The Killer Speaks Season 1 Episode 10 Mordlust: Lawrence Tarbert
- January 1, 1970
- 40 min
The Killer Speaks is a thriller television series that explores the twisted minds of some of the most dangerous murderers in America. Each episode features a convicted killer detailing their heinous crimes and the twisted psychology that led them to commit them. Season 1, episode 10 of The Killer Speaks is titled "Mordlust: Lawrence Tarbert."
Lawrence Tarbert was a man who lived a double life. On the outside, he was a devout Christian and successful businessman, but in reality, he was a sadistic killer. Tarbert's story begins in the summer of 1982, when he picked up 15-year-old Kelly Gaffney while she was hitchhiking in Florida. Tarbert took Kelly back to his home, where he raped and strangled her, before disposing of her body in a nearby canal.
Tarbert's next victim was a 13-year-old girl named Cynthia McGee. In 1983, Tarbert lured Cynthia to his home under the guise of giving her a job cleaning his pool. Once there, Tarbert raped and murdered her, before dumping her body in a wooded area near his home.
Despite the fact that he had killed two young girls, Tarbert managed to remain free for several years. However, in 1996, he struck again, this time murdering a 51-year-old woman named Maria Pitts. Tarbert picked up Pitts outside of a Walmart in Lake Worth, Florida, before taking her to his home, where he raped and killed her. Tarbert once again disposed of the body in a nearby canal.
It wasn't until 1999 that Tarbert was finally caught and brought to justice. His downfall came when the bodies of Kelly Gaffney and Cynthia McGee were discovered near his home during the investigation into Maria Pitts' murder. Tarbert was arrested and ultimately convicted of all three murders. He was sentenced to death for the murder of Cynthia McGee, and is currently awaiting execution on Florida's death row.
In "Mordlust: Lawrence Tarbert," viewers follow Tarbert's story from the initial crimes all the way through his trial and conviction. Through interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, and psychologists, we gain a better understanding of Tarbert's twisted psychology and the factors that may have contributed to his violent behavior. The episode also features interviews with Tarbert himself, as he discusses his crimes and the motivations behind them.
One of the most interesting aspects of "Mordlust: Lawrence Tarbert" is the way it explores the dichotomy of Tarbert's public and private lives. On the surface, Tarbert appeared to be a devoted family man and a successful businessman. However, beneath the surface, he was a sadistic killer who preyed on vulnerable women and girls. Through interviews with Tarbert's friends and acquaintances, we learn that many people who knew him were completely shocked to learn the truth about his crimes.
Overall, "Mordlust: Lawrence Tarbert" is a chilling episode of The Killer Speaks that offers a disturbing look into the twisted mind of a serial killer. Viewers will be left wondering how someone like Tarbert could live among us for so long without anyone suspecting a thing. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good thriller, this episode is not to be missed.