Episodes

  • Bind, Torture, Kill: BTK
    Aug 31 2024

    In this episode of Morbid Instinct, the hosts discuss the first episode of season two of Catching Killers, which focuses on the case of Dennis Rader, also known as BTK. They talk about how Rader's crimes were unsolved for many years until he started sending letters to the police, leading to his eventual capture. The hosts discuss Rader's strange behavior and his desire for recognition. They also explore the gruesome details of his crimes and his disturbing fantasies. The conversation touches on the advancements in DNA technology and the challenges of catching criminals in the modern age. The conversation delves into the details of Dennis Rader, also known as the BTK Killer, and his heinous crimes. Rader's modus operandi involved breaking into people's homes, binding and torturing his victims, and eventually killing them. He targeted both adults and children, showing signs of being a pedophile as well. The conversation explores the different methods Rader used to kill his victims, including strangulation, stabbing, and shooting. The hosts discuss the psychological profile of Rader, noting his narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, and antisocial personality disorders. They also express empathy for the family members of Rader, who have to live with the knowledge of his crimes.

    Takeaways

    • The hosts discuss the case of Dennis Rader, also known as BTK, and his unsolved crimes that spanned several years.
    • They explore Rader's strange behavior and his desire for recognition, which led him to send letters to the police.
    • The conversation delves into the gruesome details of Rader's crimes and his disturbing fantasies.
    • The hosts highlight the advancements in DNA technology and the challenges of catching criminals in the modern age. Dennis Rader, also known as the BTK Killer, committed heinous crimes involving breaking into people's homes, binding and torturing his victims, and eventually killing them.
    • Rader targeted both adults and children, showing signs of being a pedophile.
    • His psychological profile included narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, and antisocial personality disorders.
    • Family members of serial killers often have to live with the knowledge of their loved one's crimes and face the stigma associated with it.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the BTK Case

    03:16 Rader's Desire for Recognition

    07:19 The Game of Getting Caught

    14:09 Inside the Mind of Dennis Rader

    16:39 Lack of Empathy and Remorse

    20:33 Advancements in DNA Technology

    20:56 Introduction to the BTK Killer

    23:17 Details of the Murders

    25:17 Sentencing and Psychological Profile

    29:33 Lack of Empathy and Remorse

    33:07 Impact on Family Members

    37:57 Preview of the Next Case

    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • East Harlem Serial Killer
    Aug 17 2024

    Summary

    In this episode of Morbid Instinct, the hosts discuss the Netflix docu-series 'Homicide New York' and focus on episode five, which covers the East Harlem Serial Killer, Arohn Kee. They discuss the crimes committed by Kee, including the rape and murder of several young women. They also explore the timeline of his crimes and his ultimate capture through DNA evidence. The hosts discuss the brutality of Kee's actions and the lack of empathy he displayed towards his victims. They also touch on the role of the media and the issue of race in the case. The conversation revolves around the topic of criminal investigations and the tactics used by law enforcement. The hosts discuss the importance of focusing on evidence and DNA in solving cases, as well as the dangers of coercive interrogation techniques. They also touch on the issue of bias in investigations, highlighting cases where individuals were wrongly convicted due to prejudice. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the emotional toll of working in law enforcement and the satisfaction of seeing justice served.

    Takeaways

    • Arohn Kee, the East Harlem Serial Killer, committed a series of brutal rapes and murders in the 1990s.
    • Key showed a complete lack of empathy towards his victims and started his crimes at a young age.
    • DNA evidence played a crucial role in Kee's capture and conviction.
    • The media often sensationalizes cases and brings up issues of race, even when they may not be relevant.
    • Serial killers are predominantly white males, but their race should not overshadow the severity of their crimes. Focusing on evidence and DNA is crucial in solving criminal cases.
    • Coercive interrogation techniques can lead to false confessions.
    • Bias in investigations can result in wrongful convictions.
    • Working in law enforcement takes an emotional toll, but seeing justice served can be rewarding.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the East Harlem Serial Killer

