Early Life
Raymond Fernandez was born on December 17, 1914 in Hawaii. Not much is known about his early years, but it is believed that he had a troubled childhood which may have contributed to his criminal behavior later in life.
Life of Crime
Fernandez's criminal career began with his modus operandi of seducing women and then stealing from them. He became known as a smooth-talking con artist who preyed on vulnerable women. His first known murder came about as a result of a jealous rage by his partner, Martha Beck. In a fit of jealousy, Beck smashed a woman's head with a hammer when she found Fernandez in bed with her. Fernandez then strangled the woman to death. The couple went on to commit two more murders, including that of a woman and her daughter.
The Lonely Hearts Killers
Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck became known as The Lonely Hearts Killers, as they found their victims by answering singles ads in newspapers. They would lure their victims in with promises of love and companionship, only to rob and murder them in cold blood. Fernandez and Beck would then take their victims' money and belongings, sometimes forging wills to inherit their possessions.
Execution
The spree of murders committed by Fernandez and Beck came to an end when they were finally caught and convicted of three counts of murder. They were both sentenced to death and were executed in the electric chair. The couple's crimes shocked the nation and became the inspiration for the 2006 film, "Lonely Hearts," in which Fernandez was portrayed by actor Jared Leto.
Personal Life
Despite his criminal activities, Fernandez had a personal life that was just as disturbing. He was married and had four children with his ex-wife, whom he abandoned when he met Beck. The couple got rid of the children by leaving them at the Salvation Army. Fernandez and Beck often posed as siblings rather than lovers to further deceive their victims.
Legacy
The crimes of Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck have left a dark stain on American criminal history. Their brutal murders and manipulation of vulnerable individuals have been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. The Lonely Hearts Killers will forever be remembered as one of the most notorious criminal duos in history.
In conclusion, Raymond Fernandez's life of crime and eventual execution serve as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity. His legacy is one of violence, manipulation, and tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on the criminal justice system and society as a whole.