How to Avoid Murder While Using Dating Apps is a true crime mystery book that exposes shocking dating app, assaults, murders, and other heinous crimes. This is a unique true crime book that includes special self-protection tips.
Included are eight true crime murder mystery stories that expose the dark underbelly of social media and dating app platforms, where criminals roam freely, preying on the unsuspecting.
Also Included:
Protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims using the dating safety tips at the back of the book. Don't go on a first date without them! This is a true crime book designed to save lives.
How to Avoid Murder While Using Dating Apps is a true crime mystery book that exposes shocking dating app, assaults, murders, and other heinous crimes. This is a unique true crime book that includes special self-protection tips.
Included are eight true crime murder mystery stories that expose the dark underbelly of social media and dating app platforms, where criminals roam freely, preying on the unsuspecting.
Also Included:
Protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims using the dating safety tips at the back of the book. Don't go on a first date without them! This is a true crime book designed to save lives.
The Dating App MonstersÂ
When I was 53, my beloved husband tucked me into bed for the evening. He asked me, "Are you chilly?" I smiled. "Yes, you know me. I'm always chilly." He climbed into bed beside me and wrapped his warm arms around me. "Thank you, I love you," I smiled. "I love you too, sweet dreams." We drifted off into a blissful sleep wrapped around each other.
The following morning, I was jolted awake by my dying husband's loud, rasping breaths. First responders couldn't save him, and neither could emergency heart surgery. A massive coronary terminated his life not long after he'd turned 60.
No words can describe life when you're suddenly thrust into the murky world of widowhood. I hadn't just lost my best friend and partner for 25 years. I was adrift in a sea of unrelenting grief.
My husband's death unleashed an avalanche of unsolicited social media requests on me. They were from unknown male predators. It felt as if I had a new victim mark on my forehead.
The male vultures wanted to help me heal my broken heart with a new romance. While at it, they would attempt to help themselves to any of my assets they could grab. Even though it consisted of everything, my husband and I had worked our entire lives to amass.
Never mind that I was up to my eyeballs in debt due to my husband's death. The scammers didn't care. In their eyes, it made me a more desirable target.
If they couldn't steal my money, why not my organs or life? I blocked every request I received. I was angry, sad, horrified, and repulsed. Can you imagine how you might feel in a similar situation?
I was able, over time, to open my heart to new love. But by then, I'd refused to risk any of the frightening possibilities of the digital dating world. I found my new partner the old-fashioned way, through work.
Many old roads leading to love have disappeared in our post-pandemic world.
How To Maintain Safety In The Digital Dating WorldÂ
Currently, we're in the best and worst periods in the dating app universe. Searching for love on a dating app might unearth that special someone who will steal your heart.
But it might also attract skilled con artists.
Case in point? The famed Netflix Tinder Swindler Israeli-born Shimon Hayut. He presented himself as the wealthy son of a Russian-Israeli diamond mogul, Lev Leviev.
Pretending to be Simon Leviev, Hayut utilized Tinder's dating app to lure women. The Swindler manipulated unsuspecting women blinded by his wealth and influence. Except it was all an illusion.
Stealing Many Millions Of DollarsÂ
It's estimated The Swindler stole more than ten million dollars from naive people he met on Tinder. He persuaded them to front him the money he would never repay. Hayut left behind a trail of traumatized women facing total financial ruin.
Hayut didn't hesitate to threaten women who wouldn't cooperate. Some suggested they gave him money because they feared for their safety. The Tinder Swindler stopped short of committing assault and murder, at least so far.
Not all dating app predators will stop at money or a place to crash. Some may want to steal your identity. Others may cut out your body organs to sell on the black market. They're psychopaths who wish to use, assault, and rape you. Or even enjoy stealing your life.
Dating In The Digital UniverseÂ
The more you hear the whispers of love, romance, and the possibility of happily ever after, the more you want it. You deliberately ignore all the red flags, let your guard down, and grab onto hope.
You pray you'll never again be lonely, depressed, anxious, or misunderstood. Now that you've connected with that special someone, life will be all moonbeams and lollipops.
Except hope can be deadly.
According to Dr. Julie Valentine, a researcher, sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), and the Associate Dean of Brigham Young University's College of Nursing: "dating app sexual assaults tend to occur at the first in-person meeting."
An analysis of data from 2017 to 2020 had 1,968 acquaintance sexual assaults, with 14 percent occurring from a dating app first found in-person meeting.
