Angel Maturino Reséndiz: The Notorious Railroad Killer

Angel Maturino Reséndiz mugshot

Photo Courtesy of FBI

Angel Maturino Reséndiz, infamously known as the “Railroad Killer,” terrorized the United States during the 1990s. Reséndiz’s crimes were chilling in their brutality and unique in their execution. Traveling across the U.S. by train, he murdered at least 15 people, leaving a trail of fear and devastation.

A Troubled Beginning

Angel Maturino Reséndiz was born on August 1, 1959, in Puebla, Mexico. He endured a difficult childhood, marked by poverty and neglect. As a teenager, he turned to crime, committing burglaries and assaults. His life became a cycle of illegal activities and short prison stints.

Reséndiz first entered the U.S. illegally in the 1970s. Over the years, he crossed the border multiple times, eluding authorities. His crimes escalated from theft to murder, marking him as one of the most dangerous fugitives in the country.

The Start of the Killing Spree

Reséndiz’s killing spree began in the mid-1980s, but his most infamous murders occurred between 1997 and 1999. He earned the nickname “Railroad Killer” because he used train routes to travel across the U.S., often targeting homes near railroad tracks.

His victims were of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. Reséndiz chose his targets at random, making his crimes even more terrifying. He would break into homes, kill the occupants, and steal valuables before fleeing.

Victims in Texas

Texas bore the brunt of Reséndiz’s horrific crimes. In 1997, Claudia Benton, a Houston doctor, was brutally murdered in her home. Reséndiz sexually assaulted her before beating her to death with a statuette.

Another Texas victim, Rev. Norman Sirnic, was killed alongside his wife, Karen, in 1999. The couple, known for their kind-hearted nature, were found bludgeoned to death in their home near a train track.

Now Available on Amazon: The Railroad Killer: Tracking Down One Of The Most Brutal Serial Killers In History

Reséndiz often used objects found in his victims’ homes as murder weapons. His method was opportunistic, leaving behind few clues.

A Pattern Emerges

Law enforcement began connecting the murders when they noticed similarities in the crime scenes. The proximity to train tracks and the brutality of the attacks pointed to a single killer.

The FBI launched an intense manhunt, placing Reséndiz on their Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 1999. Despite the nationwide attention, he managed to evade capture for years by crossing borders and blending into migrant communities.

Arrest and Confession

Reséndiz’s reign of terror ended on July 13, 1999, when he surrendered to authorities in Texas. His sister played a key role, convincing him to turn himself in to avoid further bloodshed.

After his arrest, Reséndiz confessed to 15 murders, though investigators believe the actual number of victims may be higher. His detailed confessions shocked the nation, revealing the calculated and cold nature of his crimes.

Trial and Sentencing

Angel Maturino Reséndiz was tried in Texas for the murder of Claudia Benton. The evidence against him was overwhelming, including DNA and fingerprints found at the crime scene.

During the trial, Reséndiz displayed erratic behavior, claiming he was guided by supernatural forces. However, psychiatrists determined he was competent to stand trial.

In 2000, Reséndiz was convicted of Benton’s murder and sentenced to death. The verdict brought some relief to the families of his victims, though the pain of their losses remained.

Execution

On June 27, 2006, Angel Maturino Reséndiz was executed by lethal injection in Texas. Before his execution, he expressed remorse for his actions, though many doubted his sincerity.

His death marked the end of a terrifying chapter in American crime history. For many, it provided a sense of closure, but the scars left by his crimes remain.

Legacy of the Railroad Killer

The case of Angel Maturino Reséndiz highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking transient criminals. His ability to exploit train routes allowed him to move undetected across states, complicating the investigation.

His crimes also underscored the vulnerabilities of homes near railroads and the importance of community vigilance.

More True Crime: Dean Corll: The Chilling Story of Houston’s ‘Candy Man’ Killer

While Reséndiz is gone, his story serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by those who use mobility and anonymity to commit heinous acts.

Final Reflections

Angel Maturino Reséndiz, the “Railroad Killer,” left a trail of horror across the United States. His calculated brutality and transient lifestyle made him one of the most feared serial killers of his time.

Although justice was served, the pain endured by his victims’ families remains a testament to the profound impact of his crimes. The story of Reséndiz will forever be a dark chapter in American criminal history.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top