Louisiana has been plagued by several serial killers throughout its history, leaving a trail of devastation and heartbreak in their wake. Among the most notorious is Ronald Dominique, also known as the Bayou Strangler, who confessed to strangling or suffocating 23 men during an eight-year killing spree between 1997 and 2005.

Dominique's victims were found in remote locations such as ditches and sugar cane fields in southeastern Louisiana. He was arrested in December after being sent back to his mother from a homeless shelter, where he was reportedly in poor health due to a heart condition.

In court, Dominique pleaded not guilty to nine counts of first-degree murder, which carry a possible death sentence. His victims' families were present in the courtroom, including Angela Smith, who lost her son Wayne to Dominique's brutal crimes.

Dominique's public defender declined to comment on his case, while authorities have stated that he confessed to the murders during questioning. Despite his pleas of innocence, many believe that justice has finally caught up with this serial killer.

Here are the top 5 Louisiana serial killers:

1. Ronald Dominique - The Bayou Strangler: As mentioned earlier, Dominique confessed to strangling or suffocating 23 men between 1997 and 2005 in southeastern Louisiana.

2. Derrick Todd Lee - The Baton Rouge Serial Killer: Between 1992 and 1999, Lee murdered at least seven women in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. He was arrested in 2003 after a DNA match led police to his doorstep.

3. Sean Vincent Gillis - The New Orleans Serial Killer: Between 1994 and 2004, Gillis murdered eight women in the New Orleans area. He was arrested in 2004 after a tip from an anonymous caller led police to his home.

4. Mark James Roberta - The Shreveport Serial Killer: Between 1978 and 1981, Roberta murdered at least three men in Shreveport and surrounding areas. He was arrested in 1981 after a witness came forward with information about the murders.

5. Sean Kramer - The Lafayette Serial Killer: Between 1993 and 1996, Kramer murdered two women and one man in Lafayette and surrounding areas. He was arrested in 1997 after police received a tip from an anonymous caller.

These serial killers have left their mark on Louisiana's dark history, leaving families to pick up the pieces and try to heal from the trauma they've endured. While justice may be served for some, others remain at large, a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk in every corner of our society.

Top 5 louisiana serial killer