    01:00 The Crimes of Arohn Kee

    06:36 Brutality and Lack of Empathy

    09:08 The Role of DNA Evidence

    10:10 Detective Bob Mooney and Spanish-speaking Investigators

    13:17 Media Sensationalism and Race

    13:53 The Demographics of Serial Killers

    14:03 The Importance of Evidence and DNA

    15:01 The Dangers of Coercive Interrogation

    19:36 The Emotional Toll of Law Enforcement

    21:20 Finding Satisfaction in Justice

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Midtown Slasher
    Aug 3 2024

    In this conversation, the hosts discuss the fourth episode of the docu-series 'Homicide New York' titled 'Midtown Slasher.' They explore the case of Howard Pilmer, an office manager who was stabbed to death in his office. The hosts discuss the investigation, the suspects, and the motives behind the crime. They also touch on the topic of gender bias in criminal investigations and the changing perception of women as perpetrators of violent crimes. The conversation highlights the importance of surveillance and DNA evidence in solving crimes and the challenges faced by serial killers in the modern era. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the suspicious behavior of the wife and brother in the Howard Pilmer murder case. They highlight the quick actions taken by the wife, such as selling the company and cashing in on life insurance, as well as the unusual behavior of the wife on the day of the murder. They also express sympathy for Howard Pilmer's father, who lost both his son and grandson. The hosts discuss the manipulation and lack of remorse shown by the wife and brother, and the importance of rational thought and accountability in such cases.

    Takeaways

    • The case of Howard Pilmer highlights the importance of surveillance and DNA evidence in solving crimes.
    • Gender bias can influence criminal investigations, with women often being overlooked as suspects.
    • Serial killers face significant challenges in the modern era due to increased surveillance and technological advancements.
    • The hosts discuss the changing perception of women as perpetrators of violent crimes.
    • The hosts emphasize the need to avoid glorifying criminals and focus on the victims and their families. The wife's quick actions, such as selling the company and cashing in on life insurance, were suspicious and indicated a lack of remorse.
    • The wife's unusual behavior on the day of the murder raised further suspicions.
    • Sympathy is expressed for Howard Pilmer's father, who lost both his son and grandson.
    • Manipulation and lack of remorse were evident in the wife and brother's actions.
    • Rational thought and accountability are important factors to consider in such cases.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

    02:22 The Case of Howard Pilmer: A Stabbing in the Office

    03:15 The Personal Nature of the Crime

    06:44 Gender Bias in Criminal Investigations

    09:15 Manipulation and Female Perpetrators

    11:03 The Wife as a Suspect

    13:46 The Challenges Faced by Serial Killers in the Modern Era

    16:33 The Importance of Surveillance and DNA Evidence

    19:25 Unusual Behavior on the Day of the Murder

    23:02 Sympathy for Howard Pilmer's Father

    26:14 Manipulation and Lack of Remorse

    29:46 The Importance of Rational Thought and Accountability

    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • Vanishing on Wall Street
    Jul 20 2024

    In this episode of Morbid Instinct, the hosts discuss the third installment of the Netflix series Homicide New York, titled Vanished on Wall Street. The case revolves around the murder of Eridonia Rodriguez, a janitorial staff member who went missing after her overnight shift. Her body was eventually found in an air duct in the building. The hosts highlight the quick resolution of the case, as the suspect, Joseph Pabon, had a history of violent behavior against women and his DNA was found under Rodriguez's fingernails. They also discuss the importance of early intervention in missing persons cases and the disturbing behavior of some perpetrators during trials.

    Takeaways

    • The case of Eridonia Rodriguez's murder was quickly resolved due to DNA evidence and the suspect's history of violent behavior against women.
    • Early intervention is crucial in missing persons cases, as waiting for the 48-hour mark can decrease the chances of finding the person alive.
    • Some perpetrators exhibit disturbing behavior during trials, such as mocking the victim's family or smiling inappropriately.
    • The hosts discuss the prevalence of true crime cases in New York and the impact of highly populated areas on crime rates.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Case

    03:03 The Role of Surveillance Video in the Investigation

    07:27 Family Concerns and the Importance of Early Intervention

    09:47 The Behavior of Perpetrators During Trials

    13:25 The Prevalence of True Crime Cases in New York

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Central Park Slaying
    Jul 6 2024

    In this episode of Morbid Instinct, the hosts discuss the brutal murder of Michael McMorrow in Central Park. The victim was stabbed over 40 times, had his throat slashed, and was disemboweled. The shocking part is that the suspects were both 15 years old. The hosts delve into the details of the crime, the suspects' backgrounds, and the disturbing mindset behind the murder. They express their disbelief at the lenient sentences the perpetrators received and question the justice system's handling of such cases. The hosts also share personal stories and draw parallels to other similar crimes. The episode ends with a preview of the next installment, 'Vanished on Wall Street.'

