Profile of Suspect Emerging in Florida Killings

The serial killer who stabbed and bludgeoned five college students is possibly a security guard or hospital orderly and has knowledge of weapons and crime scenes, a psychological profile reportedly shows.

Police said they have been flooded with calls and letters from people claiming to have information about the killer who has terrified the University of Florida community.

“We don’t know who he is . . . he may appear as normal as you or I except he murders people,” Police Lt. Sadie Darnell said. “We’re nowhere near saying we’ve got a suspect, but we’re very encouraged with the cooperation we’re getting.”

The Miami Herald, quoting sources, reported Thursday that the profile being prepared for investigators shows the killer probably is in his late 20s or early 30s.

The newspaper report did not indicate what the profile was based on but said the killer probably is not a police officer or a doctor but works more along the lines of a security guard or a hospital orderly.

The report said authorities believe that the five slayings are the work of one person who is knowledgeable about weapons and crime scenes and who frequents places where students congregate, such as bars or clubs.

Police encouraged Gainesville residents to report anything--even a “gut reaction”--that might help them track the killer.

Terror has gripped the college community since authorities found the bodies of the five students earlier this week, all in apartments within two miles of campus.

Mourners jammed the First Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, Fla., on Thursday for the funeral of one of the victims, Sonya Larson, 18, of Deerfield Beach. Larson and her roommate, Christina P. Powell, 17, of Jacksonville, were found stabbed to death in their apartment Sunday.

Funerals were scheduled around the state today for Powell and the other victims--Christa L. Hoyt, 18, of Gainesville; Tracey Inez Paules, 23, of Palm Springs North; and Manuel R. Taboada, 23, of Carol City.