Valentine’s Day dangers: Dating app killers lure love seekers in unsuspecting ways

Dating apps have revolutionized the way people connect, offering a convenient platform for singles to meet potential partners from the comfort of their own homes. However, this modern tool for romance has also become a breeding ground for danger, as criminals exploit trusting users for their nefarious purposes. The FBI has issued warnings about the growing threat of romance scams and other violent crimes linked to dating apps, urging users to remain vigilant and take protective measures. As these six chilling cases illustrate, the pursuit of love can sometimes lead down a dark and deadly path. These stories highlight the blurred lines between love and terror, where unsuspecting individuals have fallen victim to manipulation, violence, and even murder.

One of the most shocking cases involves Grace Millane, a British backpacker who was brutally murdered by Jesse Shane Kempson after the two matched on Tinder in 2018. Millane, who was just one day shy of her 22nd birthday, was strangled by Kempson during a consensual sexual encounter in a hotel room. Kempson then took disturbing photos of her body and stuffed her remains into a suitcase, which he later abandoned in the Waitakere Ranges near Auckland. Millane’s body was discovered by authorities, and an autopsy revealed injuries consistent with restraint. Kempson was sentenced to life in prison for the heinous crime, leaving Millane’s family and friends to grapple with the senseless loss of a vibrant young woman.

Another disturbing case involves 74-year-old Curtis Engeland, who was targeted in an elaborate catfish scheme on the LGBTQ+ dating app Scruff. Engeland, who lived in Mercer Island, Washington, was reported missing in February 2024, and his body was found weeks later with blunt force trauma to the face and a stab wound in the neck. Investigators uncovered that Engeland had been the victim of online criminals who had met him on a dating website. Before his death, Engeland was allegedly robbed, kidnapped, and poisoned with fentanyl. Two suspects, Philip J. Brewer and Christina Hardy, are now facing charges of murder, kidnapping, and identity theft in connection with his tragic death. This case serves as a grim reminder of how criminals can exploit trust and vulnerability on dating platforms.

Transgender individuals have also been disproportionately affected by dating app violence. Alex Ray Scott, a self-described “baby-faced” killer, used a dating app to meet antiques dealer Kenneth Savinski in 2020. Scott, who was in the process of transitioning from male to female, stabbed Savinski to death in his Upper East Side apartment using a decorative plate and kitchen knife. Scott later confessed to the 2019 murder and dismemberment of Robin Skocdopole in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, leading investigators to the location of Skocdopole’s severed head. Scott was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for Savinski’s murder and 45 years for Skocdopole’s death. This case highlights the dangers of meeting strangers online without proper precautions.

The dangers of dating apps are not limited to adults. In Pennsylvania, 14-year-old transgender teen Pauly Likens was lured into the woods and dismembered by 29-year-old Deshawn Watkins after meeting on Grindr, an LGBTQ+ dating app. Likens was at a friend’s house when she decided to meet Watkins, and her body was later found with sharp force trauma to the head. Watkins was charged with her murder, and police linked him to the crime through video surveillance and cellphone records. This heartbreaking case underscores the vulnerability of minors on dating platforms and the need for greater awareness and vigilance among parents and guardians.

Finally, the story of Anthony Robinson, known as the “shopping cart killer,” reveals how some criminals use dating apps to target multiple victims. Robinson was convicted of murdering two women, Beth Redmon and Tonia Smith, in 2021 after meeting them on social media dating apps. He killed Redmon in his motel room and disposed of her body in a wooded area using a shopping cart. Robinson repeated the same method with Smith just a month later. Prosecutors also linked him to two additional deaths in Fairfax County and one in Washington, D.C., though he has yet to face trial for those crimes. Robinson now faces life in prison for his brutal actions, which were captured on surveillance footage showing him wheeling Redmon’s body out of the motel.

These cases are harrowing reminders of the dangers lurking on dating apps. While apps like Tinder, Grindr, and Scruff offer opportunities for connection, they also provide a platform for criminals to exploit trust and preying on vulnerable individuals. The FBI warns that romance scammers are highly skilled at deception, making it difficult for victims to discern genuine intentions from malicious ones. To protect themselves, users should verify profile photos for authenticity, be cautious of requests to chat outside the app, and avoid meeting someone who refuses to meet in person. By taking these precautions, users can reduce their risk of falling victim to romance scams or worse. These stories of love turned lethal serve as a sobering cautionary tale, urging dating app users to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety above all else.