Ep 7. When Good Meets Evil

In Pursuit with John Walsh is a riveting true crime documentary series that follows Walsh and his team of experts as they work tirelessly to track down and apprehend some of America's most elusive and dangerous criminals. For season 1 episode 7, titled "When Good Meets Evil," Walsh delves deep into the lives of criminals who seemed like perfectly normal people before they committed their heinous crimes.

The episode begins with a look at Cynthia Coates, a woman who seemed like the ideal wife and mother. However, behind closed doors, Cynthia had a dark secret. She was a con artist who preyed on vulnerable men, convincing them to invest in her bogus business ventures and leaving them in financial ruin. Her husband, Danny, was fully aware of her activities yet chose to turn a blind eye, even going so far as to assist Cynthia in some of her schemes.

Walsh and his team take the viewer on a journey through the twisted web of deceit created by Cynthia and Danny, showing how their actions harmed the lives of numerous innocent individuals. The episode provides insights into how Cynthia was able to manipulate her victims through her charm and persuasive tactics, revealing the psychology behind her crimes.

Next, the show focuses on the case of Delmer Smith, a man who altered his appearance so he could break into homes undetected and rape and rob the female occupants. Smith, who had previously been incarcerated for similar crimes, managed to convince his parole board he was a reformed man and was released back into society. However, his rehabilitation was short-lived as he continued to commit rapes and robberies.

Walsh and his team use their extensive knowledge and experience to show just how dangerous Smith was, tracking his every move and detailing how his crimes escalated in severity. The episode highlights how Smith's actions traumatized his victims, leaving them to deal with the psychological scars long after he had been apprehended.

The final segment of the episode focuses on the case of Herbert Mullin, a man who claimed that he killed sixteen people because he believed their deaths would prevent a massive earthquake from occurring. Mullin, a psychopath who suffered from untreated mental illness, committed his murders over a four-month period in 1972.

Walsh and his team comb through the details of Mullin's crimes, showing how he was able to slip under the radar of law enforcement and go on his killing spree. The episode offers insights into Mullin's disturbed mind, shining a light on the inner workings of a serial killer.

Throughout the episode, Walsh interweaves interviews with law enforcement officials, victims, and their families to provide context and depth to the cases. The show is both gripping and informative, delving into the psychology behind criminal behavior from the perspective of law enforcement professionals and victims.

Overall, In Pursuit with John Walsh season 1 episode 7, "When Good Meets Evil," is a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which seemingly ordinary individuals can commit horrific crimes. Walsh and his team dig deep into the cases, providing valuable insights into the minds of criminals and the impact of their actions on victims and their families. Anyone interested in true crime and the psychology of criminal behavior is sure to find this episode engaging and informative.