Original subtitles

- MALE NARRATOR: They are the most extreme killers

- MALE NARRATOR: They are the most extreme killers

in the annals of crime.

in the annals of crime.

- HAROLD: He made soup bowls from the skulls,

- HAROLD: He made soup bowls from the skulls,

- HAROLD: He made soup bowls from the skulls,

shade pulls from human lips.

shade pulls from human lips.

He made a belt out of female nipples.

He made a belt out of female nipples.

- NARRATOR: No predator is as deprived or blood thirsty.

- NARRATOR: No predator is as deprived or blood thirsty.

- NARRATOR: No predator is as deprived or blood thirsty.

- PETER: For someone like Jeffrey Dahmer

- PETER: For someone like Jeffrey Dahmer

who received such gratification

who received such gratification

that he continued to do it over and over and over again,

that he continued to do it over and over and over again,

that he continued to do it over and over and over again,

and likely would have done it forever.

and likely would have done it forever.

- NARRATOR: They are driven by the darkest impulses

- NARRATOR: They are driven by the darkest impulses

- NARRATOR: They are driven by the darkest impulses

and willing to destroy life to satisfy their compulsions.

and willing to destroy life to satisfy their compulsions.

and willing to destroy life to satisfy their compulsions.

- There were certain necrophilia sex killers

- There were certain necrophilia sex killers

who would murder victims and keep their corpses

who would murder victims and keep their corpses

who would murder victims and keep their corpses

to perform sexual acts on

to perform sexual acts on

until the corpses had reached an advanced state of decomposition.

until the corpses had reached an advanced state of decomposition.

until the corpses had reached an advanced state of decomposition.

until the corpses had reached an advanced state of decomposition.

- NARRATOR: These cold-blooded monsters

- NARRATOR: These cold-blooded monsters

are disconnected from reality.

are disconnected from reality.

Resorting to unspeakable acts to obey delusional orders.

Resorting to unspeakable acts to obey delusional orders.

Resorting to unspeakable acts to obey delusional orders.

- MALCOLM: His neighbor's dog

- MALCOLM: His neighbor's dog

was possessed by a demon

was possessed by a demon

and instructing him to go out and kill people.

and instructing him to go out and kill people.

- NARRATOR: What causes such a murderous defect

- NARRATOR: What causes such a murderous defect

in the human psyche?

in the human psyche?

- HAROLD: Every now and then a killer will come along

- HAROLD: Every now and then a killer will come along

- HAROLD: Every now and then a killer will come along

whose crime seems so monstrous

whose crime seems so monstrous

that they seem like these supernatural creatures.

that they seem like these supernatural creatures.

- NARRATOR: Now, the voices and visions of serial killers--

- NARRATOR: Now, the voices and visions of serial killers--

- NARRATOR: Now, the voices and visions of serial killers--

- MAN: I'm not quite sure when I'll strike again.

- MAN: I'm not quite sure when I'll strike again.

- MAN: I'm not quite sure when I'll strike again.

- NARRATOR: --take us deep inside

- NARRATOR: --take us deep inside

their complex and twisted minds.

their complex and twisted minds.

- ♪

- ♪

- ♪

- MALE ANNOUNCER: Police in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,

are examining some macabre evidence of mass murder.

are examining some macabre evidence of mass murder.

are examining some macabre evidence of mass murder.

are examining some macabre evidence of mass murder.

Parts of human bodies have been found

Parts of human bodies have been found

in a flat in one of the city's slums;

an acid bath containing human remains

an acid bath containing human remains

an acid bath containing human remains

and photographs of dismembered corpses.

and photographs of dismembered corpses.

- NARRATOR: July 22ND, 1991.

- NARRATOR: July 22ND, 1991.

- NARRATOR: July 22ND, 1991.

Milwaukee police raid the apartment

Milwaukee police raid the apartment

of 31-year-old, Jeffrey Dahmer.

of 31-year-old, Jeffrey Dahmer.

of 31-year-old, Jeffrey Dahmer.

- ANNOUNCER: Police think

- ANNOUNCER: Police think

they may be the remains of 15 victims

they may be the remains of 15 victims

of yet another so-called serial killer.

of yet another so-called serial killer.

