Mark Goudeau: 7 Baseline Road Locations Central to the Baseline Killer's Crimes
Mapping the Terror in Phoenix
Mark Goudeau, known as the "Baseline Killer," terrorized Phoenix, Arizona from August 2005 to June 2006. His crime spree included murders, sexual assaults, and robberies, leaving a trail of fear across the city. The moniker "Baseline Killer" stemmed from the proximity of many of his crimes to Baseline Road, a major east-west thoroughfare in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Goudeau's attacks were not confined to a single location, but several key sites along Baseline Road became central to his criminal activities. These locations played a significant role in the investigation and eventual capture of the serial killer. Understanding the geography of Goudeau's crimes provides insight into the scope and impact of his actions on the community.
1) Baseline Rd & S Mill Ave
The intersection of Baseline Road and South Mill Avenue in Tempe, Arizona marks a significant location in the Baseline Killer case. This area became associated with Mark Goudeau's crime spree that terrorized Phoenix and surrounding communities from 2005 to 2006.
The busy intersection sits at the heart of Tempe, near Arizona State University. Its proximity to both residential areas and commercial zones made it a prime target for Goudeau's attacks.
On September 8, 2005, Goudeau committed one of his earliest known assaults in this vicinity. He approached two sisters walking along Baseline Road, forcing them into a nearby alley at gunpoint.
This attack set a pattern for Goudeau's future crimes. He often targeted women in pairs, using the threat of a firearm to control his victims. The Baseline Road location provided easy access and escape routes.
The incident at Baseline and Mill helped investigators establish Goudeau's operating area. It became clear that he favored locations along or near Baseline Road, leading to his "Baseline Killer" moniker.
2) Baseline Rd & S Central Ave
The intersection of Baseline Road and South Central Avenue became a significant location in the Baseline Killer case. Mark Goudeau committed one of his crimes near this busy Phoenix intersection.
On September 8, 2005, Goudeau attacked and sexually assaulted two sisters, aged 12 and 14, in this area. The girls were walking home from a park when Goudeau approached them.
This incident marked a turning point in the investigation. It was one of the earliest crimes attributed to the Baseline Killer, helping establish the pattern of his attacks.
The proximity to Baseline Road reinforced the "Baseline Killer" moniker given by the media. This attack also demonstrated Goudeau's willingness to target minors, escalating concerns in the community.
Law enforcement increased patrols in the area following this assault. The intersection became a focal point for public awareness campaigns about the ongoing threat posed by the Baseline Killer.
3) Baseline Rd & S 40th St
The intersection of Baseline Road and South 40th Street became a significant location in the Baseline Killer case. Mark Goudeau committed one of his attacks near this area in 2005.
On September 20, 2005, Goudeau approached two sisters who were walking home from a park. He forced them into a nearby alley at gunpoint. There, he sexually assaulted both women.
This attack demonstrated Goudeau's pattern of targeting multiple victims at once. It also showed his preference for areas along Baseline Road, which gave him the "Baseline Killer" moniker.
The incident at Baseline Road and South 40th Street helped police link several crimes together. Investigators recognized similarities between this attack and others in the area. This connection aided in building the case against Goudeau.
The proximity to Baseline Road made this location easily accessible for Goudeau. It allowed him to quickly approach victims and escape after committing his crimes.
4) Baseline Rd & S Priest Dr
The intersection of Baseline Road and South Priest Drive in Tempe, Arizona, played a significant role in the Baseline Killer case. This location was one of the areas where Mark Goudeau committed his crimes.
On September 8, 2005, Goudeau abducted a 19-year-old woman near this intersection. He forced her into his car at gunpoint and sexually assaulted her before releasing her.
This attack fit the pattern of Goudeau's other crimes along Baseline Road. He often targeted young women in the area, using the busy street as a hunting ground.
The incident at Baseline Road and South Priest Drive helped investigators connect the dots between various assaults and murders. It contributed to the growing evidence that a serial predator was active in the Phoenix metro area.
Law enforcement increased patrols and surveillance in this vicinity following the attack. The community became more vigilant, with residents taking extra precautions when traveling in the area.
5) Baseline Rd & S 7th St
The intersection of Baseline Road and South 7th Street in Phoenix, Arizona became a significant location in the Baseline Killer case. This area was part of Mark Goudeau's hunting grounds during his crime spree in 2005 and 2006.
Goudeau targeted victims near this intersection, taking advantage of its busy nature and proximity to residential areas. The location provided opportunities for him to approach unsuspecting individuals.
Law enforcement focused their efforts on this area after multiple incidents were reported in the vicinity. Increased police patrols and community awareness programs were implemented to enhance safety around Baseline Road and South 7th Street.
The intersection's connection to the case heightened local residents' fears and altered daily routines. Many people avoided the area after dark or traveled in groups when passing through.
Following Goudeau's arrest, the Baseline Road and South 7th Street intersection gradually returned to normal. However, it remains a reminder of the impact the Baseline Killer had on Phoenix communities.
6) Baseline Rd & S Hardy Dr
The intersection of Baseline Road and South Hardy Drive in Tempe, Arizona, was a significant location in the Baseline Killer case. Mark Goudeau committed one of his crimes near this area on September 20, 2005.
