Frank Figliuzzi reveals a disturbing truth that is often concealed from view in "Long Haul: Hunting the Highway Serial Killers," which talks about the frequency of serial murders among long-haul truckers. Using his former FBI assistant director background, Figliuzzi illuminates this concerning pattern and refutes the idea that these are isolated occurrences.
The notorious Robert Ben Rhoades, who terrorized victims for 15 years while committing murder, torture, and kidnapping, is one of the subjects of the book's exploration. The story of Rhoades is a crucial reminder of the negative aspects of long-haul truck hauling.
One of Rhoades' victims is Regina Walters. In her final photos, 14-year-old Walters is shown being coerced into a black gown and heels; her expression is horrified, and her hands are lifted as though pleading for help. She would soon be killed by strangulation, and her corpse would be placed in an abandoned farmhouse to decompose. The case serves as an example of how killer truckers take advantage of passing through several jurisdictions to avoid prosecution and make it more difficult to find their victims.
The book also discusses the 'Redhead Murders,' which remain unsolved and are believed to have been committed by a trucker, and the case of 'Vampire Trucker' Timothy Vafeades, who kept six women as sex slaves. Figliuzzi talked to people who had experienced terrifying interactions with truckers, including instances of sexual assault. The book seeks to advocate for the rights of the victims who have lost their lives and increase public awareness of human trafficking.
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In 2009, the FBI started the Highway Serial Killings Initiative. The initiative created a database mapping the locations of hundreds of bodies found across the US. The FBI has been tracking these cases since at least the 1980s, with many victims remaining unidentified for months or years.
Figliuzzi's investigation uncovers staggering statistics: over 850 murders along America's highways in recent decades, with more than 200 cases still unresolved. The victims, who are primarily women involved in sex trafficking, are persuaded into trucks in one place, attacked in another, and then dumped along highways. This pattern has persisted despite efforts to combat it.
To gain a firsthand understanding of the phenomenon, Figliuzzi immersed himself in the trucking industry, covering more than 2,000 miles of travel. He encountered a wide range of drivers, including women and immigrants, negotiating the difficulties of a sector essential to the US economy.
Figliuzzi examines the psychological effects of long-distance trucking, including loneliness, extended sitting, and the strain of operating large vehicles. He contends that these problems have the potential to draw violent persons or exacerbate sociopathic tendencies already present.
Furthermore, Figliuzzi explores the relationship between sex trafficking and trucking, highlighting the susceptibility of victims who often have pasts of trauma and abuse. By demonstrating how victims of human trafficking can come from a variety of backgrounds, including individuals with ties to the police or religious groups, he dispels prejudices.
"Long Haul" does not just point out problems but suggests solutions. Figliuzzi calls for stricter background checks for truck drivers, more rest time, and better monitoring technology to ensure safety. He also supports programs that help and rehabilitate victims instead of just punishing offenders.
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