5 chilling details about Scott Lee Kimball's crimes

Very Scary People on Investiagtion Discovery (Image via ID)
Very Scary People on Investiagtion Discovery (Image via ID)

In the episode of Very Scary People, titled The Real Hannibal, the life of Scott Lee Kimball was explored. He was a convicted serial killer who operated between 2003 and 2004. Kimball, initially a fraudster, became an FBI informant before committing multiple murders. The episode was released on January 26, 2025, on Investigation Discovery.

He pleaded guilty in 2009 to the murders of Kaysi McLeod, Jennifer Marcum, LeAnn Emry, and his uncle, Terry Kimball. While the bodies of McLeod, Emry, and Terry Kimball were recovered in remote areas of Colorado and Utah, Marcum remained missing and was presumed dead.

The episode explored how Kimball used his position as an informant to conceal his crimes, providing insight into his methods and the subsequent investigation that led to his arrest.


5 Details related to Scott Lee Kimball's crimes

Scott Lee Kimball, born on September 21, 1966, is a convicted serial killer, con man, and fraudster from Boulder County, Colorado. Between 2003 and 2004, he murdered at least four individuals, including his uncle and the daughter of his third wife. Investigators suspect him in as many as 21 other unsolved killings.


1) Scott Lee's exploitation of FBI informant status

Scott Lee Kimball was an FBI informant in 2003 (Image via Unsplash /@David Trinks)
Scott Lee Kimball was an FBI informant in 2003 (Image via Unsplash /@David Trinks)

As reported by CBS News, Kimball was recruited as an FBI informant in 2003, a position he exploited to facilitate his criminal activities. He provided the bureau with largely false information, which not only misled investigations but also allowed him to operate under the guise of legitimacy. This relationship with the FBI inadvertently shielded him from scrutiny, enabling his continued offenses.


2) Forgery and financial deception of Scott

As reported by CBS News, a skilled forger, Kimball, used fraudulent documents and bad checks to fund his lifestyle. He manipulated financial systems to create the illusion that his victims were alive post-mortem, using their bank accounts and credit cards to further his schemes. This deception complicated investigations and delayed the discovery of his crimes.


3) Scott Lee Kimball's family betrayal

As reported by CBS News, among Kimball's known victims were individuals within his own family. He murdered his uncle, Terry Kimball, and Kaysi McLeod, the daughter of his third wife. These betrayals underscore the depth of his manipulation and the extent to which he exploited personal relationships for his gain.


4) Scott used multiple identities to deceive people

Kimball assumed various aliases to deceive those around him, as reported by CBS News. His ability to fabricate identities and stories allowed him to gain trust and access, further facilitating his criminal activities. This behavior made it challenging for authorities to track his movements and connect him to his crimes.


5) Legal penalties and imprisonment

Scott Lee Kimball is sentenced to 70 years in prison at the United States Penitentiary Florence High (Image via Unsplash @Emiliano Bar )
Scott Lee Kimball is sentenced to 70 years in prison at the United States Penitentiary Florence High (Image via Unsplash @Emiliano Bar )

As reported by CBS News, in 2009, Scott Lee Kimball pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and received 70 years in prison. He is being held at the United States Penitentiary Florence High. His case drew internal investigations within the FBI because it had enabled him to commit the atrocities while he was still an informant for the agency.


Psychological factors behind Scott Lee Kimball’s crimes

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As reported by CBS News, Scott Lee Kimball’s actions stemmed from a blend of personal greed, manipulative tendencies, and psychological flaws. His crimes were often opportunistic, targeting those closest to him, including family members and acquaintances.

His narcissism and lack of empathy played a major role in his criminal behavior. Kimball was a master manipulator, creating elaborate deceptions to cover up his crimes, such as forging documents to indicate that his victims were still alive.

His ability to compartmentalize his actions while maintaining a facade of trust and credibility marks him as one with sociopathic tendencies.


Watch Very Scary People on Investigation Discovery. Follow us for more news.

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Edited by Arunava Dutta
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