2. Background
• Born: 31-Aug-1969 • Cunanan was an American serial killer.
Birthplace: Rancho Bernardo, CA • Murdered at least five.
Died: 23-July-1997 • June 12, 1997 he became 449th fugitive
Location of death: Miami, FL listed by FBI on FBI ten most wanted list.
Cause of death: Shot self inflicted • He was the youngest of four.
Remain: Buried, Holy Cross Cemetery, • His father did not attend his birth, serving
San Diego, CA in the US Navy for Vietnam War.
• Gender: Male • Smart with an I.Q. of 147
Race or Ethnicity: White • Accepted to UCSD majored in American
Sexual orientation: Gay History.
Occupation: Criminal • Age 19 his father deserted his family to
avoid arrest in embezzlement.
• Nationality: United States
• Same year his mother found out about his
• Father: Modesto Cunanan (Philippine homosexuality and in arguing he threw
immigrant) her against the wall, dislocating her
Mother: Mary Anne Shilacci shoulder.
Brother: Christopher (b. 1961) • Before murders he was involved in theft
Sister: Elena (b. 1963) and drug dealing.
Sister: Regina (b. 1967)
3. Murders…
• First known murder was his friend Jeffery Trail. (April 25, 1997)
• Next was architect David Madson. (April 29,1997)
• Drove to Chicago and killed 72 yr old Lee Miglin. (May 4, 1997)
• May 9th, 1997 45 yr old William Reese
• He his in plain sight for 2 months between his fourth and fifth victim.
• Cunanan murdered fashion designer Gianni Versace. A witness attempted to
pursue him but could not catch him.
• Motive: said to be tied to diagnosis of HIV infection
• Autopsy found him HIV negative.
• Motives still remains a mystery.
• Theories: jealousy for Versace’s role as a “gay icon”.
• Examinations of behavior indicate he may have suffered psychopathic, personality
disorder characterized by an abnormal lack of empathy.
• Disorganized killer on a killing spree.
4. Crime and Scene
• Who?: Gianni Versace
• What?: Murder
• When?: July 15, 1997
• Where?: Miami, Florida outside Versace’s mansion.
5.
6. Forensic Evidence & Legal Aspects
• The vehicle he used.
• The clothes he had just been wearing.
• An alternative passport.
• And newspaper clippings of his murders, were found in a nearby garage by
the police who responded.
• Andrew Cunanan was found hiding in a luxury Houseboat by the vessel's
caretaker.
• Before the Police could catch him he took his own life by shooting himself
in the head.
