How Samuel Little Was Caught: Revisiting Serial Killer's Downfall After His Death 12/31/20 AT 11:35 AM Samuel Little, who is considered to be the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history with 93 confessed murders, died early Wednesday at the age of 80. What led to his downfall may surprise you. Little had a criminal record dating back to the mid-1960s, though by the FBI’s account, his killing spree didn’t begin until the early 1970s. His crime spree is believed to have come to a halt in 2005. It wasn't until over 40 years later that Little was connected to the murders. In 2012, he was picked up on narcotics charges and extradited to California.