Connie Crispell was born in Virginia but was a big fan of the New York City nightlife back in the 1970s. She lived in Midtown Manhattan and often hung out at the legendary Studio 54.
Unfortunately, her life was cut short at the age of 32. In order to afford her chosen lifestyle, Connie had become an escort. This was around the time when AIDS was destroying lives. These days, it's easier to live a full life while infected. But back then, not as much was known about AIDS except for the fact that it was rapidly spreading and communicable through sex.
In 1984, Connie got sick and thought she might have contracted AIDS. She was also battling issues with her mental health. But she kept up her lifestyle and got ready to host a party at her home to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. One of the people she invited was an ex-convict named Charles Ransom.
Connie and Charles became intimate, and shortly after, Connie told him that she feared she had AIDS. In response to the news, Charles brutally killed her. He strangled and suffocated her — and then stuffed her in a clothing trunk that he left on the balcony of her apartment.
Then Charles kept using her apartment for himself. For a week, nobody knew that Connie's body was outside.
The story is horrifying, but thankfully, Charles was caught for his crime. It's a big reminder of the stigma that HIV and AIDS had back then — and also a prime example of the way that those who were infected were often treated by others.
Watch the video to learn more about Connie's tragic — and often forgotten — story.
