On The Case With Paula Zahn Season 25 Episode 7 The Year of Fear

In season 25, episode 7 of On The Case With Paula Zahn, titled "The Year of Fear," Paula Zahn delves into the dark and disturbing events that shook the nation in 1977. Throughout that year, a string of heinous crimes occurred across the country, leaving many feeling anxious and fearful.

Zahn begins her investigation by exploring the notorious case of the Son of Sam. David Berkowitz, who came to be known as the Son of Sam, terrorized New York City for a year with a series of seemingly random shootings. Zahn interviews survivors of the attacks, law enforcement officials who worked on the case, and experts on psychology to understand how Berkowitz was able to evade the police for so long and the impact his crimes had on the city.

The episode also delves into the case of Patricia Hearst, the granddaughter of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who was kidnapped by a left-wing group known as the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) in February of 1974. Hearst was held captive for several months, during which time she was subjected to brainwashing tactics that eventually led to her taking part in a bank robbery with her captors. Zahn interviews Hearst's family members, as well as experts on Stockholm Syndrome, in order to understand the psychological impact of prolonged captivity and manipulation.

Another case featured in the episode is the Atlanta Child Murders. Between 1979 and 1981, a series of gruesome murders occurred in Atlanta, with the victims almost exclusively being children and teenagers. Despite a massive investigation that lasted several years and involved multiple law enforcement agencies, the killer was never definitively identified. Zahn explores the impact the murders had on the Atlanta community and speaks with investigators who are still working to solve the case today.

Finally, Zahn looks at the case of the Hillside Strangler. In the late 1970s, a series of brutal murders occurred in the hills of Los Angeles. The victims were all young women, and their deaths were characterized by particularly gruesome violence. The case was eventually solved with the arrest of two cousins, Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi. Zahn speaks with family members of the victims, as well as law enforcement officials who worked on the case, in order to understand the impact the murders had on the community and the lasting legacy of the investigation.

Overall, "The Year of Fear" is a chilling and thought-provoking episode that examines some of the most shocking crimes in recent American history. Through interviews with survivors, family members, and experts, Paula Zahn sheds light on the lasting impact these events had on the communities affected by them and asks important questions about the nature of violence, trauma, and justice.