    Takeaways

    • The murder of Michael McMorrow in Central Park was a brutal and shocking crime, with the victim being stabbed over 40 times, having his throat slashed, and being disemboweled.
    • The fact that the suspects were both 15 years old raises questions about the capacity for such extreme violence at such a young age.
    • The lenient sentences given to the perpetrators highlight flaws in the justice system and raise concerns about the treatment of juvenile offenders.
    • The hosts discuss the disturbing mindset of the perpetrators and the lack of remorse shown by one of them.
    • Personal stories and comparisons to other crimes add depth and context to the discussion.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    02:59 Disturbingly Young Suspects

    11:25 Lenient Sentences and the Justice System

    28:45 Personal Stories and Comparisons

    34:19 Preview of Next Episode

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Carnegie Deli Massacre
    Jun 22 2024

    In this episode, Elaine, Jeremy, Josh, and Colette discuss the Netflix docu-series 'Homicide New York' and focus on the Carnegie Deli Massacre. They provide details about the crime, including the victims and the events leading up to the murders. The conversation highlights the senselessness of the crime and the impact it had on the survivors. The hosts also discuss the lack of remorse shown by the perpetrators and the lasting trauma experienced by the survivors. They express their disbelief at the extreme violence over a robbery and the tragic loss of innocent lives.

    Takeaways

    • The Carnegie Deli Massacre was a senseless crime that resulted in the deaths of three people and the injury of two others.
    • The crime was motivated by robbery, but the perpetrators showed no remorse for their actions.
    • The survivors of the massacre experienced lasting trauma and struggled with survivor's guilt.
    • The crime highlights the dangers of drug dealing and the potential for violence in criminal activities.
    • The case was relatively straightforward, with the perpetrators being identified through witness testimony and surveillance footage.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Netflix Docu-series 'Homicide New York'

    06:35 Details of the Crime and the Victims

    12:17 The Lack of Remorse from the Perpetrators

    24:07 The Lasting Trauma and Survivor's Guilt

    28:11 Closing Remarks and Preview of the Next Episode

    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • True Lies: The Happy Face Killer
    Aug 24 2023

    In this episode, the hosts discuss the Netflix series 'Catching Killers' and focus on the case of the Happy Face Killer. They explore the twists and turns of the investigation, including Laverne's changing stories and her eventual confession. They also discuss the flaws in the justice system, the power dynamics between police and suspects, and the impact of false confessions. The hosts delve into the childhood and early signs of violence in Keith Jesperson, the Happy Face Killer, and discuss his confessions and additional convictions. They also highlight the wrongful conviction of John Sosnowski and Laverne Pavlenac. In this episode, the hosts discuss the show 'Catching Killers' and its focus on killers who confess to their crimes. They highlight the fact that the show's title is somewhat misleading, as the killers in this particular episode were not caught but rather confessed. The hosts also praise the show for its detailed and informative storytelling, providing a comprehensive description of the crimes. They appreciate the real and conversational approach of the interviews with people involved in the cases. The episode concludes with a preview of the next season and a discussion on the link between cases.

    Takeaways

    • False confessions can occur due to coercive tactics and the desire to please authority figures.
    • The justice system is not infallible, and wrongful convictions can occur due to flawed investigations and biased beliefs.
    • Early signs of violence and cruelty towards animals can be indicators of future criminal behavior.
    • The power dynamics between police and suspects can lead to abuses of power and wrongful convictions.
    • The pursuit of justice requires persistence, open-mindedness, and a commitment to finding the truth.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the episode

