John Wayne Gacy, or the “Killer Clown,” was named the worst serial killer in the United States after he murdered 33 teenage boys in the 1970s. Gacy lived a contradicting life as a celebrated community member, who then used his reputation to pursue secret, violent interests. We look into Gacy’s crimes and how the abuse from his father and his own feelings of alienation created a killer. Sponsors! Mathnasium - Visit mathnasium.com/offers/SERIAL to learn more about their program and to download the
Ian Brady & Myra Hindley shared a deep, dark passion for murder that led to the death of multiple children in England from 1963 to 1965. Their horrific actions made them two of the most infamous serial killers in modern history. In part two of the Moors Murders, Greg and Vanessa explore the couple’s crimes and their ultimate demise. Sponsors! Mathnasium - Visit mathnasium.com/offers/SERIAL to learn more about their program and to download the eBook "Helping Children Excel at Math."
When Myra Hindley, an ambitious, yet violent, young woman met Ian Brady, an unemotional man with a twisted mind, their deepening love became a source of tragedy. From 1963 to 1965, the duo acted on their dark desires by murdering children in England. Greg and Vanessa explore the bone-chilling dynamics of serial killer couples like Ian and Myra. Sponsors! HelloFresh - For $30 off your first week of HelloFresh, visit hellofresh.com and enter the promo code SERIALKILLERS30. BOUQS - Visit BOUQS.com
William Bonin drove California’s freeways, picking up hitchhiking men and boys and driving them to their deaths. As a child, he was abused by almost everyone he met--family, classmates and authority figures - leading to complete desensitization. Greg and Vanessa discuss Bonin’s hunger for power and addiction to torture, rape, and murder. SPONSORS! MERCH - You asked, and we listened: You can now buy Serial Killers T-shirts, sweatshirts and phone cases at represent.com/parcast! Bouqs- Head to B-O-
Andrei Chikatilo killed with increasing frequency over twelve years. Greg and Vanessa explain how the Soviet system of criminal profiling allowed a monster like Chikatilo to evade the police, even as his killing became more frequent, and more gruesome. They examine how a psychiatrist helped crack the case, Chikatilo’s attempt to plea insanity, and the horror of tracking down a killer who’s victim profile is “anyone they can get their hands on”. SPONSORS! MERCH - You asked, and we listened: You c
He was never caught. So why did Jack the Ripper stop killing? In the finale, Greg, Vanessa, Carter, and Wenndy follow the years-long search for Jack the Ripper, ranging from bloodhound trials to DNA testing. Then our hosts discuss Jack’s last victims, his pop culture influence, and a few major suspects; finally pinpointing the person they believe was Jack the Ripper. This episode is brought to you Ad FREE as a thank you to our wonderful listeners! We continue to be humbled by your support!
One of the most prolific serial killers ever to live, Andrei Chikatilo murdered 53 people between 1978 and 1990. Greg and Vanessa examine how Chikatilo was molded by the horrors of World War II in Ukraine and then the Soviet Union. Driven by his impotence, he could only be satisfied by killing women and children. SPONSORS! Hellofresh - For $30 off your first week of HelloFresh, visit hellofresh.com and enter the promo code SERIALKILLERS30 LA Noire - LA Noire from Rockstar Games. Coming November
One of the first serial killers to write letters to the authorities, Jack the Ripper’s mail was memorable, to say the least. Our resident Ripperologists examine Jack’s odd correspondence and determine which letters were fakes and which were truly penned by the Ripper. They also examine the “Double Event” murders and how sensational journalism and media coverage influences active killers. Sponsors! LA Noire - Order now at rockstargames.com/LANoire
In the case of the Lethal Lovers, Gwen Graham was charged with five murders, and Cathy Wood charged as her accomplice. But was that truly their relationship, or was Cathy blackmailing Gwen to use her as a scapegoat? Greg and Vanessa piece through the lies to discover who was really culpable in the Alpine Manor killings- Gwen Graham, Cathy Wood, or both women? SPONSORS! Daily Harvest - Go to daily-harvest.com and enter promo code SERIALKILLERS to get three items FREE! Rxbar - Go to RXBAR.com/seri