One-third of the victims were strangled and had more injuries than other sexual assault victims. Through dating apps, personas are created without being subjected to any criminal background checks or security screening.
People looking for a connection unknowingly perpetuate danger on themselves. From going on dates with people from dating apps without telling anyone to pick up strangers in bars, people throw caution to the wind.
Anytime you lose one line of defense, you need to replace it with another line that is stronger than the one you had. You're responsible for your safety. Think about what you're doing. If you feel unsafe doing it at 2 a.m., don't do it at 2 p.m. Lock your doors and windows, and keep your eyes open for situations that don't look safe.
Learn From The Book's 8 Dating App DisastersÂ
If you don't think assault, rape, and murder can happen to you by meeting people on dating apps or online, think again.
This book includes eight riveting true-crime stories from some of the most tragic dating app-related tragedies.
Each chilling case provides a frightening gallery of predators preying on innocent victims looking for love and romance.
While each case is, spine-tingling is also simultaneously heartbreaking. Each story has been carefully researched and written with deep compassion for all the parties involved in the case.
All of the families of the victims of these horrific crimes are left behind with scars, nightmares, and memories that time may never fade.
With every story I wrote in this collection, I wept many tears for the victims and their families. I wish every victim had avoided the pain and suffering they experienced. I only wish those killed were still alive, and I had nothing to write about.
Except, hope can be deadly.
People looking for a connection unknowingly perpetuate danger to themselves. From going on dates with people from dating apps without telling anyone to pick up strangers in bars, people throw caution to the wind.
Anytime you lose one line of defense, you need to replace it with another line that is stronger than you had.
You're responsible for your safety. Always think about what you're doing. If you feel unsafe doing it at 3 a.m., don't do it at 3 p.m. Lock your doors and windows, and keep your eyes open for anything that doesn't look normal.
Learn From Eight Shocking Dating App Stories
This book includes eight riveting true-crime stories from some of the most tragic online and dating app-related tragedies.
Each case chills, providing a frightening, fascinating gallery of predators preying on innocent victims looking for love and romance.
While each story is, spine-tingling is also simultaneously heartbreaking. Each story has been carefully researched and written with deep compassion for all the parties involved in the case.
All of the families of the victims of these horrific crimes are left behind with scars, nightmares, and memories that time may never fade.
With every story I wrote in this collection, I wept many tears for the victims and their families. I wish every victim had avoided the pain and suffering they experienced. I only wish those killed were still alive, and I had nothing to write about.
Why I Wrote This BookÂ
I was first introduced to True Crime in 1965 when I was assigned Truman Capote's book, In Cold Blood, for an English class assignment. Although I was horrified by the Clutter family murders, I was mesmerized by Capote's New Journalism writing.
While each case in this book is shocking, it's simultaneously heartbreaking. Each story has been carefully researched and written with deep compassion for all the parties involved in the crime.
Capote's novel was unconventional for its time. New Journalism, as a genre and style of writing, developed during the time in which In Cold Blood was written, and Capote became a pioneer in showing how it can be used effectively to create a unique non-fiction story.
As I became obsessed with true crime, I focused on the victim and their families. I've dedicated my life to studying sociology, psychology, mental health, and writing.
I love people. If I can save one person or their loved ones from becoming a dating app monster victim, I will feel that I made this world a better place.
How This Book May Help YouÂ
My goal in writing this book was to warn you that evil might arrive in sexy, handsome, or pretty dating profiles. In our electronic, social-media-hyped world, the monsters hunt on dating or social media apps, not lonely highways or shopping malls.
A dating app predator entices a victim to drain her bank account, leading to trauma, shame, and humiliation.
The Victim Must Not Be BlamedÂ
People may be afraid to speak up when they've been targeted. Why? Victims are often blamed, shamed, and ridiculed. They're unwilling to share their horrific experiences for fear of being judged.
This cone of fear and silence is dangerous. It allows dating app parasites and scammers to continue to prey on other unsuspecting pawns. No other human has the right to harm anyone else in any manner.
Monsters are everywhere. Look at the rise in worldwide mass shootings of innocent men, women, and children.
We must all protect ourselves and our loved ones as best we can from any type of predatory hunter. We can do that by joining forces to expose predators to the light. Report them to the authorities and tell everyone you know about your experience.
