Introduction

The name Joe Metheny might not ring a bell for many, but his gruesome actions have left a lasting scar in the annals of crime history. Born on March 2, 1953, in Maryland, Metheny's life was marred by hardships, addiction, and a string of brutal murders that have shocked and horrified many. This article delves into the life of Joe Metheny, the heinous crimes he committed, and the investigation that eventually led to his capture.

Early Life and Background

Joe Metheny's early life was anything but stable. As one of six children, he claimed his father was an alcoholic and his mother was neglectful, leaving him and his siblings to fend for themselves. According to Metheny, his childhood was spent bouncing from house to house, living with foster families who were paid by his mother to take care of them. This lack of stability and parental care left a deep impact on Metheny.

When Joe was six years old, his father died in a car accident, leaving his mother to care for six children alone. She worked two jobs to make ends meet, but Metheny later claimed that this neglectful upbringing contributed to his troubled life. However, his mother disputed these claims, insisting that although they were poor, they always had a roof over their heads and that Joe's accounts were exaggerated.

At 18, Metheny joined the military, claiming he served in Vietnam. While his military service was confirmed, there were no records of him being stationed in Vietnam. Regardless, it was during this time that Metheny became addicted to heroin and cocaine, a habit that would dominate his life upon his return home.

Descent into Addiction and Homelessness

After his military service, Metheny lost contact with his family and was consumed by his drug addiction. He lived on the streets of South Baltimore, forming a community with other homeless individuals who shared his addiction. Despite his drug abuse and temper, Metheny was able to hold down a job as a truck driver, earning a reputation as dependable, intelligent, and well-mannered in professional circles.

During this period, Metheny met a woman, also an addict, with whom he fell in love and eventually married. They had a child together and lived in a small trailer, providing a semblance of stability despite their ongoing struggles with addiction.

The Catalyst: Abandonment and Revenge

In 1994, Metheny's life took a dark turn. One night, he returned home from work to find his wife and child gone, along with all their belongings. It was later revealed that she had moved to the other side of town, working as a sex worker to support her drug habit. Their son was taken from her due to neglect and abuse, which enraged Metheny. He decided to take matters into his own hands to get his son back.

Metheny learned from fellow drug users that his wife was living under a bridge with other homeless individuals. Fueled by a desire for revenge and high on drugs, Metheny went to the bridge, armed with an ax. He encountered two homeless men, whom he believed were involved with his wife, and brutally murdered them. This marked the beginning of his killing spree.

The Killing Spree

Metheny's initial murders were driven by a mix of anger and desperation, but they soon became more calculated. After killing the two men under the bridge, he lured a sex worker to the same location, asking if she knew his wife. When she said no, he beat and murdered her, sexually assaulting her body afterward. Another sex worker who approached the area met the same fate.

Metheny's spree continued with the murder of a fisherman who happened to be nearby. Fearing that the man might have witnessed something, Metheny bludgeoned him with a steel pipe, killing him instantly. In his confession, Metheny described this night as "a very busy night," boasting about killing five people within seven hours.

Escalation and Capture

Metheny's method evolved as he continued his killing spree. He began luring sex workers to his trailer, where he would strangle and dismember them. He would then store the meaty parts of their bodies in Tupperware containers, placing them in his freezer.

What Metheny did next is what truly sets him apart in the annals of crime. He opened a roadside barbecue stand, selling roast beef and pork sandwiches to unsuspecting customers. To enhance the flavor, he mixed the human meat from his victims with the regular meat, creating a macabre culinary experience. Metheny claimed that human flesh tasted very similar to pork, and his customers never suspected a thing.

His gruesome operation continued until one night when a victim managed to escape. She flagged down a truck driver and together they went to a nearby gas station to call the police. Metheny, realizing the game was up, waited for the police to arrive and was arrested without resistance.

Confession and Conviction

In police custody, Metheny gave a detailed confession of his crimes, admitting to the murders and the grisly details of his roadside barbecue stand. He led police to some of his victims' remains, but the exact number of his victims remains unknown, with Metheny himself estimating around ten.

Metheny was initially sentenced to death, but this was later commuted to two life sentences without the possibility of parole. At his sentencing, Metheny showed no remorse, stating that he was willing to give up his life for what he had done and asking God to send him to hell for eternity.

Death in Prison

Joe Metheny's life of crime and horror came to an end in August 2017 when he was found unresponsive in his prison cell. He was 62 years old. The exact cause of his death was not immediately clear, and an investigation was conducted to determine if foul play was involved.

Conclusion

The case of Joe Metheny is a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity. His story is one of a troubled upbringing, addiction, and a descent into unspeakable violence. Metheny's actions have left a lasting impact on those who knew him and the countless victims whose lives he destroyed. His story serves as a grim warning of the potential for evil that can lie hidden beneath a seemingly ordinary exterior.