Confessions of a Serial Killer: The Package Killer Gary Muehlberg

Although he did not see combat, the military experience marked a significant period in his life. Tragically, his older brother, Ronald, was killed in action in 1968, a loss that deeply affected the family. Following his military service, Muehlberg married his high school sweetheart, and they had a son. However, his personal life began to unravel in the early 1970s.

In 1972, he was arrested for the robbery and rape of an 18-year-old woman in Salina, Kansas. Found not guilty by reason of insanity, he was committed to a veterans’ hospital for treatment. After his release, he returned to St. Louis, but his troubles continued. In 1973, he was convicted of assaulting a 14-year-old girl and sentenced to five years in prison.

His wife divorced him during this time, and he lost contact with his son. Wikipedia After his release, Muehlberg attempted to rebuild his life. He pursued higher education, earning a degree in psychology from Central Methodist College and attending graduate school at the University of Central Missouri.

He remarried and had two more children. However, his second marriage also ended in divorce, and he became increasingly isolated. By the late 1980s, Muehlberg was struggling financially and turned to illegal activities, including drug dealing and petty crimes, to make ends meet. He also began frequenting sex workers, a pattern that would later become central to his crimes.

THE MURDERS AND MODUS OPERANDI

Between 1990 and 1993, a series of gruesome murders terrorized the St. Louis area. The victims, primarily women involved in sex work, were found in various containers—mattresses, trash cans, and boxes—earning the unknown assailant the moniker “The Package Killer.” The first known victim, 18-year-old Robin J. Mihan, disappeared on March 22, 1990. Her body was discovered days later, bound between two mattresses along a highway.

Subsequent victims included 27-year-old Brenda Pruitt, whose body was found in a trash can in Maryland Heights; 40-year-old Donna Reitmeyer, discovered in a dumpster; and 21-year-old Sandy Little, whose remains were located in a wooden box near Interstate 70. Each victim had been subjected to brutal violence, and their bodies were disposed of in a manner suggesting a calculated attempt to conceal the crimes. The use of containers and the binding of the bodies indicated a signature method, pointing to a serial offender.

Despite the similarities in the cases, the murders remained unsolved for decades. Investigators struggled to find leads, and the cases eventually went cold. The lack of forensic technology at the time and the marginalized status of the victims contributed to the challenges in solving the crimes. However, advancements in DNA analysis would eventually provide the breakthrough needed to identify the perpetrator.

INVESTIGATION AND CONFESSION

In 2022, a renewed investigation into the cold cases led to a significant breakthrough. DNA evidence collected from the crime scenes was re-examined using modern forensic techniques, resulting in a match to Gary Muehlberg, who was already serving a life sentence for the 1993 murder of Kenneth “Doc” Atchison. Atchison had been lured to Muehlberg’s home under the pretense of purchasing a car and was subsequently murdered. His body was found in a homemade coffin in Muehlberg’s basement.

Confronted with the DNA evidence, Muehlberg confessed to the murders of Mihan, Pruitt, Reitmeyer, and Little. He also admitted to killing a fifth woman, whose identity remains unknown. In exchange for his cooperation and due to his declining health, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty. Muehlberg pleaded guilty to each murder, receiving additional life sentences without the possibility of parole.

The confessions provided closure to the families of the victims and highlighted the importance of advancements in forensic science. Detective Jodi Weber of the O’Fallon Police Department played a crucial role in reopening the cases and bringing Muehlberg to justice. Her dedication and persistence exemplify the impact that determined law enforcement professionals can have on solving cold cases.

IMPACT AND LEGACY

The revelation of Muehlberg as the “Package Killer” had a profound impact on the St. Louis community. For decades, the families of the victims had lived without answers, and the confessions brought a sense of closure. The case also underscored the importance of revisiting cold cases with new technologies and the need for continued support for victims’ families.

Muehlberg’s crimes and subsequent confessions have become a case study in the field of criminal justice. They illustrate the challenges of investigating serial crimes, particularly those involving marginalized victims. The case has prompted discussions about the allocation of resources for cold case investigations and the importance of not overlooking crimes against vulnerable populations.

As of 2025, Gary Muehlberg remains incarcerated at the Potosi Correctional Center in Missouri. His case serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of violent crimes and the necessity of perseverance in the pursuit of justice. The resolution of the “Package Killer” case stands as a testament to the advancements in forensic science and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to solving even the most challenging cases.

The Package Killer Gary Muehlberg, Gary Muehlberg, The Package Killer, Confessions of a Serial Killer

The Package Killer Gary Muehlberg, Gary Muehlberg, The Package Killer, Confessions of a Serial Killer

The Package Killer Gary Muehlberg, Gary Muehlberg, The Package Killer, Confessions of a Serial Killer