Billy Gohl, born on June 2, 1873 in Germany, would grow up to become one of the most notorious serial killers in the history of Washington state. Little is known about his childhood, but it is believed that he immigrated to the United States at a young age and eventually settled in the Pacific Northwest.
Before Gohl gained infamy as the "Ghoul of Grays Harbor," he worked in various occupations, including bartending. It is suspected that his first murders may have occurred during this time, but it wasn't until he became a Sailors' Union official that his killing spree truly began.
As a Pacific Sailors' Union worker, Gohl had access to sailors passing through the harbor. He lured his victims to the union building, where he would brutally murder them before disposing of their bodies in the harbor. His method of operation involved stripping the sailors of their money and valuables before dumping their corpses.
Gohl's killing spree continued for years, with the exact number of his victims unknown. His actions struck fear into the hearts of sailors and residents of Grays Harbor, earning him the chilling moniker of the "Ghoul of Grays Harbor."
In the early 20th century, Gohl's crimes finally caught up with him. He was arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to spend the remainder of his days in a mental institution in Spokane, Washington.
Billy Gohl's name lives on in infamy, alongside other serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer. His heinous acts have left a dark stain on the history of Washington state, forever marking him as one of the most sinister figures to have walked its shores.
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