Andrew Cunanan went down in history as a notorious serial killer who murdered wealthy and influential men. Cunanan, who ended up taking his own life, was behind the deaths of Italian fashion designer – Gianni Versace, Chicago real estate developer – Lee Miglin, among others. These infamous cold-blooded killings took place over the span of three months, leaving the world stunned and confused as to his motive.
Until his death, Andrew remained a feared and enigmatic figure and his name is also on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Many theories and possible causes for his crimes emerged after his death, but none came with absolute certainty. Here’s what we know about the horrific incidents, along with other facts about the serial killer.
Andrew Cunanan – Biography
Andrew Phillip Cunanan was born on August 31, 1969, in National City, California. Growing up, he attended Bonita Vista Middle School and later was enrolled at Bishop’s School, San Diego. According to reports, Andrew Cunanan was very bright in school and had a high IQ. As he got older, he made a habit of lying about his family’s financial situation. He exaggerates his family’s wealth to impress his peers at school.
He would also engage in illegal activities enabling him to live up to the false standard of living he has created for himself. While in high school, Andrew also liked being called gay and was friends with many wealthier and older men. Andrew got into trouble with the law in 1988 with an embezzlement case. In his attempt to avoid arrest, he fled to the Philippines; he was 19 at the time.
After high school, Andrew Cunanan started at the University of California, majoring in history. However, he dropped out two years later and moved to San Francisco. He lived in the Castro district of San Francisco and frequented gay clubs, befriending wealthy gay men and living with them. According to some reports, he would have changed his name several times without an identified reason.
Andrew later developed an interest in violent pornography. Andrew was also involved in drug dealing and other illicit activities to support himself.
His victims
Andrew Cunanan’s first victim was Jeffery Trail, a friend of his who was formerly in the United States Navy. It was April 27, 1997; Trail didn’t know he wouldn’t see the end of this fateful day. The two friends had gotten into an argument which had provoked Andrew to the point of grabbing a clawhammer and crushing his head.
Andrew’s next kill was his former boyfriend DavidMadson. It’s unclear what happened between the two men, but Madson’s body was found with gunshot wounds and lying near Rush City, Minnesota. Investigation later revealed that Cunanan dealt with the rifle used to carry out the attack, as he removed it from the Jeffery Trail house.
Lee Miglin, a wealthy property developer, Cunanan is the next victim. The 72-year-old was stabbed multiple times by the serial killer who tied his hands and feet together. He was later found in a pool of his own blood.
Andrew then killed William Reese, his fourth victim, only five days later. The possible motive for Reese’s murder is not known, but it was later discovered that he had removed the victim’s van after shooting him. His latest victim was Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace. Again, it’s unclear what his motive was, but the designer was killed in his Miami Beach mansion with two shots fired by Andrew.
After killing his victims, Andrew Cunan committed suicide on July 23, 1997. As previously reported, all of these killings took place during a three-month period in 1997. Andrew kept the police on their feet that year as they relentlessly investigated in the heat of the murders.
The serial killer killed himself with the same gun he used to take the lives of Madson, Reese and Versace. To this day, the motive for his murders has not been discovered. Reportedly, he was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, which makes people lack empathy and remorse.
See also: Everything you need to know about Ed Kemper, the American serial killer
Family – Parents, Siblings, Father
Andrew was born to Modesto “Pete” Cunanan and Mary Anne Schillaci. He had two sisters, Elena and Regina, and a brother, Christopher. Her father, Pete, worked as a stockbroker and also served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Andrew and his family did not have a good relationship. But that didn’t stop him from telling exaggerated stories about his family to his schoolmates in order to be seen as a have-not. The wanted killer was reportedly involved in a violent argument with his mother, who pushed him against a wall, dislocating his arm.
