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Fred West

Fred West was an English serial killer and child molester who, with his second wife Rose West, committed at least 12 murders in Gloucestershire, England, between 1967 and 1987.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Frederick Walter Stephen West (29 September 1941 – 1 January 1995) was an English serial killer and child molester. With his second wife, Rose West, he committed at least 12 murders in Gloucestershire, England, between 1967 and 1987. He died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial on multiple murder charges.

Early life

Fred West was born Frederick Walter Stephen West in Herefordshire in 1941 and later moved to Gloucester. Sources describe him as a builder before his criminal history became public.

Criminal activity

Fred West and his second wife, Rose West, targeted vulnerable women and girls over about two decades. They committed at least 12 murders, many jointly, with the couple’s crimes centred largely in Gloucester, including their home at 25 Cromwell Street. The case became one of the most notorious in modern British criminal history.

Investigation and charges

In 1994, police charged Fred West with multiple murders after uncovering evidence of multiple victims in Gloucester. He was held on remand awaiting trial when he died in custody on 1 January 1995.

Death and aftermath

West died by suicide in prison before trial, leaving Rose West to face prosecution alone. Rose West was later convicted of multiple murders.

Key facts

  • Fred West was born in Herefordshire in 1941 and later lived in Gloucestershire.
  • He and his wife Rose West targeted vulnerable women and girls over two decades.
  • They committed at least 12 murders, many jointly.
  • West was charged with multiple murders in 1994 but died by suicide in prison on 1 January 1995.
  • The crimes were centred in Gloucester, including 25 Cromwell Street.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Fred West?
Fred West was an English serial killer convicted by charge, not trial, in connection with multiple murders committed in Gloucestershire between 1967 and 1987.
How many victims were linked to Fred West?
At least 12 murders are known to be linked to Fred West, though some investigators believe there may have been additional victims.
Who was Rose West?
Rose West was Fred West’s second wife and criminal partner. She was later convicted of multiple murders after Fred’s death.
How did Fred West die?
He died by suicide in his prison cell at HM Prison Birmingham on 1 January 1995 while awaiting trial.
Where did the crimes happen?
Most of the crimes were associated with Gloucester, England, including the couple’s home at 25 Cromwell Street.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_West
    Supports: Full name, dates, crime overview, number of known murders, death in custody, association with Rose West
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-57146895
    Supports: Biographical background, marriage to Rose West, 12 known victims, death before trial
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/04/europe/fred-rosemary-west-murders-gbr-cmd-intl
    Supports: Summary of case, number of charges, prison suicide, Rose West conviction context
  4. Biography — https://www.biography.com/crime/fred-west
    Supports: Basic biographical details, murder count, relationship with Rose West, death before trial