Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Voted by the Austin Chronicle 2022 Critic's Choice "Best Nightlife Activity." In the year 1885 America’s first serial killer stalked the streets and alleyways of the young, emerging city of Austin. More terrifying than any ghost story, this monster brutally and systematically hacked eight women to death using an ax. For one calendar year, he terrified a city and came to be known as the “midnight assassin”. He was never captured and his identity remains a mystery or does it...?
This tour is our longest at 1 hour 45 minutes and covers 2 miles of historic Austin including West 6th street, Guy Town, the Warehouse District and a drink stop at the iconic Driskill Hotel. The pace is leisurely and, in addition to a drink stop at the Driskill, (drinks not included), there are short rests along the journey.
Join us on this exceptional true crime walking tour investigating exact crime locations and the various theories surrounding the midnight assassin. It’s a “killer” tour.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for ages under 13.
What To Expect
The Driskill
Our expert guides will explain in detail how the iconic Driskill Hotel fits into the story of the "Servant Girl Annihilator". Built in the very year of the murders, 1885, you will be able to tour the lobby of this magnificent hotel and view the impressive portrait of its creator, Colonel William "Jessie" Driskill. (This stop is subject to the Driskill's rules and hours of operation and is available most, but not every night. However, all tours will see up close this beautiful hotel and learn of its history.)
6th Street
Our expert true crime storytellers will escort your group through parts of the historic 6th street district in downtown Austin. Watch 6th street come to life as you view old photographs of how the street appeared during the time of the murders in 1885.
Options
Austin Murder Walk
What‘s Included
Professional Guide
Alcoholic Beverages
Gratuities
Private transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
337 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Super interesting tour. Make sure you're up for it!
Dara B,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our tour guide Will was amazingly knowledgeable and interesting. But be ready to walk and keep up! We had a group who showed up late, could not keep up, and would not read the room that they were repeatedly delaying the entire experience. A super interesting (and appropriately timed) two hour tour took three hours because of them. Our tour guide accommodated to the detriment of all other participants. If you cannot show up on time and walk 2 miles at a reasonable pace in the Austin heat, choose another tour so as to not negatively impact those who can.
Awesome experience
998stacyg,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jude was fantastic. It was super interesting and he was a great story teller
Great way to spend time viewing Austin that you cannot see from land
Jan M,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip. Captain Max was friendly, easygoing and knowledgeable. Great weather, pretty sunset but also saw a lot of birds as well as the gorgeous homes around the lake. Would definitely book again.
Whodunit?
Trek732858,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tyler was amazing! He had us trying to figure out who the murderer was the entire time.
Fun tour.
432trenaa,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tyler did a great job and I really enjoyed learning about Austin history through the context of this murder spree in 1885.
Murderous Mystery
cmartin871,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jude was an excellent tour guide! I enjoyed listening to his English accent as he led us through the eight murders that took place in Austin in the late 1800s. He took us through the chronology of events, describing the scene and events in detail, yet without being unnecessarily graphic. He explained several different theories related to the killer’s identity and why he was never caught. Even though the weather wasn’t cooperative or pleasant, Jude made the evening both interesting and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Tyler was so well-versed...
JD S,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tyler was so well-versed in the history of what happened here in Austin in the 1880s and he was very animated in his presentation. We got hit with pop up thunderstorms and a little wet but Tyler looked for places to stay as dry as possible and made the tour work even in the rain.
Great Tour
Pilgram T,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Will did an excellent job in telling ghost stories. My son and I had signed up for the Murder Tour which got cancelled. We were offered the ghost tour...I don't believe in ghosts, but Will made th tour fun and interesting! It was filled with history and interesting facts. He also took the time afterwards with no prompting from us and have us information from the murder tour! This was extremely interesting. Thank you, Will! You did an awesome job!!
Just a fantastic...
N8erjb,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Just a fantastic experience. Tyler was soo knowledgeable and passionate. Really brought the experience to life
Tour with Tyler!
trinytif,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved! Me and my husband walked this tour with Tyler and we had such a great time. Really glad we got him in particular, very knowledgeable and seemed excited to be there!
Related Experiences
Operated by Walking Tours of Austin