Be bold, brave, and fearless. Speak up and help save some other innocent people. Help them avoid the trauma, shame, pain, and loss you or your family have experienced. It's the only way to embark on a healing journey for all prey and their families.
Was It The Victim's Fault?
No!
Never blame shame, or make fun of any marks. We must treat all survivors of crime or murder with kindness, compassion, and empathy.
The criminals win if we don't provide support and comfort to all who are suffering.
The last chapter includes detailed information about safety procedures. A comprehensive list provides steps to avoid danger. I added these tips to help unsuspecting dating app users. They are essential tips for avoiding the potential for trauma.
Sadistic psychopathic rapists and murderers are roaming the dating app world today. They're hunting for easy targets.
I will be grateful if anyone avoids danger after reading this book. I hope this book has given back in a small way toward helping make the world safer.
The Eight True Crime Dating Apps StoriesÂ
Every victim has suffered through horrific experiences. They were all traumatized in different ways. Some lost their lives to murder after terrifying experiences.
Dylan Lenz âThe 17-year-old used Snapchat to connect with a young woman his age.
The young couple, who seemed to hit it off, drove to Walmart. At some point, Dylan reportedly decided to murder his date.
After allegedly attempting to stab her, the victim fled. Witnesses reported Dylan chased her through the parking lot. Then he ran over her twice. He fled, leaving her broken body behind.
The victim survived but may have to deal with partial or total paralysis for life. Dylan was arrested and indicted. He is awaiting a court trial.
Tony BushbyâFrom an early age Tony Bushby grew up with the stain of his father's abandonment emblazoned on his soul. He became withdrawn, quiet, and awkward. Tony bumped into a studious beauty on a college campus. He struggled to date her. Instead, he wanted to manipulate and control her. Tony Bushby wasn't special but wanted his love to think he was.
He constructed a fake Facebook account with a fictitious life and friends. His victim fell in love with him. Then he decided to viciously murder her. He left her mutilated corpse for two innocent toddlers to discover.
Benjamin Obadiah FosterâA dating app master manipulater, Benjamin Obadiah Foster knew how to use charm. He parlayed his physical prowess as a trainer into women's lives.
Then he terrorized, raped, and beat them almost to death. Benjamin Obadiah Foster fled to a new geographic location when the situation became too risky for his safety.
Somehow this dating app monster managed to avoid any significant prison time. He took his life when he was finally surrounded by law enforcement in a prolonged siege. But not before using Tinder to get unsuspecting hookups to help him evade the police.
Mark LatunskiâIn the past, unsuspecting women fell into the charming death trap of Ted Bundy. The serial killer knew how to flaunt his handsome smile.
Mark Latunski's Grindr date found him older, sexy, good-looking, and irresistible. Even though the excited young man told a friend that he was going off to meet a Grindr date, it didn't protect him.
The young man, a hairdresser and college student, vanished on Christmas Eve. Police discovered Mark Latunski had killed and eaten the man's roasted testicles. The unsuspecting young man had met the Grindr killer vampire.
Sheila LaBarreâMatch dating software was released on April 21, 1995. Tinder became available in September 2012. Sheila LaBarre was way ahead of the dating app world. She used traditional romance ads to stalk and capture her victims. Sheila's long-time common-law husband died a mysterious death.
Then she managed to torture and murder two young men she met through dating connections. Police believe she may have killed more men, making her a serial killer. Although incarcerated in prison, has she gotten her hands on dating apps to lure other victims?
Melissa Ann RussellâNot all victims of dating app fraud, assault, or murder are young people. Black Widow Melissa Ann Russell targeted men on dating apps. In a shockingly short period, she charmed her victims, convinced them they were in love, and then married them.
As she entered her 80s, Melissa Ann Russell was still looking for new men she could attract, marry, and kill. After she killed at least two different men, she was sent to prison. When she was released, she returned to dating apps looking for more men.
Audrey Trail and Bailey BoswellâAudrey Trail and Bailey Boswell shared a tragic childhood history. They were an odd couple with a significant age difference. Trail's abusive home life ended with an early stay in prison. Bowell had an earlier marriage to a drug-addicted, violent husband, resulting in losing custody of her child.
Bailey's fictitious Tinder name lured lovely young women on a fun-filled first date. The devious couple tricked her into visiting their basement apartment for a second date. After choking her to death, the couple chopped up her body, stuffing it into many trash bags.
