William Heirens “The Lipstick Killer” Signed Letter

This is an extremely rare, signed letter and envelope set from serial killer William Heirens, also referred to as “The Lipstick Killer.” 

COA included

William Heirens (also known as William George Heirens) was an American convicted murderer infamously linked to the “Lipstick Killer” case in Chicago during the 1940s. Born in 1928, Heirens became one of the most controversial figures in true crime history after being arrested at just 17 years old and accused of a string of brutal murders that terrified the city.

Heirens ultimately confessed to the murders of Suzanne Degnan, Frances Brown, and Josephine Ross, though he later claimed the confession was coerced after intense police interrogation and physical abuse. The case became legendary due to the chilling message allegedly written in lipstick at one crime scene: “For heavens sake catch me before I kill more I cannot control myself.” That phrase cemented the “Lipstick Killer” name in true crime lore.

Rather than face the death penalty, Heirens accepted a plea deal in 1946 and was sentenced to three consecutive life terms. He spent the rest of his life in prison, repeatedly maintaining his innocence and becoming a lasting source of debate among crime historians, legal scholars, and true crime collectors who question whether the case was fully and fairly solved.