda Louise Leslie in a trailer park in Pinal County, Arizona. Leslie, who was 36 years old and suffered from Huntington's disease, had the mental capacity of a 15-year-old. Around 2:30 a.m., Woratzeck attacked her. He used a hammer to beat her, stabbed her three times with a steak knife, and then strangled her with such force that he broke bones in her neck.

After killing her, Woratzeck stole approximately $107 from her. To cover up the crime, he set the trailer on fire, burning Leslie's body.

Following his trial, Woratzeck was found guilty of first-degree felony murder, armed robbery, and second-degree burglary. He was sentenced to death. The evidence against him primarily included bodily fluids found on his clothing and fibers from the carpet at the crime scene.

Woratzeck maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. He claimed that another individual was responsible for the murder and suggested that some facts were not examined during the trial. His attorneys argued that he was convicted based on circumstantial evidence.

Woratzeck spent 17 years appealing his conviction. During his final moments on death row, he expressed his love for his family and insisted that he was innocent. He was executed by lethal injection on June 25, 1997.