American Justice Season 1996 Episode 12 Dennis Nilsen: The Kindly Killer

In the twelfth episode of the ninth season of American Justice, viewers are taken into the mind and life of Dennis Nilsen: The Kindly Killer. This episode explores how Nilsen's childhood and personal experiences shaped him into the notorious murderer he became.

Nilsen was a serial killer in London who murdered at least twelve young men between 1978 and 1983. He would lure his victims back to his apartment, where he would then strangle them and dispose of their bodies. But what made Nilsen so unique was the fact that he wasn't your stereotypical mass murderer. Nilsen was viewed by his peers and coworkers as a quiet, hard-working, and unassuming man.

The episode starts by explaining how Nilsen's disturbed childhood may have played a part in what he would later become. Nilsen lived in an abusive household, where his mother was the primary abuser. This led to a strained relationship between Nilsen and his mother, which would stay with him throughout his entire life.

As a young man, Nilsen joined the army, where he faced bullying and harassment from fellow soldiers. He was dishonorably discharged after being caught with pornographic materials. After leaving the army, he worked odd jobs and had several relationships with both men and women.

In 1978, Nilsen committed his first murder. He picked up a young man at a pub, took him back to his apartment, and strangled him to death. He then dismembered the body and disposed of it in small bags. Nilsen would continue to murder young men in this way for several years, all while living a seemingly normal life.

The episode delves into the police investigation that ultimately led to Nilsen's arrest. Nilsen had been flushing body parts down his toilet, causing a blockage in the pipes outside his apartment. A worker was called to take care of the blockage, where he discovered body parts in the pipes. The police were called, and a search of Nilsen's apartment uncovered more remains.

Nilsen's trial was highly publicized, and the episode explores how the media portrayed him. Nilsen was dubbed the "Kindly Killer" because he would often perform bizarre rituals with his victims' bodies after their deaths, such as bathing and grooming them. This led to reports in the media that Nilsen may have had a romantic relationship with his victims, which he denied.

The episode also features interviews with individuals who knew Nilsen, both before and after his arrest. Nilsen's former co-workers and neighbors describe him as a quiet, unassuming man who kept to himself. They were shocked to learn that he was a serial killer.

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive look at one of the most notorious killers in British history. Viewers are left with a chilling understanding of how Nilsen's personal experiences and his inability to form meaningful relationships ultimately led him down a path of murder.