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This article explores the current status and ongoing legacy of Randy Steven Kraft, the notorious serial killer known as the ‘Scorecard Killer’. It traces Kraft’s life from his early years in Long Beach, California to his gruesome crimes, conviction, and his current incarceration on death row at San Quentin State Prison. The article also highlights recent cold case developments that have linked Kraft to additional victims in Oregon, suggesting his victim count may be even higher than initially believed.

Why it matters

Kraft’s case continues to draw public attention decades after his conviction, serving as a grim reminder that justice is often delayed but not forgotten. The ongoing investigations and identifications of his previously unknown victims provide closure for families and demonstrate how advancements in forensic technology can breathe new life into cold cases.

The details

In May 1983, a routine traffic stop on California’s Interstate 5 led to the discovery of a deceased Marine in the passenger seat of Randy Steven Kraft’s vehicle, exposing him as one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. Investigators believe Kraft may have murdered up to 67 victims across California, Oregon, and Michigan, often targeting young men found along highways. Kraft was convicted in 1989 and sentenced to death, though he has remained on death row for over three decades due to the slow appeals process in California.

Randy Kraft was born on March 19, 1945 in Long Beach, California.Kraft was arrested on May 14, 1983 during a routine traffic stop.In 1989, Kraft was convicted and sentenced to death.In 2025, law enforcement officials identified a previously unknown victim, Vietnam veteran Larry Eugene Parks, whose remains were found in 1980 in Oregon, and linked the murder to Kraft.Another victim, 17-year-old Michael Ray Schlicht, was also identified using forensic techniques and linked to Kraft.

The players

Randy Steven Kraft

The notorious serial killer known as the ‘Scorecard Killer’, who is currently incarcerated on death row at San Quentin State Prison in California for the murders of at least 16 young men.

Larry Eugene Parks

A Vietnam veteran whose remains were found in 1980 in Oregon and were recently identified as a previously unknown victim of Randy Kraft.

Michael Ray Schlicht

A 17-year-old victim who was identified using forensic techniques and linked to Randy Kraft.

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What’s next

Law enforcement agencies in multiple states are now re-examining cold cases that match Kraft’s pattern, and investigators are hopeful that more names of his victims will be identified through ongoing forensic investigations.

The takeaway

The ongoing investigations and identifications of Randy Kraft’s previously unknown victims provide closure for families and demonstrate how advancements in forensic technology can breathe new life into cold cases, ensuring that the names of his victims are finally beginning to be heard and remembered.