Andrew Cunanan | |
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![]() Andrew Cunanan in April 1997
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FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive | |
Charges | Serial murder |
Alias | David Morales |
Description | |
Born |
Andrew Phillip Cunanan August 31, 1969 National City, California, U.S |
Died | July 23, 1997 Miami Beach, Florida, U.S |
(aged 27)
Cause of death | Suicide by firearm |
Nationality | American |
Status | |
Added | June 12, 1997 |
Number | 449 |
Deceased prior to capture | |
Andrew Phillip Cunanan (August 31, 1969 – July 23, 1997) was an American serial killer who murdered at least five people, including fashion designer Gianni Versace and Chicago tycoon Lee Miglin, during a three-month period in mid-1997. On June 12, 1997, Cunanan became the 449th fugitive to be listed by the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The killing spree ended with Cunanan's suicide by firearm. He was 27 years old.
In his final years, Cunanan had lived as a hustler, who befriended wealthy older men and spent their money (or used their credit cards) to impress acquaintances in the local gay community, such as talking about socialite events at clubs or often paying the bill at restaurants. One millionaire friend had dumped Cunanan in 1996, the prior year.
Cunanan was born in National City, California, to Modesto Cunanan, a Filipino American, and Mary Anne Schillaci, an Italian American, the youngest of four children. Modesto Cunanan was serving in the US Navy in the Vietnam War at the time of his son's birth.
In 1981, Cunanan's father enrolled him in the Independent day school, The Bishop's School in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego. At school, Cunanan was remembered as being bright and very talkative, testing with an I.Q. of 147. As a teenager, however, he developed a reputation as a prolific liar given to telling fantastic tales about his family and personal life. He was also adept at changing his appearance according to what he felt was most attractive at a given moment.
When he was 19, his father deserted his family to avoid arrest for embezzlement. That same year, his mother learned that Cunanan was gay. During an ensuing argument, he threw her against a wall, dislocating her shoulder. Later examination of his behavior from reports indicate that he may have suffered from antisocial personality disorder, a personality disorder characterized by an abnormal lack of empathy (earlier known as psychopathy).