Ep 5. The Playboy Killer

As the fifth episode of the chilling true crime series I Lived with a Killer begins, we are introduced to a charming and magnetic figure named Craig Grant. Craig was a man who had it all - looks, charm, and a rapidly growing real estate business. But there was a dark side to Craig Grant that would soon be uncovered by the authorities.

We learn that, in the late 1970s, young women in the Los Angeles area were disappearing at an alarming rate. They were often found strangled to death and dumped in remote areas. The police were at a loss as to who was behind these heinous crimes, and the public was growing increasingly alarmed.

It wasn't until two women managed to escape from their captor and described him to police that the authorities had their first lead. They were able to identify him as none other than Craig Grant.

The Playboy Killer delves into the twisted mind of Craig Grant, who developed a pattern of luring young women into his car and then strangling them to death. We hear from those who knew him, including his former girlfriend Linda, who lived with him at the height of his killing spree. Linda tells us how charming and caring Craig could be, and how it was difficult to reconcile that person with the monster that he ultimately became.

The episode also includes interviews with law enforcement officials who worked on the case, including Detectives Tom Lange and Bob Souza, who were later made famous for their work on the O.J. Simpson case. We hear how difficult it was to catch Craig, given his good looks and smooth talking abilities. We also learn how they finally caught him, thanks to a writing sample that he gave during a job interview. The writing sample was a match to a ransom letter that had been sent to the family of one of his victims.

Throughout the episode, we see reenactments of Craig's crimes and hear from experts who offer insights into his psychology. We learn that Craig's desire for control and domination was likely fueled by feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. His crimes were a way for him to feel powerful and in control in a world where he often felt powerless.

The Playboy Killer is a harrowing look at one of Los Angeles' most notorious serial killers, and the toll that his crimes took on his victims, their families, and the community at large. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting strangers, and a reminder that true evil can lurk behind even the most charming and attractive façade.