Ep 6. Walk into the Light

In the sixth and final episode of the first season of "I'll Be Gone in the Dark," titled "Walk into the Light," the focus shifts from the investigation into the Golden State Killer to the aftermath of the killer's arrest and the impact it had on the survivors and victims' families.

The episode begins with the news of the Golden State Killer's arrest spreading through the media, and the reactions of those who have been following the case for years. Author Michelle McNamara's husband, Patton Oswalt, talks about how he hopes the arrest will bring closure to his wife and everyone else involved in the case.

The episode then shifts to the survivors and victims' families, and their emotional reactions to the news. Many express relief and gratitude that the killer has finally been caught, but also acknowledge the trauma he inflicted on them and their loved ones.

We hear from several survivors, including Jane Carson-Sandler, who was raped by the Golden State Killer in 1976, and Margaret Wardlow, who was just 13 years old when the killer broke into her home and tied her up. They discuss how the news of the arrest has brought up difficult emotions and memories, but also given them a sense of closure and justice.

The episode also explores why it took so long to catch the Golden State Killer, and how advancements in DNA technology played a crucial role in his capture. We hear from investigators who worked on the case for years, and from forensic genealogist CeCe Moore, who helped identify the killer using DNA from a public genealogy website.

Finally, we see the impact that Michelle McNamara's book and the community of online sleuths had on the case. Her book, which was published posthumously, helped to bring renewed attention to the case and inspired a new generation of amateur investigators to delve into the evidence and share information online.

As the episode comes to a close, we see the survivors and victims' families gather together for a candlelight vigil to honor those who lost their lives at the hands of the Golden State Killer. They express gratitude for each other's support and for the justice that has been served, while acknowledging that their healing will be an ongoing process.

Overall, "Walk into the Light" is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the first season of "I'll Be Gone in the Dark," offering a moving tribute to the survivors and victims' families, and honoring the tireless work of the investigators and activists who helped bring the Golden State Killer to justice.