Killing at Random

The Crimes of Mark Rowntree

De: Mark Stokes

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

In the summer of 1976, London was shaken by a crime so sudden and senseless it defied comprehension. Killing at Random tells the chilling true story of Mark Rowntree, a young man who set out with no personal grievance, no connection to his victims, and no clear motive beyond violence itself. Armed with a knife and driven by a warped sense of purpose, Rowntree roamed the capital’s streets, selecting strangers at random and turning everyday journeys into moments of terror.

This book reconstructs the brief but devastating spree that left three men dead and others seriously injured. You’ll follow the rapid escalation of attacks, the confusion faced by police as they hunted an unknown assailant, and the intense manhunt that finally brought Rowntree into custody. Drawing on a range of sources, the narrative tracks how a seemingly unremarkable young man became one of Britain’s most disturbing examples of motiveless killing — and how the randomness of his crimes amplified public fear.

But Killing at Random is more than a chronology of violence. It explores the psychology of a killer who struck without warning or reason, and the ripple effects felt by victims’ families, survivors and a city forced to confront the idea that anyone could be next. For readers drawn to true-crime that is tense, unsettling and grounded in real human cost, this book offers a stark portrait of violence without logic — and the enduring scars left behind when murder has no meaning at all.

Please note: This series includes realistic and sometimes disturbing accounts of violent crimes, including cases involving children and animals. It is intended for mature readers.