Who was Joseph Paul Franklin? Known for his violent and racist acts, Joseph Paul Franklin was a notorious American serial killer. Born in 1950, he embarked on a deadly spree from 1977 to 1980, targeting individuals based on race and religion. Franklin’s actions were driven by extreme white supremacist beliefs, leading to the deaths of numerous innocent people. His crimes included sniper attacks, bombings, and bank robberies, making him one of the most feared criminals of his time. Joseph Paul Franklin was eventually captured in 1980 and sentenced to death, a sentence carried out in 2013. His life and crimes remain a chilling reminder of the dangers of hate-fueled violence.