- NARRATOR: Jeffrey Dahmer

is the now infamous serial killer

is the now infamous serial killer

known as the Milwaukee Cannibal.

known as the Milwaukee Cannibal.

known as the Milwaukee Cannibal.

From 1978 to 1991, he follows a terrifying pattern

From 1978 to 1991, he follows a terrifying pattern

From 1978 to 1991, he follows a terrifying pattern

of picking up, charming, raping, and murdering young men.

of picking up, charming, raping, and murdering young men.

of picking up, charming, raping, and murdering young men.

of picking up, charming, raping, and murdering young men.

Dahmer's first kill comes in 1978,

Dahmer's first kill comes in 1978,

Dahmer's first kill comes in 1978,

he picks up a hitchhiker named Steven Hicks.

he picks up a hitchhiker named Steven Hicks.

he picks up a hitchhiker named Steven Hicks.

After some beers, they have sex,

After some beers, they have sex,

but when Hicks wants to leave,

but when Hicks wants to leave,

Dahmer smashes his skull with a bar bell.

Dahmer smashes his skull with a bar bell.

Dahmer smashes his skull with a bar bell.

He then dismembers the corpse and stores the remains

He then dismembers the corpse and stores the remains

in the crawl space under his house.

in the crawl space under his house.

in the crawl space under his house.

Killing is not enough for Dahmer.

Killing is not enough for Dahmer.

Killing is not enough for Dahmer.

His crimes extend to necrophilia,

His crimes extend to necrophilia,

dismemberment and even cannibalism.

dismemberment and even cannibalism.

dismemberment and even cannibalism.

He keeps skulls and body parts as trophies in his house.

He keeps skulls and body parts as trophies in his house.

He keeps skulls and body parts as trophies in his house.

His ultimate plan

is to build a shrine with the bones of his victims.

is to build a shrine with the bones of his victims.

is to build a shrine with the bones of his victims.

- PETER: For someone like Jeffrey Dahmer

- PETER: For someone like Jeffrey Dahmer

who not only killed but cannibalized his victims,

who not only killed but cannibalized his victims,

who not only killed but cannibalized his victims,

who not only killed but cannibalized his victims,

I mean, he...received

I mean, he...received

I mean, he...received

such gratification from that

such gratification from that

that he continued to do it over and over and over again,

that he continued to do it over and over and over again,

that he continued to do it over and over and over again,

and likely would have done it forever until he'd been caught.

and likely would have done it forever until he'd been caught.

and likely would have done it forever until he'd been caught.

- NARRATOR: Crime reporter, Anne E. Schwartz,

- NARRATOR: Crime reporter, Anne E. Schwartz,

writes a book about the murders

and she vividly describes

what police find at the crime scene.

what police find at the crime scene.

what police find at the crime scene.

- ANNE: The crowd parted

- ANNE: The crowd parted

to make way for Milwaukee County Medical Examiner

to make way for Milwaukee County Medical Examiner

Jeffrey Jentzen's white station wagon.

Jeffrey Jentzen's white station wagon.

In the apartment, Jentzen went on about the business

In the apartment, Jentzen went on about the business

of rounding up the various body parts.

of rounding up the various body parts.

He took the three plastic bags containing human heads

He took the three plastic bags containing human heads

found in the top freezer portion of the refrigerator

found in the top freezer portion of the refrigerator

found in the top freezer portion of the refrigerator

and put them in another freezer.

and put them in another freezer.

Dahmer had a separate waist-high freezer

Dahmer had a separate waist-high freezer

in addition to the one that connected to the refrigerator.

in addition to the one that connected to the refrigerator.

Jentzen then took the head

Jentzen then took the head

Mueller had seen in the refrigerator

Mueller had seen in the refrigerator

and put it in a separate freezer with the three heads.

and put it in a separate freezer with the three heads.

He noted that next to the head in the refrigerator

He noted that next to the head in the refrigerator

was an open box of baking soda and some ketchup and mustard.

was an open box of baking soda and some ketchup and mustard.

was an open box of baking soda and some ketchup and mustard.