Avoola Ajavi (AJ)âA cunning chameleon, he did his hunting for victims on a famous Sugar Baby dating app. His victim had everything to live for. Somehow Avoola convinced the beautiful young woman to meet him in the dark of night in a park. She was never seen alive again.
Her loved ones choked up when pieces of charred human remains surfaced in her killer's backyard. They had no idea their loved one would be on a Sugar Baby app. Nor could they understand why she met a stranger in a park without telling a soul.
The TakeawayÂ
If I save one person who reads this book from becoming a victim of a sadistic psychopath, I will be grateful.
There are untold numbers of monsters roaming the dating app world. They are hunting for victims. If one person avoids assault, rape, or death, I will feel that this book has served my intent for writing it.
The last chapter includes detailed information on safety INTRODUCTION xix procedures. These tips may help unsuspecting dating app users avoid personal trauma.
My deepest condolences to all the victims and their families for their pain and suffering.
Thank you for spending your precious time taking this journey with me.
Not all dating app predators will stop at money or a place to crash. Some may want to steal your identity. Others may cut out your body organs to sell on the black market. Theyâre psychopaths who wish to use, assault, and rape you. Or even enjoy stealing your life.
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Online dating, whether through the web or through an app, has been around for a while now and is here to stay. The title isnât reduced to the common sites we think of such as Tinder and Harmony. It includes social media sites too such as Facebook and Snapchat.
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There are over 1,400 dating apps and websites as of June 2023.
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We probably all know someone that has an online dating profile. Weâve probably heard someone cite using these apps because they are unable to find a nice guy/lass in their area. They reason that they are too busy to go out to find someone, or that they donât know where to look. Some simply just want to take their time getting to know someone from a distance before meeting their connection in person. Heck, we might even know the odd couple here and there that will owe their meeting to a chance swiping left on an app, and that it was the best decision of their lives. Karen Marie Sheltonâs How to Avoid Murder While Using Dating Apps is not interested in the success stories. She doesnât write about the sickeningly sweet couple that are made for each other. Instead, Shelton shares 8 cautionary tales where dating apps have created perpetrators and victims of the users. Following these experiences paints a damning picture of meeting your match. Now, no one is saying steer clear of the apps. Shelton hopes that once you read what she has to convey and take note of the associated advice, dating app users will be at a decreased risk of danger because they are more aware of the sirens that beckon them to run for the hills and donât look back.
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Beginning with a repetitive introduction, I found myself stuck in a loop of reading backward, reading forwards, and backward, and forwards. Were my eyes deceiving me? No, Shelton uses this technique to tweak each repetition ever so slightly, but it has the effect of hitting home and sitting at the forefront of your mind as you read on. Shelton is on a mission with a story, or 8 to tell, and she is going to make sure you pay attention. Younger, or older, you never know, it could save your life!
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Starting with the Lenz case that was heard in January 2023, Shelton demonstrates just how recently these predators have been preying on their victims. And how young! The story of the 17-year-old predator is not written in a way to shock you, in fact, all the stories are written objectively with no overt judgment, simply displaying the facts as they were discovered. The short book makes for fascinating reading. The presentation is simple and devoid of embellishments such as personal opinions (for the most part). With the facts presented in a logical fashion, it will be hard to fathom some of the sentences that were awarded to the perpetrators of violence.
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Fans of Netflixâs The Tinder Swindler will appreciate this book. With hindsight, itâs easy to look back and wonder how people got themselves into these situations, but with the case of Bushby and Katie, and LaBarre and her many husbands we saw relationships that had been carefully constructed over time. Other fans will include those with an inclination toward true crime. The real readers of this book, however, should be anyone thatâs looking to date someone not well known to them, their family, or their wider community. To be fair, whilst the apps provided a vehicle for secrecy, even traditional dating has its pitfalls. The aforementioned LaBarre case started prior to the availability of the Internet and still reaped dire consequences for the victims. Overall, this is an easy read in the sense that it doesnât use complex language and writing devices. It keeps to its purpose of providing warnings and advice for the dating community whether they be 17 or 70.
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So again, let me make it clear, no one is saying that dating apps are awful. They can be a great resource for finding a meaningful connection. Just ensure you are putting safety measures in place. I leave you with a key fact to dwell onâŚ
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An analysis of data from 2017 to 2020 had 1,968 acquaintance sexual assaults, with 14 percent occurring from a dating app first found in-person meeting. One-third of the victims were strangled and had more injuries than other sexual assault victims.