Ep 9. The Grim Sleeper

In the season 1 episode 9 of People Magazine Investigates titled "The Grim Sleeper," viewers are taken on a journey to uncover the truth behind a notorious serial killer in Los Angeles.

Dubbed the Grim Sleeper due to a 14-year hiatus in his crimes, the killer is believed to have murdered at least ten women between 1985 and 2007. The episode begins by introducing viewers to the area in South Central Los Angeles where the crimes took place, a neighborhood known for its high crime rate.

The episode includes interviews with family members and friends of the victims, as well as law enforcement officials who worked tirelessly to solve the case. Viewers are also introduced to Lonnie Franklin Jr., the man ultimately arrested and charged with the murders.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a detailed account of the investigation, including how detectives connected the different murders and identified Franklin as a suspect. The episode also explores the difficulties that the police faced in solving the case, including the fact that many of the victims were prostitutes and drug addicts, making it difficult for their families to come forward with information.

As the investigation progressed, detectives utilized advancements in technology such as DNA testing to identify Franklin as a potential suspect. However, it wasn't until they were able to match DNA found at the crime scenes with Franklin's genetic profile that they were able to definitively identify him as the Grim Sleeper.

Interviews with Franklin's friends and family provide insight into his personality and behavior, leaving viewers to grapple with the question of what drives someone to commit such heinous crimes.

In addition to delving into the specifics of the investigation, the episode also highlights the impact of the Grim Sleeper's crimes on the community at large. Family members and loved ones recount the devastating effects that the murders had on their lives and the toll that the long investigation took on their mental health.

Overall, "The Grim Sleeper" offers a gripping and emotional look at a case that captivated the nation. Through interviews with those closest to the investigation, viewers are given a chance to understand the complexities of a serial killer case and the toll they take on the communities they affect.