- NARRATOR: As his killing progresses,

- NARRATOR: As his killing progresses,

Dahmer attempts to create obedient zombies

Dahmer attempts to create obedient zombies

by drilling holes in victims heads,

by drilling holes in victims heads,

by drilling holes in victims heads,

and pouring in caustic chemicals.

and pouring in caustic chemicals.

and pouring in caustic chemicals.

The escape of a potential victim

eventually leads to the apprehension of Jeffrey Dahmer.

eventually leads to the apprehension of Jeffrey Dahmer.

eventually leads to the apprehension of Jeffrey Dahmer.

eventually leads to the apprehension of Jeffrey Dahmer.

Dahmer confesses to killing 17 men,

Dahmer confesses to killing 17 men,

Dahmer confesses to killing 17 men,

but he pleads not guilty on the grounds of insanity.

but he pleads not guilty on the grounds of insanity.

but he pleads not guilty on the grounds of insanity.

He claims to be psychotic.

He claims to be psychotic.

- The psychotic serial killer

- The psychotic serial killer

is somebody who's suffering from psychosis,

is somebody who's suffering from psychosis,

which is the break from reality

which is the break from reality

and having a lack of understanding

and having a lack of understanding

what's real and unreal,

what's real and unreal,

and yet being able to commit these serial murders

and yet being able to commit these serial murders

despite their psychosis.

despite their psychosis.

There are several manifestations of psychosis, such as

There are several manifestations of psychosis, such as

There are several manifestations of psychosis, such as

having thought disturbances, hallucinations

having thought disturbances, hallucinations

or even just not understanding

or even just not understanding

that what they are doing is occurring in the real world.

that what they are doing is occurring in the real world.

They may think that they are told to do something,

They may think that they are told to do something,

They may think that they are told to do something,

let's say, kill someone, because they're hearing voices

let's say, kill someone, because they're hearing voices

or they may see something that's not there

or they may see something that's not there

or they may see something that's not there

and choose to act upon it or kill someone because of it.

and choose to act upon it or kill someone because of it.

- Snap; a break from reality,

- Snap; a break from reality,

- Snap; a break from reality,

a loss of understanding and perspective

a loss of understanding and perspective

a loss of understanding and perspective

a loss of understanding and perspective

as to right and wrong;

as to right and wrong;

being driven by a passion

being driven by a passion

being driven by a passion

that one can not control,

that one can not control,

that one can not control,

a psychotic break.

a psychotic break.

So for that instant,

So for that instant,

when this individual engaged in behavior,

when this individual engaged in behavior,

when this individual engaged in behavior,

he lost complete control of what he was doing.

he lost complete control of what he was doing.

he lost complete control of what he was doing.

- NARRATOR: It's common for serial killers

- NARRATOR: It's common for serial killers

to claim to be psychotic.

to claim to be psychotic.

It's often an attempt to escape the death penalty

It's often an attempt to escape the death penalty

It's often an attempt to escape the death penalty

or serve their sentence in a mental hospital

or serve their sentence in a mental hospital

instead of a prison.

instead of a prison.

- From a legal stand point,

- From a legal stand point,

- From a legal stand point,

we get into the area of competency,

we get into the area of competency,

and what that means in a court of law

and what that means in a court of law

is whether or not someone understands

is whether or not someone understands

is whether or not someone understands

and appreciates what they did

and appreciates what they did

and appreciates what they did

and, most importantly, whether they knew it was wrong

and, most importantly, whether they knew it was wrong

and, most importantly, whether they knew it was wrong

and that's a decision

and that's a decision

that oftentimes is made by a judge.

that oftentimes is made by a judge.

- NARRATOR: After a 19-day trial,

- NARRATOR: After a 19-day trial,

the jury returns the verdict.

the jury returns the verdict.

Jeffrey Dahmer is found to be legally sane

Jeffrey Dahmer is found to be legally sane

Jeffrey Dahmer is found to be legally sane

and therefore, guilty.

and therefore, guilty.

and therefore, guilty.

He receives 16 life sentences,

He receives 16 life sentences,

but is beaten to death in prison by a fellow inmate in 1994.

but is beaten to death in prison by a fellow inmate in 1994.

but is beaten to death in prison by a fellow inmate in 1994.

but is beaten to death in prison by a fellow inmate in 1994.

