From a jail cell, she told a reporter she'd killed more than 22 people. It became a global headline. It was never confirmed to be true.
A Difficult Childhood
Miranda Kamille Barbour, born Miranda Dean in North Pole, Alaska, in December 1994, has said she was sexually abused as a young child by a relative, alongside her sister. Her mother, who had experienced abuse in her own childhood, reported it to police once she learned what was happening; the relative was convicted and served prison time, though he was later caught with child sexual abuse material after his release. By her early teens, Miranda had begun using drugs and briefly joined a cult-like group led by a man she described as controlling her identity, and her behavior grew increasingly troubled following her parents'' divorce.
The Murder of Troy LaFerrara
In November 2013, Miranda and her husband of three weeks, Elytte Barbour, lured 42-year-old Troy LaFerrara to his death in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, after arranging to meet him through a Craigslist ad. Elytte strangled LaFerrara while Miranda stabbed him repeatedly. His body was found dumped in an alley.
A Claim That Made Headlines
Following her arrest, Miranda, then 19, told a local newspaper reporter in a jailhouse interview that LaFerrara was not her first victim, claiming she had killed more than 22 people -- by some accounts as many as 45 -- across multiple states since age 13, as part of what she described as a satanic group. The claim made her an international headline and prompted the FBI to say it was in contact with local police.
An Unsubstantiated Claim
Despite the intense media attention, no law enforcement agency in any state Miranda named -- including Alaska, Texas, North Carolina, and California -- ever found evidence supporting her claims. Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini stated publicly that none of the information had been verified. Miranda''s own father said he didn''t believe she had killed 22 people, though he thought it possible she had killed once while living with him in Alaska. Her husband, Elytte, later said in an interview that she had only been "about 50/50" forthcoming with him about specific details.
Conviction
Miranda ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with LaFerrara''s death. Elytte Barbour was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2015.
FAQ
Did Miranda Barbour actually kill 22 or more people?
This has never been substantiated by any law enforcement agency, despite her public claims. She was convicted only in connection with the murder of Troy LaFerrara.
What happened to her husband, Elytte Barbour?
He was convicted of LaFerrara''s murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2015.
What did Miranda Barbour plead guilty to?
Second-degree murder in the death of Troy LaFerrara.