Ep 6. Basic Instinct

In the sixth episode of season 6 of CopyCat Killers, titled Basic Instinct, the show delves into a disturbing phenomenon that has captivated true crime enthusiasts for decades- the copycat killer. This particular episode examines the case of Daniel Gonzalez, a British man who went on a killing spree in 2004, inspired by the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct.

The episode begins with a harrowing reenactment of Gonzalez's first murder- the killing of 68-year-old Derek Robinson. Robinson was an executive at a cardboard factory and had been out for his morning jog when Gonzalez, armed with various knives and a claw hammer, attacked him in a violent and frenzied assault.

Using archival footage and interviews with law enforcement officials, the show paints a picture of Gonzalez as a troubled and unstable individual. Born to a drug-addicted mother who abandoned him as a child, Gonzalez spent much of his young life in foster care. As he got older, he struggled with addiction and mental health issues, ultimately ending up homeless and living on the streets.

It was during this time that Gonzalez became obsessed with the movie Basic Instinct. The film, which centers around a seductive and manipulative crime novelist who may or may not have committed murder, seemed to speak to something deep within Gonzalez's psyche. He began to see himself as a character in the movie, adopting the name "Phoenix" and even dressing like the film's protagonist, Catherine Tramell, played by Sharon Stone.

But Gonzalez's fixation on Basic Instinct soon turned deadly. In the days and weeks following Robinson's murder, he went on a killing spree that left three more people dead and two others critically injured. All of the victims were chosen seemingly at random, and the attacks were extremely brutal and bloody.

As law enforcement scrambled to locate Gonzalez, the media began to draw comparisons between his crimes and those of the movie's fictional killer. This only seemed to fuel Gonzalez's delusions of grandeur, and he began to revel in the attention he was receiving.

Eventually, Gonzalez was apprehended after a high-speed chase through London. He was charged with four counts of murder and two of attempted murder, and ultimately pleaded guilty to all charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Throughout the episode, experts weigh in on the psychology of the copycat killer. They note that while not all copycat killers are inspired by films or media, many are drawn to the notoriety or sense of power that comes with emulating a famous murderer. In Gonzalez's case, it's clear that his obsession with Basic Instinct played a significant role in his heinous crimes.

As is typical with CopyCat Killers, the episode steers clear of sensationalizing or glorifying its subject matter. Instead, it presents an informative and engaging look into one of the most enduring and fascinating phenomena in true crime. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the complex and often troubling motivations behind copycat killers, as well as the devastating impact their actions have on the lives of innocent victims and their families.