Chilling True Crime: Dating App Predator Turns First Date into Horror Story
Online dating can be both exciting and terrifying, as demonstrated by Kimberly's experience with a man named Chris. After reluctantly creating a dating profile at her friend Stacy's insistence, Kimberly matched with Chris, who presented himself as a 26-year-old attorney. Their digital chemistry was immediate, leading to weeks of engaging conversations that eventually culminated in plans for a first date during the Christmas season.
What began as a magical evening with sparkling holiday decorations and flowing conversation took a sinister turn. After willingly accompanying Chris to a hotel, Kimberly discovered his charming demeanor was merely a calculated act. His feigned intoxication gave way to a cold, methodical predator who had carefully orchestrated their entire encounter. The aftermath revealed Chris was not an attorney but rather a former mental patient with a history of violence who later confessed to murder.
Key Takeaways
Even carefully vetted online dating matches can conceal dangerous deceptions beneath charming exteriors.
What appeared to be a perfect romantic connection quickly transformed into a nightmare scenario with no escape.
The contrast between Chris's fabricated professional identity and his disturbing reality demonstrates the potential dangers of meeting strangers online.
Stacy's Encouragement and the Decision to Date
Overcoming Dating Hesitation
Despite being 23, beautiful, and established in her career as a history teacher, Kimberly had avoided dating for a full year following her breakup. She found modern dating practices unappealing, particularly the impersonal nature of profile-swiping and the transactional feeling of app-based connections. Her resistance wasn't without reason—she had heard numerous concerning stories about contemporary dating experiences that reinforced her reluctance to participate.
Her best friend Stacy, however, had different ideas. As someone who went on multiple dates weekly, Stacy persistently encouraged Kimberly to rejoin the dating world. "You're gorgeous, you're a history teacher, and it's been a whole year since your ex," Stacy would remind her, making it sound straightforward.
Selecting the Right Platform
After several glasses of wine during one evening together, Stacy's enthusiasm finally broke through Kimberly's resistance. "Just make a profile," Stacy urged. "If you hate it, we can delete it. What's the harm?" This low-pressure approach, combined with the wine's relaxing effect, convinced Kimberly to give dating apps a chance.
Stacy specifically recommended Hinge, citing its marketing slogan that it was "designed to be deleted"—a reference to finding a successful relationship that would make the app unnecessary. The irony wasn't lost on Kimberly that Stacy, despite her extensive dating experience, hadn't deleted any of her apps.
Though Kimberly questioned whether Stacy's approach to dating was actually working (or if she simply enjoyed exploring new venues at someone else's expense), she recognized that her friend was having fun. Stacy's dating adventures had also benefited their friend group by introducing them to excellent restaurants and venues around town.
Setting Up and Exploring Matches
Together, they crafted Kimberly's profile with care:
Taking fresh, flattering photographs
Writing a thoughtful biography
Discussing the best ways to present her personality
Later that night, unable to sleep, Kimberly began exploring the app independently. The interface felt intuitive, and browsing through potential matches proved more comfortable than anticipated. As she scrolled through profiles, her initial skepticism gave way to optimism and excitement.
After about an hour of browsing, Kimberly discovered Chris's profile:
Profile Details Description Age 26 Profession Attorney with his own firm Appearance Tall with confident smile and sharp features
Something about his profile captured her attention, prompting her to "like" his profile without overthinking. To her surprise, they matched instantly—he had already seen and liked her profile. Kimberly immediately texted Stacy with the update, who encouraged her to message him first.
Before she could do so, Chris initiated contact. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and they soon moved from the app to texting and phone calls. Over the next two weeks, they communicated daily, with Chris demonstrating wit, charm, and attentiveness that increasingly captivated Kimberly. Despite her initial reluctance, she began to think Stacy might have been right about online dating after all.
When Chris suggested meeting in person, Kimberly readily agreed, setting their first date for two days before Christmas—a timing that appealed to her romantic sensibilities.
Kimberly's Experience Meeting Chris
Finding a Match on Hinge
Kimberly, a 23-year-old history teacher, initially resisted downloading dating apps despite her friend Stacy's persistent encouragement. After a year of being single following a breakup, she finally gave in during a wine-filled evening with Stacy. Together they crafted her profile on Hinge, taking fresh photos and writing a thoughtful bio.
Later that night while browsing through profiles, Kimberly found herself enjoying the experience more than expected. After about an hour of scrolling, she discovered Chris's profile. At 26, he presented himself as an attorney with his own firm, featuring a confident smile and sharp features that instantly caught her attention.
When Kimberly liked his profile, they matched immediately. She was surprised to learn he had already seen and liked her profile. Though Stacy suggested she message first, Chris beat her to it, reaching out right away.
Virtual Conversations and Connection
Their initial conversations moved quickly from the app to texting and phone calls. For two weeks, they maintained nearly daily communication that felt effortless and engaging. Chris came across as quick-witted, charming, and attentive throughout their virtual interactions.
As their connection deepened, Kimberly began to think Stacy might have been right about online dating. When Chris suggested meeting in person, she readily agreed. Stacy, protective as always, discovered his LinkedIn profile and forwarded it to Kimberly, though Kimberly preferred getting to know him organically.
Their first date was scheduled for just before Christmas, adding a romantic ambiance to the occasion. Chris planned everything himself, selecting a cozy bar with dim lighting and live holiday jazz. The chemistry between them seemed strong, with Chris displaying even more charisma in person than in their virtual conversations.