At this location, Goudeau attacked and sexually assaulted two sisters who were walking home from a park. The victims, aged 12 and 15, were threatened at gunpoint and forced into a nearby alley.
This incident marked a shift in Goudeau's pattern of targeting adult women. The assault on minors intensified the community's fear and law enforcement's efforts to apprehend the perpetrator.
The proximity of this attack to other crime scenes along Baseline Road reinforced the killer's connection to the area. It also highlighted the diverse nature of the neighborhoods affected by Goudeau's crime spree.
Law enforcement used this location, along with others, to establish a geographical profile of the Baseline Killer. This information proved crucial in the investigation and eventual capture of Mark Goudeau.
7) Baseline Rd & S Rural Rd
The intersection of Baseline Road and South Rural Road in Tempe, Arizona, marks another significant location in the series of crimes committed by Mark Goudeau, known as the Baseline Killer. This busy crossroads is situated in a densely populated area with numerous businesses and residential complexes nearby.
On September 8, 2005, Goudeau attacked two sisters at this location. The women, aged 21 and 23, were leaving a self-serve car wash when Goudeau approached them. He forced them behind a nearby building at gunpoint.
Goudeau sexually assaulted both women during the attack. This incident demonstrated his pattern of targeting multiple victims simultaneously, a tactic he employed in several of his crimes. The survivors' testimonies later proved crucial in building the case against Goudeau.
Law enforcement agencies increased patrols in the area following this attack. The incident heightened public awareness and fear, as it occurred in a well-trafficked location during evening hours. This crime, along with others, led to significant changes in local safety practices and community vigilance along Baseline Road.
The Baseline Killer: An Overview
Mark Goudeau terrorized Phoenix, Arizona from 2005 to 2006, committing a string of murders, sexual assaults, and robberies. His crimes primarily occurred along Baseline Road, earning him the moniker "Baseline Killer."
Who Was Mark Goudeau?
Mark Goudeau was born on September 6, 1964. He became one of Phoenix's most notorious serial killers, active during the same period as the "Serial Shooters" case.
Goudeau's criminal history began long before his killing spree. He had previous convictions for robbery and assault.
During his reign of terror, Goudeau managed to evade capture for over a year. He lived with his wife and worked as a construction worker, maintaining a seemingly normal life.
Timeline of Crimes
Goudeau's crime spree began in August 2005 and continued until June 2006. He targeted victims of various ages and backgrounds.
His first known murder victims were Romelia Vargas and her cook, killed inside their food truck in February 2006.
Goudeau's attacks often involved sexual assault followed by murder. He used a .38-caliber revolver in many of his crimes.
On September 6, 2006 - his 42nd birthday - Goudeau was arrested at his home. Police found crucial evidence linking him to the crimes during a search of his residence.
7 Baseline Road Locations: Key Sites
Baseline Road in Phoenix, Arizona served as the epicenter for Mark Goudeau's criminal activities. Several locations along this thoroughfare became central to the investigation and prosecution of the Baseline Killer case.
Significance to the Case
The intersection of 32nd Street and Baseline Road marked the site of Goudeau's first known attack in August 2005. He sexually assaulted two sisters here, setting off his crime spree.
The 2400 block of East Baseline Road saw multiple incidents, including a robbery and sexual assault in September 2005. This area became a focal point for increased police patrols.
Baseline Florist at 5037 East Baseline Road was where Goudeau abducted and murdered Tina Washington in December 2005. Her body was found nearby, providing crucial evidence.
Impact on Local Community
Residents along Baseline Road lived in fear during Goudeau's active period. Many businesses installed additional security measures and reduced operating hours.
Local community groups organized neighborhood watch programs and safety awareness events. The Phoenix Police Department increased patrols and set up mobile command centers along Baseline Road.
Schools in the area implemented new safety protocols, including increased security at bus stops. The crimes significantly altered daily life for those living and working near Baseline Road.
Investigation and Trial Outcomes
The Baseline Killer case involved extensive law enforcement efforts and a high-profile trial. Mark Goudeau faced multiple charges and ultimately received the death penalty for his crimes.
Law Enforcement Efforts
Phoenix police launched a major investigation into the Baseline Killer crimes in 2005. They formed a task force dedicated to solving the case. Detectives analyzed DNA evidence, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
The breakthrough came in September 2006. Police arrested Mark Goudeau at his home in Phoenix. DNA evidence linked him to several crime scenes.
Investigators uncovered a pattern of attacks along Baseline Road. They connected Goudeau to nine murders and numerous sexual assaults.
Trial and Sentencing
Goudeau's trial began in June 2011. Prosecutors presented DNA evidence and testimony from survivors. The trial lasted several months.
On October 31, 2011, a jury found Goudeau guilty on 67 counts. These included nine murders, sexual assaults, and kidnappings.
In November 2011, the court sentenced Goudeau to death. He received nine death sentences for the murders. The judge also imposed over 1,100 years in prison for his other crimes.
Goudeau maintains his innocence. His appeals have been unsuccessful. In 2024, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld his convictions and death sentences.
