In this episode we examine the horrifying crimes of Gerald and Charlene Gallego, a husband-and-wife serial killer partnership known as the “Sex Slave Killers.” Between 1978 and 1980, the couple abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered at least ten victims across California, Nevada, and Oregon. Using Charlene’s friendly, non-threatening appearance to lure mostly teenage girls into their vehicle, the pair carried out a calculated pattern of kidnapping, torture, and execution that terrorized the West Coast.
This episode explores Gerald Gallego’s violent upbringing, Charlene Williams...
In this episode we examine the horrifying crimes of Gerald and Charlene Gallego, a husband-and-wife serial killer partnership known as the “Sex Slave Killers.” Between 1978 and 1980, the couple abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered at least ten victims across California, Nevada, and Oregon. Using Charlene’s friendly, non-threatening appearance to lure mostly teenage girls into their vehicle, the pair carried out a calculated pattern of kidnapping, torture, and execution that terrorized the West Coast.
This episode explores Gerald Gallego’s violent upbringing, Charlene Williams’ complicated path into complicity, and the disturbing dynamics that allowed their crimes to escalate. We also examine the controversial plea deal that granted Charlene a reduced sentence in exchange for testimony, raising enduring questions about justice, coercion, and accountability — while honoring the lives of the victims whose futures were stolen.
Episode Highlights
Gerald Gallego’s violent childhood and early criminal escalation
Charlene Williams’ background and rapid descent into a deadly partnership
The first abductions in Sacramento and the emerging victim pattern
The Reno fair murders and the couple’s growing boldness
The brutal killings in Nevada and Oregon
The witness and license plate that finally broke the case
The arrest in Omaha and the unraveling of the evidence
Charlene’s controversial plea deal and courtroom testimony
Gerald’s trials, convictions, and death on death row
Charlene’s release and the backlash following her 2013 interview
Ethical questions about complicity, justice, and media influence
Trigger Warnings
This episode contains discussions of:
- Murder and extreme violence
- Child victims and exploitation
Listener discretion is strongly advised.
Notable Quote
“There were victims who died and there were victims who lived. It’s taken me a long time to realize that I’m one of the ones who lived.” — Charlene Williams
National Resources to Include:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673
Source Material:
Wikipedia: Gerald and Charlene Gallego
Inside The Sacramento Sex Slave Murders Of Gerald And Christine Gallego
Criminal Minds Wiki: Gerald and Charlene Gallego
Serial killer couple Charlene Williams and Gerald Gallego apprehended
The Gallego Sex Slaves Killers
BAY AREA FOCUS -- Ex-Con Starts Life Anew / She lured victims for her serial-killer husband in late '70s
PEOPLE v. GALLEGO (1990)
Charlene Adell Gallego: The Crimes of a Serial Killer
Sacramento's 'Sex Slave Murders' Killer Discovered Living In Area; Speaks After Years Of Silence
Books
- "All His Father's Sins: Inside The Gerald Gallego Sex-Slave Murders" by Ray Biondi and Walter Hecox (1988)
- "The Sex Slave Murders" by R. Barri Flowers (1996) - Republished edition includes updates
- "A Venom in the Blood" by Eric Van Hoffmann (1990)
- "Shared Madness: True Stories Of Couples Who Kill" by Christopher Berry-Dee (2010)
- "Women Who Kill: Profiles of Female Serial Killers" by Carol Anne Davis (2001)
Television Documentaries
- "Gerald and Charlene Gallego: The Love Slave Killers" - Born to Kill? (2014)
- "The Love Slave Murders" - Crime Stories (Biography Channel)
- "Twisted Twosome" - Wicked Attraction (Investigation Discovery)
- Charlene Gallego interview - Leeza (NBC talk show, 1998)
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