← Back to United States casesMary Fales, Joan Skelton, and others Murdered by John Norman Collins and John (nephew), Michigan, United States
Case Summary
On August 8, 1967, the body of 19-year-old Mary Fales was found in a farmland near Michigan. She was a university student and secretary. Mary was last seen walking near her apartment when a grayish-blue car followed and harassed her. Her body was found severely mutilated with multiple stab wounds and signs of sexual assault. This murder was the beginning of a series of brutal killings attributed to John Norman Collins, a university student arrested and convicted for two of the murders but suspected of killing over 15 women. The victims were mostly young women, many students, often killed during their menstrual periods. Collins exhibited misogynistic behavior, hatred of menstruation, and violent tendencies. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole. The case remains a significant example of serial killings with a strong relationship-driven pattern of misogyny and sexual violence.
Basic Information
Country: United States
State/Province: Michigan, United States
City/Region: Michigan
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Unknown
Relationship Duration:
Incident Date: Aug. 8, 1967
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Met at school/college/university
- Friends circle
Relationship Stages:
- Dating
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Domestic Conflict
- Family pressure
- Suspicion of infidelity
Red Flags:
- Blame shifting or gaslighting behavior
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Suicidal Ideation
- High-Conflict Household
Motives:
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Eliminate romantic partner
Relationship Outcomes:
- Divorce filed
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before marriage
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Met at school/college/university
- Friends circle
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Unknown
Stages
- Dating
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Blame shifting or gaslighting behavior
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Suicidal Ideation
- High-Conflict Household
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Domestic Conflict
- Family pressure
- Suspicion of infidelity
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Eliminate romantic partner
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
1967-08-08
Outcome
- Divorce filed
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before marriage
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Mary Fales, Joan Skelton, and others Murdered by John Norman Collins and John (nephew), Michigan, United States
Rita True Crime 🖤 ریتا تروکرایم - Iran · Original language: English
View original title
قاتلی که از پریود زنان متنفر بود (120) پرونده جنایی قاتل سریالی جان نورمن کالینز
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Jealousy
Pattern Analysis
The killer exhibited a pattern of misogynistic violence targeting young women, many of whom were university students. The murders involved sexual assault, strangulation, and mutilation, with a signature of victims being killed during menstruation. The killer's hatred of women and menstruation was a central dynamic, with escalating violence and symbolic acts at crime scenes.
Investigative Notes
Police identified John Norman Collins as the suspect after forensic evidence linked him to two murders. Despite strong physical evidence and multiple witness testimonies, Collins never confessed. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole. The investigation noted the killer's pattern of targeting menstruating women and symbolic use of victims' clothing. Police efforts included profiling and surveillance, but initial suspect lists were not fully investigated.
Investigation Confusion
Initial police confusion due to multiple victims and lack of suspects. Some victims' boyfriends and acquaintances were suspected but cleared. The suspect's denial and lack of confession complicated the case. The police did not fully investigate all suspects on their list, leading to delays.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Mary Fales was last seen walking near her apartment when a grayish-blue car followed and harassed her. Her body was found mutilated in farmland. Over two years, multiple young women were abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered, often during menstruation. The killer transported bodies to remote locations. Forensic evidence linked John Norman Collins to two murders. He was arrested after suspicious evidence was found in his car and uncle's basement. Despite denial, his knowledge of crime details led to conviction.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to repeated violent offenses, sexual assault, and escalation in brutality. The killer demonstrated organized behavior and a pattern of returning to crime scenes, indicating high threat to women in the community.
Key Takeaways
Early signs included misogynistic behavior, obsession with menstruation, and escalating violence. The killer's pattern of returning to crime scenes to taunt police is notable. The importance of thorough suspect investigation and forensic evidence is highlighted. Public fear and media leaks complicated police work.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Misogynistic attitudes, aggressive behavior towards women, and obsession with menstruation were early signals.
Which clues helped connect the case?
Witness reports of harassment, forensic evidence of blood and hair in suspect's car and home, and victim clothing tied around necks helped connect the case.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Strong physical evidence including blood matching victims found in suspect's car and home, hair samples, and victim clothing.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Witnesses reported seeing a grayish-blue car harassing Mary. Friends and family noted suspicious behavior of suspect. Police and forensic experts provided testimony during trial.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Follow-up reports included suspect's multiple appeals, failed prison escape, and later confession through a book revealing crime details unknown to public.
What remained unclear?
Exact motives behind killer's hatred of menstruation and women remain unclear. Some murders suspected but not proven to be by Collins.