The hours passed quickly as they shared drinks and conversation. When the bar closed, neither wanted the evening to end. They decided to share a taxi to a nearby hotel, a spontaneous decision that felt natural at the moment. Little did Kimberly know that the charming persona Chris had maintained was about to reveal something far more sinister.
Getting Ready for Your Date
Establishing Personal Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries with friends before a first date is essential, even when they mean well. Kimberly found herself in this situation with her friend Stacy, who had been instrumental in convincing her to try online dating. After matching with Chris and planning their first meeting, Stacy's protective instincts kicked in. She conducted some background research and found what appeared to be Chris's LinkedIn profile.
While Stacy's intentions were good, Kimberly decided to establish a boundary. She wanted to experience getting to know Chris naturally, without preconceived notions from her friend's investigation. This decision to limit Stacy's involvement was important to Kimberly, though she did briefly look at the information Stacy had found.
During the date itself, Kimberly maintained communication with Stacy, texting her updates about how well things were going. This balanced approach allowed Kimberly independence while keeping her safety network informed.
Creating Holiday Dating Expectations
The Christmas season adds a special quality to first dates that can heighten romantic feelings. Kimberly was particularly excited about meeting Chris two days before Christmas, believing the holiday atmosphere would enhance their connection.
The seasonal charm includes:
Ambient features: Streets decorated with soft lights and festive ornaments
Enhanced experiences: Even simple dates feel more magical during the holidays
Emotional warmth: Despite cold winter temperatures, shared moments feel warmer
Chris chose a venue that complemented this holiday atmosphere—a cozy bar with dim lighting and a live band playing soft holiday jazz. This setting created the perfect backdrop for what Kimberly hoped would be a romantic evening.
The holiday timing influenced Kimberly's expectations and probably contributed to her comfort level as their date extended beyond the initial meeting. What began as drinks at a bar evolved into wandering through festively decorated streets, with the city's holiday glow surrounding them as they decided to continue their evening at a nearby hotel.
The Night Out and What Followed
The Welcoming Venue with Live Music
The chosen setting for the evening created an ideal atmosphere for a first date. The bar featured warm, dim lighting that created an intimate environment perfect for conversation. A live band performed soft holiday jazz in the background, adding to the romantic ambiance without overpowering their conversation.
After about an hour of enjoyable conversation, Kimberly took a moment to visit the restroom and sent a quick text to her friend Stacy. She shared positive updates about how well the date was progressing. Chris displayed even more charisma in person than he had shown in their previous conversations, with a warm laugh and intense gaze that kept her engaged.
An Unexpected Change
The hours passed quickly as they talked over drinks, creating their own private world amid the bar's atmosphere. When closing time arrived, neither wanted the evening to end. They decided to continue their night and shared a taxi to a nearby hotel, a spontaneous decision that seemed to flow naturally from their connection.
In the hotel hallway, Chris appeared noticeably intoxicated. He staggered several times, requiring Kimberly's assistance to prevent him from falling. Once inside the room, Chris called the front desk to request late checkout and placed the "do not disturb" sign on the door.
What happened next was jarring. Chris's demeanor changed dramatically - he suddenly seemed completely sober. When Kimberly pointed this out, his smile transformed into something unsettling. His voice dropped to a colder tone, and his previously charming gaze took on a disturbing quality.
Morning Aftermath and Concern
The following day, hotel staff discovered the room in complete disarray. The bedding and towels were missing, and the window lock had been broken. Both Chris and Kimberly were nowhere to be found.
Stacy grew increasingly worried after hours of unanswered texts to Kimberly. When her friend failed to appear at a planned gathering the next day, her concern escalated to panic. She contacted police to file a missing person report, providing all the information she had about Chris and their date.
Meanwhile, Chris made two revealing phone calls:
First to his mother, calmly confessing to Kimberly's murder and apologizing for ruining Christmas
Then to a friend, sharing details of what he had done
The Truth About Chris:
Not actually an attorney as claimed
Created a fake LinkedIn profile
Former mental patient with a history of violent behavior
Had previously been identified by psychiatric professionals as dangerous
Once told a nurse that his deepest desire was to commit murder
What Was Revealed About Chris
The Truth Behind His Identity
Chris was not the successful attorney he claimed to be with his own firm. His LinkedIn profile, which Stacy had discovered while doing background research, was completely fabricated. In reality, Chris had a much darker history. He was a former mental patient with a documented history of violent behavior. Medical professionals had previously identified him as dangerous to others, with one psychiatrist specifically noting his violent tendencies. His disturbing fantasy of committing murder had been disclosed to a psychiatric nurse during his treatment.
The Aftermath and His Admissions
After the hotel incident, Chris made two significant phone calls. First, he contacted his mother with a disturbingly calm demeanor, confessing to killing Kimberly and apologizing for ruining her Christmas. He then called a friend and repeated his confession. Both individuals encouraged him to surrender to the authorities. Meanwhile, Stacy, concerned about Kimberly's absence and lack of communication, contacted the police to file a missing person report. She provided them with all the information she had gathered about Chris and details about their date.
The hotel room where they had stayed was found in complete disarray:
All bedding and towels were missing
The window lock was broken
Chris had disappeared from the scene
These actions demonstrated how methodically he had planned the evening, from feigning intoxication to ensuring Kimberly couldn't call for help by hiding phones.
