It Takes a Killer Season 1 Episode 20 The Con Artist Killers

It Takes a Killer is a crime documentary series that delves deep into the minds of notorious serial killers and the investigators who bring them to justice. In season 1 episode 20, titled The Con Artist Killers, viewers are given an in-depth look at the case of two cunning killers who targeted vulnerable individuals for their own gain.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the charming and charismatic couple, Gerald and Charlene Gallego. The Gallegos were a husband and wife team who perpetrated a series of heinous crimes throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. The couple, who were initially married in 1975, quickly turned to conning vulnerable individuals out of money, property, and other valuables to fund their lavish lifestyle.

The Gallegos' first victim was a young woman named Brenda Judd, whom they met at a church in Sacramento, California. The couple convinced Judd to move in with them, promising her a job and a stable life. However, once she was under their control, they began to abuse her both physically and mentally. They forced her to participate in their criminal activities and eventually killed her when she threatened to go to the police.

Over the next few years, the Gallegos continued their reign of terror, luring vulnerable young women into their trap and forcing them to perform sexual acts with their male accomplices before killing them. In total, the couple is believed to have killed at least ten people, including several teenage girls.

The episode follows the investigation into the Gallegos' crimes, which led authorities all across the country as the couple moved from state to state to avoid detection. Viewers are given insight into the tenacity and skill of the law enforcement officers who ultimately brought the Gallegos to justice, as well as the emotional toll that the case took on the families of the victims.

What makes The Con Artist Killers such a compelling episode is the calculated and callous nature of the Gallegos' crimes. Not only did they deceive and manipulate their victims, but they also managed to evade authorities for years by constantly changing their appearance and identities. The episode highlights the devastating impact that these types of crimes can have, not just on the victims themselves but on their families and loved ones as well.

Overall, The Con Artist Killers is a chilling look into the mind of two of America's most notorious serial killers. Through interviews with law enforcement officers, family members of the victims, and other experts, viewers are given a comprehensive understanding of the mindset and tactics used by the Gallegos in their crimes. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and the tireless efforts of those who work to protect society from those who would do harm.