Ep 3. America's Most Notorious Serial Killers: The First Wave

In episode 3 of Becoming Evil: Serial Killers season 1, we delve into the origins of serial killing in America with a focus on the first wave of notorious serial killers. From the early 20th century until the 1960s, a number of killers emerged that terrorized communities across the country, leaving a bloody trail of death and destruction in their wake.

The episode begins by examining the case of H.H. Holmes, one of America's first documented serial killers. Holmes, who was active in the late 1800s, was a hotelier who built a "murder castle" in Chicago, complete with hidden rooms, trapdoors, and a gas chamber. He lured unsuspecting victims to his hotel, where he would torture and kill them before disposing of their bodies. The case of H.H. Holmes set the template for many of the serial killers who would follow, and his story serves as a chilling reminder of the evil that can lurk in plain sight.

We then move on to explore the case of the "Lonely Hearts Killers," a duo who operated in the 1940s and were responsible for the deaths of at least 17 people. Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck would place ads in lonely hearts columns, posing as wealthy suitors looking for love. When they found a victim who was vulnerable and willing to trust them, they would lure them into their clutches and eventually murder them. The case of the Lonely Hearts Killers shows how serial killing can be a team effort, and how predators can use the very human desire for companionship to lure their victims to their deaths.

The episode also looks at the case of Albert Fish, one of the most depraved serial killers in American history. Fish, who was active in the 1920s and 1930s, preyed on young children, whom he would torture, mutilate, and sometimes even cannibalize. He was known as the "Gray Man" because of his nondescript appearance, and his crimes shocked a nation still reeling from the horrors of World War I. The case of Albert Fish shows how monsters can walk among us, and how difficult it can be to identify and stop them before they inflict irreparable harm.

Throughout the episode, experts on serial killers provide insights into the psychology of these twisted individuals. We gain an understanding of the different factors that can lead someone to become a serial killer, from childhood abuse to brain abnormalities. We also learn about the methods that police and forensic experts use to catch serial killers, from profiling to DNA analysis. While the subject matter is grim, the episode is also a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Despite the evil that exists in the world, people continue to come together to fight it, whether through law enforcement, community awareness, or simply by refusing to be cowed by fear.

Overall, episode 3 of Becoming Evil: Serial Killers season 1 is a fascinating and sobering look at the roots of serial killing in America. Through a mix of historical narratives and expert analysis, viewers gain new insights into the mindset of these notorious criminals, as well as the efforts being made to stop them. While the subject matter is not for the faint of heart, the episode is sure to engage and captivate audiences with its chilling subject matter and expert storytelling.