Ep 8. The Omen

CopyCat Killers is a thrilling crime show that explores some of the most heinous crimes committed by deranged criminals who were inspired by movies, TV shows, or other media. In season 4 episode 8, titled "The Omen," the show delves into the dark and twisted world of a man whose obsession with the horror movie "The Omen" led him to commit horrendous crimes.

The episode begins by describing the plot of the movie "The Omen," which was released in 1976 and tells the story of a young boy who is believed to be the Antichrist. The movie was a commercial and critical success and is considered a classic in the horror genre. However, for one man named Richard, the movie was more than just entertainment - it was an obsession that would have deadly consequences.

Richard was a troubled individual with a history of mental illness and a fascination with the occult. He had a difficult childhood and had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for most of his life. In 2006, Richard watched "The Omen" for the first time and became convinced that he was destined to carry out the same horrific acts as the character in the movie.

Over the next few months, Richard began to meticulously plan his crimes, taking inspiration from the plot of "The Omen." He started by stealing a car and buying a gun, which he would use to carry out his plan. He also started to adopt the mannerisms and behaviors of the character in the movie, believing that he was being possessed by the devil.

On the night of the murders, Richard put his plan into action. He drove to the home of a woman named Katie and her two children, whom he had never met before, and shot them all in cold blood. He then set the house on fire in an attempt to cover up the evidence and fled the scene.

The police soon identified Richard as the prime suspect in the murders and launched a manhunt to track him down. Richard went on the run, but his obsession with "The Omen" continued to drive him. He believed that he was on a divine mission to carry out more killings and started to leave cryptic messages for the police, hinting at his next moves.

The police eventually caught up with Richard and arrested him, and he was subsequently charged with three counts of murder. During his trial, it became clear that Richard's mental health had deteriorated to the point where he was no longer capable of distinguishing right from wrong. Nevertheless, he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The episode of CopyCat Killers paints a chilling portrait of the dangers of unchecked obsession and mental illness. Richard's fixation with "The Omen" ultimately led him down a dark and violent path that resulted in the loss of three innocent lives. The show serves as a sobering reminder of the power of media to influence our thoughts and actions, and of the importance of seeking help if one's mental health is at risk.