So, was Dahmer able to understand right from wrong?

So, was Dahmer able to understand right from wrong?

So, was Dahmer able to understand right from wrong?

He carried on what seemed to be a normal life.

He carried on what seemed to be a normal life.

He carried on what seemed to be a normal life.

- ANNE: I don't think that any of us

- ANNE: I don't think that any of us

really knew how big this story was.

really knew how big this story was.

really knew how big this story was.

When I got the phone call,

When I got the phone call,

all I was told was that some officers

all I was told was that some officers

had found a head in the refrigerator

had found a head in the refrigerator

and that he had obviously been killing men

and that he had obviously been killing men

and that he had obviously been killing men

and kept some of their body parts.

That's all I knew, and I got all the way out there

That's all I knew, and I got all the way out there

That's all I knew, and I got all the way out there

and there was nothing there.

It was really quiet.

It was really quiet.

I asked a couple of the cops that were there

I asked a couple of the cops that were there

I asked a couple of the cops that were there

what was going on,

what was going on,

and they just shook their heads,

and they just shook their heads,

and eventually I was told that,

and eventually I was told that,

you know, that that was what was happening.

you know, that that was what was happening.

I went back around the front of the building

I went back around the front of the building

and was allowed in by one of the residents.

and was allowed in by one of the residents.

I ran upstairs and got in the apartment.

I ran upstairs and got in the apartment.

I ran upstairs and got in the apartment.

Uh, everyone always wants to know if--

Uh, everyone always wants to know if--

Uh, everyone always wants to know if--

you know, what it looked like

you know, what it looked like

and it doesn't look like a dungeon,

and it doesn't look like a dungeon,

it doesn't look like a chamber of horrors,

it doesn't look like a chamber of horrors,

it looks like a regular guy's apartment.

it looks like a regular guy's apartment.

- PETER: Jeffrey Dahmer, a serial killer,

- PETER: Jeffrey Dahmer, a serial killer,

someone who for an extended period of time

someone who for an extended period of time

someone who for an extended period of time

someone who for an extended period of time

creates a fantasy world

creates a fantasy world

creates a fantasy world

in which they are enjoying themselves.

in which they are enjoying themselves.

in which they are enjoying themselves.

They are thriving in that fantasy world;

They are thriving in that fantasy world;

They are thriving in that fantasy world;

still very often able to function in normal society

still very often able to function in normal society

still very often able to function in normal society

still very often able to function in normal society

as a regular person.

as a regular person.

as a regular person.

They live in reality and then they exit reality

They live in reality and then they exit reality

They live in reality and then they exit reality

and enter this world that they've created,

and enter this world that they've created,

and enter this world that they've created,

which could be driven by so many different factors,

which could be driven by so many different factors,

which could be driven by so many different factors,

sexual frustration, cannibalism, pornography,

sexual frustration, cannibalism, pornography,

sexual frustration, cannibalism, pornography,

things of that nature.

things of that nature.

- There are some individuals who are psychotic in nature,

- There are some individuals who are psychotic in nature,

- There are some individuals who are psychotic in nature,

who are being told by a voice outside of themselves

who are being told by a voice outside of themselves

who are being told by a voice outside of themselves

to go and kill somebody,

but they may be--again-- engaging in that act

but they may be--again-- engaging in that act

to fulfill that fantasy,

to fulfill that fantasy,

whatever that fantasy is of how to strangulate the person

whatever that fantasy is of how to strangulate the person

or how to hang them from a beam in the basement

or how to hang them from a beam in the basement

while they watch,

and they may exact pleasure from that,

and they may exact pleasure from that,

both sexual pleasure and gratification

both sexual pleasure and gratification

that they are able to control the life of somebody,

that they are able to control the life of somebody,

that they are able to control the life of somebody,

which gives them an immense amount of power.

which gives them an immense amount of power.

That I have the power to control whether you live or die,

That I have the power to control whether you live or die,

then they will watch them die.

then they will watch them die.

