Ep 4. Group Killers

In Killer Kids season 1 episode 4, titled "Group Killers," viewers are presented with the chilling story of four teenagers who embarked on a killing spree in California during the summer of 1996. The four included 14-year-old Royce Casey, 16-year-old Michael Christianson, 18-year-old Scott Dyleski, and 19-year-old Justin Helzer, who had all been friends since childhood. Despite their initial bond being formed over a shared passion for heavy metal music and Satanism, the foursome's interest in the occult soon took a dark turn towards violence and murder.

The episode delves into the group's background and upbringing, exploring how they found each other and describing their early delinquent behavior. It also paints a vivid picture of their descent into darkness and the events that ultimately led to their capture. The episode features interviews with detectives, prosecutors, victims' families, and surviving members of the group who provide insight into the mindset of these killers.

Through interviews and archived footage, viewers learn about the group's initial fascination with heavy metal music and Satanism, interests which became more dangerous as they began to delve deeper into the occult. They also learn about the group's run-ins with the law, including prior arrests for acts of violence and destruction. Despite their criminal records, few suspected that the group would evolve into murderers.

The episode describes the group's first victim, Selena Bishop, who was found strangled to death in a creek near her home. Her killing remained unsolved until the group was finally caught in a raid conducted by the FBI and local authorities. The episode also covers the murder of Ivan and Annette Stineman, an elderly couple who were robbed and brutally killed in their home by the group.

Through interviews with family and friends of the victims, the episode shows the devastating impact that the group's actions had on their loved ones. The group's surviving members also provide insight into their crimes and their motives, revealing the disturbing details of how they were able to justify their actions to themselves and to each other.

Ultimately, "Group Killers" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the complexities of teenage violence and the dangerous allure of the occult. Through its detailed exploration of this true-crime story, the episode challenges viewers to consider the warning signs of such behavior and raises important questions about the role that society and upbringing play in shaping the actions of troubled youth.