Man Won $1,000 at a Casino, Then Was Stabbed 88 Times — by a ‘Serial Killer’

A Maryland man who previously secured early release after two separate murder convictions will now remain behind bars for the rest of his life.

Reginald Lively, 68, was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov. 12, to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal killing of 68-year-old John Hall III in northwest Baltimore, according to a statement from Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.

“This is a serial killer, and this gentleman needs to be off the streets,” Bates told WBAL.

This marks Lively’s third homicide conviction.

He first pleaded guilty in 1986 to second-degree murder in the death of Eleanor Williams in Anne Arundel County, serving eight of a 20-year sentence before his release. Afterward, in 2000, he pleaded guilty again to second-degree murder — this time in the death of Willy Mae Arrington in North Carolina. He was sentenced to 30 years, but was paroled after about 12.

“This violent offender should never have been allowed to walk free,” Bates said.

Authorities were alerted to Lively’s latest crime on May 28, 2021, when police responded to a call about a “bloody and unresponsive” person in an apartment building. A maintenance worker had been investigating complaints about leaking water when he discovered Hall injured on the floor and partially covered by a blanket.

Hall died at the scene. The medical examiner determined he suffered both blunt-force and sharp-force trauma — including at least 17 blunt-force injuries and 88 stab or cut wounds.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Hall had recently won about $1,000 at a casino. No similar amount of cash was recovered from his apartment.

Lively, who lived in the same building, soon became a key suspect. Surveillance footage showed him leaving his apartment at 6:17 a.m. and entering the elevator. When he emerged at 6:52 a.m., he carried a plastic bag with what appeared to be a heavy, reddish-stained object inside. Minutes later, he exited and re-entered the building through a side door — without the bag.

Investigators also found that Hall had previously accused Lively of stealing money from him.

Lively initially denied any involvement, claiming he was asleep during the killing. When confronted with the footage, he said the bag held a wrench he retrieved from another floor. However, DNA testing linked him to Hall’s apartment.

He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, pleading not guilty.

Bates credited Cold Case Unit Chief Kurt Bjorklund for his persistence in bringing the case to trial.

“We don’t have a strong motive other than there was money missing from his apartment,” Bjorklund told WBAL. “Completely pointless killing. We were able to give a measure of justice to John’s family.”

Hall’s family expressed gratitude after the sentencing. “We got justice today — that’s the main thing,” said his nephew, George Hancock. “Everything we went through, the trial and case — as a family, we are happy.”