New Book About Area Serial Killer

Did you know the Jersey shore was once home to one of the most prolific serial killers

of our time? Richard Biegenwald of Asbury Park, known as the Jersey Shore Thrill Killer, may have slain as many as 150 mostly young females from 1974 to 1983 in the Asbury Park area.

Listen to the full interview:

"He killed these women for the thrill of it. It wasn't a sexual thing, it was the thrill of taking the life," said retired State Trooper John O'Rourke, who released his newest book about Biegenwald titled The Jersey Shore Thrill Killer.

O'Rourke, who wrote two books about New Jersey State Troopers, said he had seen Biegenwald's name and case mentioned on several occasions but discovered that no one had ever written a book about him. That's when O'Rourke set out to write a true crimes book.

He said The Jersey Shore Thrill Killer examines Biegenwald's childhood, previous incarcerations and institutionalization's and based on the information he obtained, O'Rourke said there are lessons from the case that are relevant today.

O'Rourke, who teaches security and situational awareness, said the book offers safety tips that could save lives. In an examination of the serial killer's victims, "there were simple mistakes that led to their demise. By just paying attention to what's going on, unusual behavior by some person lurking around you."

He said there are also lessons for members of the law enforcement community with mistakes that were made with evidence collection and with the investigations that unfolded.

There are also lessons for the judicial system. "You had this guy he was put behind bars with a life sentence but yet he was released and he showed signs during his incarceration that he was problematic. He was diagnosed at a very early age with having schizophrenia," said O'Rourke. But there was no evidence that he was treated with medication.

O'Rourke said Biegenwald was caught when his ex-girlfriend turned him in. She was concerned for her safety because she had information about a recent murder that Biegenwald had committed.

Get more information about The Jersey Shore Thrill Killer and other books written by John O'Rourke at www.johneorourke.com