Evil Lives Here Season 1 Episode 4 The Prophet

In season 1 episode 4 of Evil Lives Here titled "The Prophet," viewers are taken on a journey through the complex and disturbing relationship between a mother and her son. The episode begins with an interview with Yolanda Saldívar, who is infamous for killing popular Tejano singer Selena. Yolanda begins by explaining how she first met Selena and how their relationship developed. However, she soon admits that her obsession with Selena eventually led her to murder the young singer.

From there, the episode shifts focus to the main subject, a man named Brian David Mitchell. Brian's sister, Karen, explains that even when they were kids, something always seemed off about him. As they grew older, Brian's behavior became more and more erratic. He often spoke in religious terms and believed that he was a prophet called to spread the word of God. His family initially thought he was just going through a phase, but as he grew older, they realized he was truly unhinged.

Brian eventually became homeless and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with his mental illness. One fateful night, he broke into a home and kidnapped a 14-year-old girl named Elizabeth Smart. For nine months, he held her captive, repeatedly raping and abusing her. Elizabeth's parents and the authorities searched tirelessly for her, but it wasn't until a random encounter with a cop that Brian and his accomplice, Wanda Barzee, were finally caught and Elizabeth was rescued.

Throughout the episode, Karen recounts the terror her family experienced as they watched Brian's mental illness spiral out of control. He became more aggressive towards them, and they eventually had to obtain restraining orders to protect themselves. Despite their efforts to get him help, Brian remained convinced that he was a prophet and refused to seek treatment. Karen's story is an all-too-familiar one for those who have to deal with loved ones suffering from mental illness, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues.

Overall, "The Prophet" is a haunting episode that sheds light on the devastating effects of untreated mental illness. Brian David Mitchell's story is a cautionary tale, and the episode provides important insight into the warning signs of someone who may be suffering from a serious mental health issue. Viewers are left feeling both heartbroken and frustrated, as there were so many opportunities for Brian to get the help he needed, but he refused to acknowledge his illness. The episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health advocacy and the need to provide better support and resources for those struggling with mental illness.