Serial Killer John Sweeney Dies at 69, Recounts Years of Torment
Delia Balmer, Sweeney's former girlfriend, shares her harrowing experience living with the notorious criminal.
John Sweeney, a serial killer known for extreme violence, has died at the age of 69. Sweeney was convicted of murdering two women and was also found guilty of attempting to murder his girlfriend, Delia Balmer, by hacking at her with a machete and a samurai sword.
Balmer, who lived with Sweeney for years, has spoken about the torment she endured. She described holding herself with the grace of a dancer, a neat bob framing her delicate features and a bright blue scarf draped elegantly across her shoulders, yet admitting to hating her appearance.
Sweeney's crimes were characterized by extreme brutality. In addition to the murders of two women, his attack on Balmer in 1994 was particularly savage. Despite the violence she faced, Balmer survived the ordeal. The details of her life with Sweeney highlight the psychological and physical terror inflicted by the convicted killer.