Book excerpt: Since the 1930s, Skid Row had been occupied by the working poor, and as unemployment rates rose, the streets of Skid Row were home to alcoholics, and petty criminals. In the 70s, Skid Row was occupied by a large number of Vietnam veterans as well as heavy drug users. Coupled with the failing infrastructures in the area, poverty, and homelessness, Skid Row was considered one of the most dangerous places in Los Angeles. Recounting the state of the neighborhood, Mellecker stated, "Anything south of First and Second streets you wouldn't go down there without a gun." It was in these streets that the serial killer later dubbed the Skid Row Stabber claimed his victims, with the first victim discovered on October 23, 1978.Who was the Skid Row Stabber?