Ep 18. .22 Caliber Killer

In the second season, the FBI Files' 18th episode focuses on the '22 Caliber Killer,' a murderer who terrified the city of Los Angeles. The episode provides a gripping account of how the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) worked in collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to catch a serial killer responsible for at least 12 murders.

During the summer of 1985, Hollywood was rattled by a series of unsolved murders that followed the same modus operandi. The victims were all killed with a .22 caliber weapon with shots fired into their heads while they were asleep in their homes. The police had no leads, and the residents of the area worried about their safety.

In response to the homicides' horrifying nature, the FBI offered its expertise in profiling the killer. Through an investigation that extended to six months, FBI agents gained insight into the killer's behavior, method, and personality, based on the crime scenes and reviewed police reports.

The BAU concluded that the killer had a unique MO (modus operandi) of often targeting young women and systematically shooting them with a .22 caliber weapon. The team also observed that the perpetrator was patient, methodical, and motivated by the thrill of power and domination over the victims, deriving pleasure from their suffering. Therefore, the team predicted the killer to be narcissistic, arrogant, and possibly a peeping Tom with advanced skills in stalking.

The FBI was confident that their profile would enable the LAPD to narrow down the list of suspects, which would lead them to the individual responsible for the murders.

Soon after the FBI's involvement, a man named Carlo climbed into a young girl's bedroom, allegedly to perform a sexual act. He attempted to assault the victim, but she managed to escape and inform the police. The teenager provided the LAPD with Carlo's description, and he was promptly detained.

The LAPD scrutinized Carlo's background, and it was discovered that he had a history of burglary and petty theft. Moreover, his description matched the FBI's profile of the assailant, who was thought to have an average build and height, dark hair, and intelligent.

The FBI's involvement in profiling the killer led to the suspicion of Carlo, and further scrutiny only rendered more evidence confirming their suspicions. The FBI continued to work closely with the LAPD and provided them with necessary assistance and resources to identify and prosecute the killer.

Finally, forensics found gunshot residue on Carlo's clothing, linking him to the .22 caliber shootings. Further investigations of his car and home revealed the murder weapon, which closed the case conclusively.

The FBI files season 2 episode 18 provides a chilling account of a killer who eluded the police for months, carrying out his sick acts in the dark of night. It also highlights the FBI's dedication to capturing such perpetrators by collaborating with law enforcement agencies like the LAPD and using their ingenious profiling methods to create an accurate picture of the suspect's identity.