Ep 9. Dungeons, Dragons and Death

In Ice Cold Blood season 3 episode 9, titled "Dungeons, Dragons and Death," delves into the mysterious and shocking murder case of Florida gamer, Brian Zittlau. Zittlau, an avid Dungeons and Dragons player, was found dead in his apartment, with no apparent signs of forced entry or struggle.

The episode primarily focuses on the investigation led by Detective Tammy Grassi, who recounts the crime scene and the initial steps the detectives took to piece together what happened to Zittlau. Grassi highlights the peculiarities of the case, such as the fact that the victim's gaming console and TV were still running when they found him, suggesting that he was in the middle of a game.

The show also features interviews with the victim's relatives, who provide insight into Zittlau's life and interests, including his love for gaming. The episode explores how Zittlau had built a community with other D&D enthusiasts online, presenting a glimpse into the world of gaming subculture and its challenges. Moreover, many of his fellow gamers had predicted that something terrible was going to happen to him in the days leading up to his death.

As the investigation continued, the detectives discovered that the killer had taken several items from the victim's apartment, including his gaming console, mobile phone, and some cash. The robbery angle was ruled out relatively quickly by the police, given that the stolen items were of minimal value, and there were no signs of forced entry or struggle. There were no fingerprints or DNA evidence at the crime scene either, which made it challenging to trace the killer.

The police department handed Zittlau's mobile to forensic experts, who were able to uncover some critical clues that ultimately led to the arrest of the perpetrator. The show features interviews with the lead prosecutor for the case, who explains how they were able to piece together the evidence and build a compelling case against the accused.

"Dungeons, Dragons and Death" is a gripping episode that explores the fascinating world of gaming and the often-overlooked challenges gamers face. It is a compelling reminder that gaming communities are an essential part of our society, and their members deserve the same sense of security and protection as everyone else.