The proliferation of phone-based dating apps has not only completely changed the way we date, but it’s changed the way that murderers and rapists find victims. As much as everyone would like to believe that dating app murder is just something that people talk about to keep others from hooking up with strangers, it’s very real and happens every day. Read on to see more terrifying Grindr horror stories.
Over the span of three months, Stephen Port, the Grindr serial killer, murdered four victims after meeting them on the gay dating app. And as much as people want to believe that this was an isolated incident, it’s barely the tip of the iceberg. Grindr crimes are some of the most horrific acts that have been committed in recent history. Not only because of the trust that’s betrayed between closeted men, but also because of the young age of some of the victims.
It says something about the world we live in when the general populous is hardly surprised when they hear about crimes being committed via a gay dating app. Grindr murder has almost become a cliché in the few short years that the app has been available, and it’s unfortunate that two people meeting on an app designed specifically for illicit meet ups can’t simply do what they wanted to do because the black cloud of Grindr death is hanging over them.
Keep scrolling if you’re prepared to read some horrifying stories of crime related to the gay dating app Grindr.
Terrifying Grindr Horror Stories,
Seattle Man Commits Double Murder
In 2014, Ali Muhammad Brown used Grindr to meet up with a couple of guys in Seattle and shot them to death at close range before stealing one of their cars. When he was arrested, he gave no motive for the mens' deaths.
"Gypsy Boy" Slits a Man's Throat
After hooking up with a guy he met on Grindr, Shane Dunn, a self described "gypsy boy" slit the throat of the guy of the guy he was sleeping with and left him for dead while pretending to call an ambulance.
Homeless Trio Murders Gay Senior
After meeting 71-year-old David Maurer on Grindr and going on a few dates him, Rikky Ranger and his two friends strangled the old man to death before his stealing credit cards, cash, computer, and a gun.
Lawyer Stabbed to Death in Washington, D.C.
A 30-year-old lawyer working in Washington, D.C. was found stabbed to death in a downtown hotel hours after his wife reported him missing. Police suspect that the lawyer met his death after using Grindr, but so far there have been no arrests.
Closeted Pastor Uses Grindr to Tell 17 Year Old to Kill Himself
Matthew Makela, an outed anti-gay pastor who was using Grindr to solicit sex from men, was in even more hot water after reports of specific comments he made to a teen surfaced. Makela allegedly told a gay 17 year old that he "might as well kill himself," since he was already going to hell. The boy, fortunately, did not take Makela's advice, and spoke out in the press, along with his mother.
Deputy Attorney General Rapes Underage Boy
Delaware Deputy Attorney General, Daniel Simmons, has been charged with four counts of fourth-degree rape after meeting a 16-year-old boy multiple times, through Grindr. Investigators suspected there might have been more victims, though none have yet come forward.
Idaho Man Raped 13-Year-Old Boy After Meeting Him on Grindr
Craig H. Lee, a 47-year-old man from Idaho, met a 13-year-old boy on Grindr and sent him sexual photos before later meeting up and having sex with him. The police report states that the boy informed Lee he was a minor and that they then engaged in sexual acts in the back of Lee's business. The boy reported that he had asked Lee to stop, but Lee continued.
Man Arrested for Setting Up a Three Way with 16 Year Old
Matthew T. Coogan is kind of dumb. How dumb? Well, he used Grindr to set up a three way with a 16 year old and a Delaware criminal prosecutor. Coogan was charged with second-degree conspiracy and sentenced with three months in prison.
Colorado Springs Man Stabs His Hookup to Death
After meeting Sean Crescentini on Grindr, Fernando Rosales stabbed his partner for the night to death, alleging that Crescentini punched him in the face after performing oral sex on him.
Grindr Serial Killer
Stephen Port, from East London, has been charged with murdering four different guys that he met on Grindr. His murder weapon of choice was the "date rape drug" GHB.