Ep 1. Killer Kids

Vice is a newsmagazine program that explores some of the most intriguing and disturbing stories from around the world. In season 1 episode 1, titled "Killer Kids," the focus is on children who commit murder.

From Columbine to Sandy Hook, we have all heard about the devastating shootings that have occurred at schools in the United States. But what about the children who pull the trigger? In "Killer Kids," Vice delves into the complex and often chilling world of juvenile offenders who have taken another life.

The episode opens with a disturbing montage of news footage featuring young killers. The narrator suggests that the prevalence of child killers is on the rise, before delving into a case study of a 14-year-old boy named Joshua Phillips.

In 1998, Phillips was found guilty of murdering his 8-year-old neighbor, Maddie Clifton. Maddie had been reported missing, and a massive search effort was launched to find her. Her body was eventually discovered hidden in Phillips' bed.

Vice speaks to Phillips' mother, who is still trying to come to terms with what her son did. She reveals that he was always a quiet boy who kept to himself. However, after Maddie was killed, she found a note in his room that detailed his plans to run away with her.

Phillips is now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole, and Vice speaks to him from prison. He admits to killing Maddie but denies that he ever intended to harm her. He suggests that it was an accident, and he panicked when he realized what had happened.

The episode also features an interview with Dr. Kent Kiehl, a neuropsychologist who has spent years studying the brains of juvenile offenders. He explains that there are certain neural pathways in the brain that are not fully formed in adolescence, which can make teenagers more impulsive and prone to risk-taking behavior.

Vice also travels to the UK to explore the case of the James Bulger murder. In 1993, 2-year-old James was abducted from a shopping center by two 10-year-old boys, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables. The boys then brutally killed James, leaving his body on a railway line.

The case shocked the world, and Thompson and Venables became the youngest convicted murderers in modern English history. They were released on parole in 2001, but Venables was later sent back to prison for possessing child pornography.

Vice speaks to the detective who led the investigation into James Bulger's murder. He reveals that the boys showed no remorse for what they had done and seemed to enjoy the attention they were getting from the media.

The episode ends with a look at a controversial program in California that is designed to rehabilitate juvenile offenders. The program, called Project Fatherhood, helps young fathers who are in prison develop parenting skills and build relationships with their children.

"Killer Kids" is a chilling and thought-provoking look at a topic that is both horrific and fascinating. Vice does an excellent job of exploring the psychology behind juvenile offenders and the impact that their crimes have on their families and communities. It is a must-see for anyone interested in true crime or the human psyche.