    00:58 Discussion of the episode and initial twists

    01:40 Focus on the case of Tanya Bennett

    02:16 The detective's reaction and Laverne's changing stories

    03:13 Implication of Laverne and John in the murder

    04:37 Laverne's changing stories and implicating herself

    05:34 Laverne leading the police to the body

    06:00 John's arrest and the plea deal

    06:50 John's conflicting statements and the detective's belief in Laverne

    07:44 The district attorney's refusal to accept new evidence

    08:59 The detective's persistence and Laverne's confession

    09:57 The impact of false confessions and coercive tactics

    11:22 The flaws in the justice system and the power dynamics between police and suspects

    13:31 Introduction of Keith Jesperson and his confessions

    14:19 Keith Jesperson's letters and the nickname 'Happy Face Killer'

    18:00 Keith Jesperson's childhood and early signs of violence

    19:29 Keith Jesperson's victims and his confessions

    22:08 Keith Jesperson's suicide attempts and additional convictions

    25:35 John Sosnowski and Laverne Pavlenac's wrongful conviction

    27:23 Confessing Killers

    28:13 Detailed and Informative

    30:41 Real and Conversational

    31:31 Emotional Impact

    32:00 Life Sentence

    33:01 Season Two Preview

    34:23 Link Between Cases

    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • Manhunter: Aileen Wuornos
    Aug 10 2023

    In this episode, the hosts discuss the case of Aileen Wuornos, a female serial killer who operated in Florida in the early 1990s. They delve into her troubled childhood, including sexual abuse and a history of violence. The hosts also explore the psychological profile of Wuornos and the factors that may have contributed to her crimes. They discuss the undercover operation that led to her arrest and the subsequent conviction and execution. The conversation also touches on the topic of female serial killers and how they differ from their male counterparts. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the motivations behind serial killers, focusing on the case of Aileen Wuornos. They recommend the movie 'Aileen Wuornos, American Boogie Woman' as a portrayal of her troubled life. They explore Wuornos' troubled childhood and her anger towards men due to her past experiences. The hosts also discuss Wuornos' decision to end her own life and the impact of imprisonment on her relationships. They compare Wuornos' childhood to other serial killers and discuss the role of personal choices in committing evil acts. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing signs and providing intervention and support to prevent further violence. The hosts express shock at the idea of a female serial killer and emphasize empathy for the victims and the tragedy of their lives. The conversation concludes with a preview of the next episode on the Happy Face Killer.

    Takeaways

    • Aileen Wuornos had a troubled childhood, marked by sexual abuse and a lack of stability and support.
    • Her psychological profile indicated a high level of psychopathy and explosive anger.
    • Wuornos targeted and killed several men, claiming self-defense in some cases.
    • The undercover operation that led to her arrest and the subsequent conviction and execution were discussed.
    • Female serial killers often have different motivations and patterns of behavior compared to male serial killers. Understanding the motivations behind serial killers can help shed light on their actions.
    • Aileen Wuornos' troubled childhood and anger towards men played a significant role in her crimes.
    • Recognizing signs of potential violence and providing intervention and support is crucial in preventing further harm.
    • Empathy for the victims is important, as they often endure tragic lives.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    01:00 Discussion of Aileen Wuornos' Crimes

    06:23 Aileen Wuornos' Troubled Childhood

    10:24 Psychological Profile of Aileen Wuornos

    14:17 Undercover Operation and Arrest

    16:15 Victims and Crime Spree

    20:05 Conviction and Execution

    25:20 Discussion on Female Serial Killers

    27:46 Discussion on the motivations behind serial killers

    28:06 Movie recommendation: Aileen Wuornos, American Boogie Woman

    29:06 Aileen Wuornos' troubled childhood and anger towards men

    29:35 Aileen Wuornos' decision to end her own life

    30:10 The impact of imprisonment on Aileen Wuornos' relationships

    30:41 Serial killers with different childhood experiences

    31:14 The role of personal choices in committing evil acts

    32:04 Parental influence and missed signs in the case of Jeffrey Dahmer

    33:18 Denial and disbelief in recognizing signs of potential violence

    34:04 The importance of intervention and support in preventing further violence

    35:09 The shock of a female serial killer

    35:58 Empathy for the victims and the tragedy of their lives

    36:38 Wrap-up of the discussion on Aileen Wuornos

    37:13 Preview of the next episode: The Happy Face Killer

    Show more Show less
    39 mins