Ep 1. Hunting Humans

In Alaska: Ice Cold Killers season 1 episode 1, titled "Hunting Humans," viewers are introduced to the remote and harsh environment of Alaska where murder investigations are challenging due to the lack of resources, extensive territory, and extreme weather conditions. The episode centers on the 1999 case of Robert Hansen, a notorious serial killer who is known to have stalked and murdered at least 17 women in Alaska.

The episode begins with the discovery of human bones in the Knik River area, which kickstarts the investigation into Hansen's crimes. The authorities soon realize that they are dealing with a serial killer who has been active in the area for at least a decade. The show features interviews with law enforcement officials who worked on the case, including FBI Special Agent Jolene Goeden, Anchorage Detective Glenn Flothe, Alaska State Trooper Sergeant Randy McPherron, and forensic artist Sharon Long.

As the investigation unfolds, the authorities try to piece together the killer's patterns and motives. They discover that Hansen would kidnap women, fly them to remote locations in his small airplane, rape and torture them, and then hunt them down like animals in the wilderness. Hansen was known for his careful planning and would go to great lengths to avoid getting caught. He buried his victims in shallow graves and would even return to the sites to move their bodies to avoid detection.

The show uses interviews with Hansen's surviving victims to provide a chilling insight into how he targeted and terrorized them. One woman recounts how Hansen kept her captive in his home for several days and would torture her with a knife and a hunting bow. Another victim explains how she managed to escape by jumping out of Hansen's airplane mid-flight.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a tour of Alaska's manicured and rugged wilderness, which serves as the backdrop for Hansen's grisly crimes. The rugged wilderness and the challenging weather conditions are a constant reminder of the difficulties law enforcement officials faced when trying to track down Hansen and bring him to justice.

The episode culminates in Hansen's arrest and conviction for multiple counts of murder. The authorities were able to build a strong case against Hansen, thanks to the forensic evidence found at the crime scenes and the testimony of his surviving victims. Hansen was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, where he died in August 2014 at the age of 75.

In summary, Alaska: Ice Cold Killers season 1 episode 1, "Hunting Humans," is a chilling exploration of the remote and treacherous world of Alaska's serial killers. The episode provides a gripping account of Robert Hansen's reign of terror and the challenges posed by Alaska's unforgiving terrain in catching him. Viewers are taken on a haunting journey into the mind of a merciless killer who stalked his prey in plain sight. The show is a fascinating insight into true crime in Alaska and is a must-watch for anyone interested in the genre.