Louis Craine (January 6, 1957 – November 3, 1989)[1] was an American serial killer who committed at least four rape-murders in South Los Angeles, in the period between 1985 and 1987.

It was later determined that at least five other serial killers operated in the area during the 1980s and 1990s (collectively known as The Southside Slayers), Craine was suspected of several more murders by police.

[7] After finding the body, the police noticed Craine, who, due to the area being cordoned off, was watching their actions, behaving in an inappropriate manner.

[10] Subsequently, Craine was charged with the murder of two more women: 24-year-old Gail Ficklin and 30-year-old Sheila Burton, who were killed on August 15, 1985, and November 18, 1984, respectively.

Testimony from Craine's relatives included that of his mother, who told the court that he had repeatedly expressed aggressive behavior towards prostitutes and was spotted in a bloodied shirt after one of the murders.

The lawyers of the defendant insisted that on the basis of various tests, Craine showed signs of intellectual disability, with a threshold of intelligence coefficient of 69 points, a tendency to exaggeration and high susceptibility to suggestions.