Syvasky Lafayette Poyner (April 7, 1956 – March 18, 1993) was an American rapist and spree killer who killed four women and a teenage girl during a series of armed robberies in Hampton, Virginia in 1984.

[1] Poyner was born on April 7, 1956, in Newport News, Virginia, living on the East End with his mother, who died in 1980.

According to court records, the doctor concluded that Poyner, then 17, suffered from "difficulty in social relations, feelings of insecurity and dissatisfaction with his own abilities.

"[2] The following year, he was referred to a psychiatrist for "depression ... bizarre behavior ... suspiciousness and inability to function in the home environment.

[2] On January 23, 1984, Poyner killed Joyce Baldwin, a 45-year-old proprietor of a beauty salon in Hampton, Virginia.

A week later, in Williamsburg, Poyner killed Clara Louise Paulett, a motel manager, as well as her maid, 43-year-old Chestine Brooks, during a hold-up.

On January 31, in Newport News, Poyner robbed and killed 17-year-old Vicki Ripple, an ice cream parlor clerk.

Two days later, Poyner raped, robbed, and murdered Carolyn Hedrick, a candy bar saleswoman.