Ep 4. Hitchhike to Hell

In the fourth episode of season 3 of Alaska: Ice Cold Killers, titled "Hitchhike to Hell," viewers are taken on a terrifying journey through Alaska's backcountry, where hitchhikers often find themselves at the mercy of a lonely killer. The episode opens with the disappearance of 19-year-old Cindy Paulson, who was picked up by a stranger while hitchhiking on a chilly night. When she escaped from her captor's clutches, she managed to lead authorities to a man who would soon become known as one of the most brutal serial killers in Alaska's history.

As the investigation unfolds, viewers are introduced to the infamous Robert Hansen, a man who lived an ordinary life by day but hunted young women like prey by night. Hansen's modus operandi was to abduct his victims, rape and torture them, and then take them deep into the wilderness where he would hunt them down like animals. Despite his penchant for violence, he was a respected member of the community and eluded suspicion until his eventual capture.

Through interviews with law enforcement officials, witnesses, and members of Hansen's inner circle, "Hitchhike to Hell" paints a chilling portrait of a predator whose cunning and skill at evading detection allowed him to carry out his heinous crimes for years without being caught. Viewers are taken on a dark journey through the Alaskan wilderness as Hansen's crimes are detailed, from his earliest victims to his eventual capture and trial.

One of the most striking elements of the episode is its exploration of the culture of hitchhiking in Alaska, where remote communities and vast stretches of wilderness make it difficult to travel long distances without relying on the kindness of strangers. For many Alaskans, hitchhiking is a way of life, and the risks involved are considered just part of the bargain. But as "Hitchhike to Hell" makes clear, this can be a deadly mistake.

Overall, "Hitchhike to Hell" is a gripping and unsettling exploration of a true crime case that continues to fascinate and disturb to this day. Through its vivid storytelling and haunting imagery, the episode brings to life the captivating, terrifying world of Alaska's most notorious serial killer, and serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who might consider hitchhiking through the state's lonely highways and byways.