Killers: Behind the Myth Season 2 Episode 1 The Freeway Killer

In season 2 episode 1 of Killers: Behind the Myth, entitled "The Freeway Killer," the show explores the life and crimes of William Bonin, one of Southern California's most notorious serial killers. Nicknamed the Freeway Killer, Bonin was responsible for the torture, rape, and murder of at least 21 young men in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Bonin's troubled childhood, marked by physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his alcoholic father. As a young man, Bonin was drafted into the Vietnam War, where he saw heavy combat and was wounded multiple times. Upon his return to civilian life, he struggled with PTSD and substance abuse, two factors that likely contributed to his later criminal behavior.

The bulk of the episode focuses on Bonin's killing spree, which lasted from 1979 to 1980. Bonin and his accomplices, collectively known as the "Freeway Killers," would pick up hitchhiking boys and young men, rape and torture them, and then murder them either by strangulation or by throwing them from moving vehicles. Much of this activity took place in and around the city of Los Angeles, hence the nickname.

Through interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, and family members of the victims, the show paints a vivid picture of the terror that Bonin and his cohorts unleashed on the community. One particularly chilling aspect of their crimes was the fact that, due to the high volume of transient youth in the area at the time, many of the victims' bodies went unidentified for years.

Interspersed with these interviews are dramatic re-creations of key events in Bonin's life and crimes. The show makes effective use of moody lighting and ominous music to create a sense of dread and unease throughout.

The final portion of the episode focuses on Bonin's eventual arrest and trial. It was a lengthy and complex process, involving multiple jurisdictions and a massive amount of forensic evidence. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement officials and victim advocates, Bonin was finally brought to justice and sentenced to death. He was executed by lethal injection in 1996.

Overall, "The Freeway Killer" is a harrowing and informative episode that sheds light on one of the most disturbing cases in modern American history. The show's commitment to thorough research and powerful storytelling make it a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the darker aspects of human psychology.