Cropsey

Cropsey was an urban legend of Staten Island through the 1970's-80's. Cropsey was attributed to the disappearances of many children, until it was determined that Cropsey was an actual serial killer and kidnapper.

Description:
Many of the legends describe Cropsey as an escaped mental patient who lived at the abandoned Willowbrook Mental Institution, who would come out late at night and snatch kids off the streets. He was most often described either wielding a bloody axe or with a hook for a hand.

Cropsey's true identity was that of Andre Rand, born Frank Rushan.

History:
Rand had a total of five notable alleged victims: Alice Pereira, Holly Ann Hughes, Tiahease Jackson, Hank Gafforio, and Jennifer Schweiger. Rand was reported to have been seen alongside many of them.

In 1988, Rand was convicted of the kidnapping and first-degree murder of Jennifer Schweiger. He was sentenced 25 years in prison.

Some speculate that Rand was a Satanist who took the children for sacrifices, and that he was not working alone.

Popular Culture:
The legends of Cropsey inspired the 2009 documentary by the same name.