Gary Lee Sampson is an American criminal who gained notoriety for a series of violent crimes in the early 2000s. He was convicted of multiple murders, including the deaths of three young men in Massachusetts in 2001. His actions led to a nationwide manhunt and significant media coverage. Sampson was sentenced to death in 2003, but his case has been subject to various legal appeals and discussions regarding mental health. His crimes raised important questions about the criminal justice system and the treatment of individuals with mental health issues, as well as the implications of the death penalty in the United States.