The Brutal Texan: The Shocking True Story of Serial Killer Tommy Lynn Sells The name Tommy Lynn Sells doesn't strike fear in hearts like the names Ted Bundy or John Wayne Gacy, nor does it ring too many bells with the media-savvy and the true crime aficionados. Sells was one of the most horrific, violent, and active serial killers in recent history. With the influx of mass shootings and terrorist attacks plaguing modern society, the concept of a serial killer seems only to exist in true crime books, documentaries, and podcasts. Having been executed only in2014, Sells is a grim reminder that the serial killers of our society's and history's criminal past are still much active. Sells's decades-long reign of murderous terror spanned eight states earning him the nickname the "Coast to Coast Killer" or the "Cross Country Killer". Law enforcement along with Sells's own confessions concluded a total of 22 total victims. Sells's is believed to have killed upto 60 victims. The story of Tommy Lynn Sells's life is similar to that of other serial killers; full of childhood trauma, abuse, and events that set off a strand of murders. However, Sells's story is unique in comparison to other killers based on his victimology and patterns. Like his contemporary Donald "Pee Wee" Gaskins, Sells was also extremely skilled at his crimes and admittedly loved the act of murder which makes him and those similar even more terrifying.