Joel Rifkin’s house in East Meadow, New York, marks the location where he hid bodies during his 1989–1993 killing spree. At 1492 Garden Street, Rifkin lived with his mother and sister from 1989 to 1993. The property, built in 1951, became the site of unspeakable horrors as Rifkin committed some of his crimes within its walls. What happened here—and how did it affect the house’s value?
Who is Joel Rifkin?
Joel Rifkin is a convicted American serial killer who terrorized New York in the early 1990s. Born on January 20, 1959, Rifkin grew up in East Meadow, Long Island. He was adopted as an infant by Bernard and Jeanne Rifkin, who raised him in a middle-class Jewish family. Despite a seemingly normal upbringing, Rifkin struggled socially and academically throughout his life.
As an adult, Rifkin worked as a landscaper—a cover that helped him hide crimes. His killing spree began in 1989 and lasted until his arrest in 1993. Rifkin targeted mainly sex workers and drug addicts, claiming the lives of at least 17 women during this period.
Joel Rifkin Wikipedia
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joel David Rifkin |
| Date of Birth | January 20, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | New York, New York, United States |
| Occupation | Landscaper |
| Criminal Status | Incarcerated |
| Conviction(s) | Murder (9 counts) |
| Criminal Penalty | 203 years to life imprisonment |
| Imprisoned at | Clinton Correctional Facility |
Early Life
Joel Rifkin’s early life was marked by struggles and social isolation. Adopted as an infant, he grew up in East Meadow, New York, with his parents and younger sister. From a young age, Rifkin showed signs of learning difficulties and had trouble fitting in with his peers. He was often bullied in school and found it hard to make friends.
Despite his challenges, Rifkin’s parents were supportive and tried to provide him with a normal upbringing. They encouraged his interests, which included gardening and photography. However, these hobbies later played a role in his criminal activities, as he used his landscaping business as a cover for disposing of bodies.
As a teenager, Rifkin’s social awkwardness intensified. He developed a fascination with Alfred Hitchcock movies and true crime stories. This interest, combined with his isolation, may have contributed to the dark path he eventually took.
Career
Joel Rifkin’s career path was erratic and unremarkable before his crimes came to light. He briefly attended college before dropping out. He then tried his hand at various jobs, never settling into a stable career.
In the 1980s, Rifkin worked as a landscaper, which later became significant in his criminal activities. He also attempted to start a landscaping business of his own, but it was unsuccessful. This failure added to his growing frustration and sense of inadequacy.
Rifkin’s work history was characterized by short-term positions and frequent job changes. He worked in various roles, including as a clerk at a local grocery store and as a driver for his father’s structural engineering firm. However, none of these jobs provided him with a sense of purpose or accomplishment.
Lifetime Awards & Achievements
- None
What is Joel Rifkin’s Net Worth?
Joel Rifkin’s net worth is not publicly known or relevant due to his incarceration for life. Any assets he may have had were likely used for his legal defense or seized by authorities.
Personal Life
Joel Rifkin’s personal life was marked by isolation and dysfunction. He never married or had children, and his relationships were primarily limited to encounters with sex workers. Rifkin’s social awkwardness and inability to form meaningful connections with others played a significant role in shaping his troubled life.
1. Joel Rifkin’s Age
Joel Rifkin was born on January 20, 1959, making him 65 years old as of 2024. He was 34 years old when he was arrested in 1993, having spent his early adulthood and thirties committing his heinous crimes.
2. Joel Rifkin’s Siblings
Joel Rifkin has one adopted sister named Jan. Not much is publicly known about their relationship or her life. The impact of Joel’s crimes on his sister and the rest of his family has largely been kept private.
3. Joel Rifkin’s Family
Joel Rifkin was adopted as an infant by Bernard and Jeanne Rifkin. His adoptive father, Bernard, was a structural engineer, and his mother, Jeanne, was a homemaker. The Rifkins provided Joel with a middle-class upbringing in East Meadow, Long Island. Despite their efforts to give him a normal life, Joel struggled socially and academically throughout his childhood and adolescence.
4. Joel Rifkin’s Relationships
Joel Rifkin never had any long-term romantic relationships. His interactions with women were primarily limited to encounters with sex workers, whom he later targeted as victims. Rifkin’s inability to form meaningful relationships was a significant factor in his psychological profile.
Dating History:
- No known long-term relationships
5. Joel Rifkin’s House
The Joel Rifkin house, located at 1492 Garden Street in East Meadow, New York, became infamous as the site where Rifkin lived during his killing spree. Built in 1951, this two-story ranch-style home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, covering 1,675 square feet. The house gained notoriety not just as Rifkin’s residence, but also as the place where he committed some of his crimes and stored victims’ bodies temporarily.
After his mother died, the house was listed at $424,500 but sold for $322,000—about $102,500 below asking—after 114 days on the market. The buyers, aware of the home’s past, saw it as an opportunity to purchase below market value.
New York law doesn’t require murder disclosures, so buyers learned of the history through research .
The house still draws attention from true crime enthusiasts and neighbors. It continues to attract attention from true crime enthusiasts and curious onlookers, serving as a physical link to one of New York’s darkest criminal cases.
Where is Joel Rifkin Now?
Joel Rifkin is currently serving his 203-year sentence at the Clinton Correctional Facility in New York. He was convicted of nine counts of second-degree murder in 1994, though he confessed to killing 17 women. Rifkin is not eligible for parole until 2197, effectively ensuring he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
In prison, Rifkin has been kept separate from the general population due to his notoriety. He spent several years in solitary confinement at Attica Correctional Facility before being transferred to Clinton. Despite attempts to challenge his isolation through legal means, courts have upheld the decision to keep him separated from other inmates for safety reasons.
Rifkin has given interviews over the years, discussing his crimes and life in prison. He has expressed remorse for his actions but continues to be viewed as one of America’s most notorious serial killers. His case remains a subject of study for criminologists and true crime enthusiasts, serving as a grim chapter in New York’s criminal history.
Conclusion
The Joel Rifkin house in East Meadow, New York, stands as a somber reminder of the dark events that unfolded within its walls. This ordinary suburban home became the backdrop for extraordinary evil, housing one of America’s most prolific serial killers during his reign of terror in the early 1990s. The property’s history reflects the lasting impact of Rifkin’s crimes on the community and the real estate market.
While Rifkin remains in Clinton Correctional Facility, his former home still draws attention—showing how criminal history can affect property value and community perception.
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