The Texas Eyeball Killer

By Katherine Ramsland and Gina Malatesta

'Profile'

The more the investigators learned about Albright, the less certain they were that they had the right guy. He did not fit the profile of a serial killer, and he had an alibi. He had a master's degree, knew several languages, was a former science teacher, was charming, was in a seemingly satisfying relationship, and seemed completely at ease with having his home searched and his gun tested. He did not abuse substances. Associates who were questioned about him remained loyal, certain the police had the wrong man. Albright had coached football, helped with Cub Scouts, and was kind to children. He was both articulate and artistic, a cultivated man accomplished in many things from piano to bullfighting, who seemed anything but a murderer. He was generous, friendly, and helpful to people in need. He was also apparently too old. At 57, he defied the stereotype of the angry young lust killer who was generally in his twenties or thirties.

According to what was then known about most serial killers, they tended to be loners and losers, taking only menial work and not maintaining relationships for very long. They were undereducated, narcissistic, and often in search of short-term gratification. While Texas had not seen many serial killers until then, and the Dallas police had dealt with none, they knew from the FBI profile what to expect. Albright just did not fit. He claimed that the officers would not find a woman who would say he'd treated her badly. But on the other hand, with more digging, it turned out that there was more to Albright after all.