Dayton Leroy Rogers, born on September 30, 1953 in Idaho, would later become known as the Molalla Forest Killer and one of Oregon's most notorious serial killers. As a child, Rogers showed signs of violence and aggression at an early age.
By the time he reached 7th grade, Rogers had already exhibited troubling behavior. He was arrested for shooting a BB gun at passing cars, a sign of his lack of regard for the safety of others. This incident marked the beginning of a long pattern of criminal behavior that would only escalate as he grew older.
Rogers' crimes were particularly brutal and heinous. He targeted vulnerable women, mostly prostitutes and drug addicts, whom he would rape, torture, and mutilate. His method of cutting off and taking the feet of his victims was eerily reminiscent of another infamous serial killer, Ed Gein, who also kept trophies of his kills. This signature behavior added to the horror and notoriety of Rogers' crimes.
Despite his gruesome activities, Rogers managed to maintain a facade of normalcy in his personal life. His wife, Sherry, was unaware of his violent tendencies and believed he was simply working late on the nights he was actually out committing his heinous crimes. The contrast between his outward appearance and his secret life as a sadistic killer is chilling.
Rogers' reign of terror came to an end when he was finally apprehended and convicted for his crimes. The horrific details of his atrocities shocked the community and cemented his place as one of Oregon's most reviled criminals. His trial and conviction brought some measure of closure to the families of his victims, but the scars left by his actions would never fully heal.
Dayton Leroy Rogers will forever be remembered as a dark chapter in Oregon's history. His brutal crimes and lack of remorse for his actions serve as a grim reminder of the capacity for evil that exists within some individuals. Despite his imprisonment, the memory of his victims lives on, their tragic stories a cautionary tale of the dangers that lurk in the shadows.