- NARRATOR: Are these monsters crazy or is there a clear motive

- NARRATOR: Are these monsters crazy or is there a clear motive

- NARRATOR: Are these monsters crazy or is there a clear motive

like a sexual craving or a need for power and control?

like a sexual craving or a need for power and control?

like a sexual craving or a need for power and control?

like a sexual craving or a need for power and control?

The question of whether

these extreme killers are legally sane

these extreme killers are legally sane

is a long standing debate.

is a long standing debate.

- MALCOLM: I think that what you'll often see

- MALCOLM: I think that what you'll often see

is there's basically, at least in New York,

is there's basically, at least in New York,

is there's basically, at least in New York,

a Litmus test for people

a Litmus test for people

a Litmus test for people

as far as the psychology of a murderer,

as far as the psychology of a murderer,

as far as the psychology of a murderer,

and basically what that is,

is does the person know that he's doing something wrong.

is does the person know that he's doing something wrong.

is does the person know that he's doing something wrong.

And he could be talking to the moon,

And he could be talking to the moon,

he may seem to think that he's a martian

he may seem to think that he's a martian

he may seem to think that he's a martian

or Napoleon Bonaparte,

but if he kills somebody

but if he kills somebody

and then he lies about it

and then he hides the murder weapon

and then he hides the murder weapon

and then he hides the murder weapon

and he conceals the blood and he bleaches the floor,

and he conceals the blood and he bleaches the floor,

and he conceals the blood and he bleaches the floor,

he knew what he did was wrong, so that's our Litmus test.

he knew what he did was wrong, so that's our Litmus test.

he knew what he did was wrong, so that's our Litmus test.

he knew what he did was wrong, so that's our Litmus test.

- NARRATOR: Sex and torture

are common elements of serial murderers,

are common elements of serial murderers,

are common elements of serial murderers,

but with psychotic killers,

these components are not always involved,

these components are not always involved,

like in the gruesome case of Ed Gein.

like in the gruesome case of Ed Gein.

like in the gruesome case of Ed Gein.

- ANNOUNCER: It was a crime that shocked the small town

- ANNOUNCER: It was a crime that shocked the small town

of Plainfield, Wisconsin and the country.

of Plainfield, Wisconsin and the country.

Edward Gein, accused of killing a woman

Edward Gein, accused of killing a woman

then gutting her body like a slaughtered deer.

then gutting her body like a slaughtered deer.

then gutting her body like a slaughtered deer.

- NARRATOR: Ed Gein executes his victims swiftly

- NARRATOR: Ed Gein executes his victims swiftly

without torture or sexual contact.

without torture or sexual contact.

without torture or sexual contact.

He eventually confesses to two murders,

He eventually confesses to two murders,

He eventually confesses to two murders,

but it's unknown just how many people he kills.

but it's unknown just how many people he kills.

but it's unknown just how many people he kills.

These crimes originate from an unfathomable darkness.

These crimes originate from an unfathomable darkness.

These crimes originate from an unfathomable darkness.

A depravity that earns him the name

A depravity that earns him the name

The Ghoul of Plainfield.

The Ghoul of Plainfield.

The Ghoul of Plainfield.

- There are all kinds of horrific crimes that take place,

- There are all kinds of horrific crimes that take place,

but there are just a few killers that come along, periodically,

but there are just a few killers that come along, periodically,

but there are just a few killers that come along, periodically,

but there are just a few killers that come along, periodically,

whose crimes seem so monstrous

whose crimes seem so monstrous

that they seem like these supernatural creatures.

that they seem like these supernatural creatures.

that they seem like these supernatural creatures.

Ed Gein was a necrophiliac serial killer

Ed Gein was a necrophiliac serial killer

Ed Gein was a necrophiliac serial killer

who lived and operated in Wisconsin in the 1950s.

who lived and operated in Wisconsin in the 1950s.

who lived and operated in Wisconsin in the 1950s.

who lived and operated in Wisconsin in the 1950s.

- NARRATOR: The repugnant nature of his crimes

- NARRATOR: The repugnant nature of his crimes

horrify and shock puritanical America in the 1950s

horrify and shock puritanical America in the 1950s

horrify and shock puritanical America in the 1950s

horrify and shock puritanical America in the 1950s

and truly leaves the small town of less than 700 residences

and truly leaves the small town of less than 700 residences

and truly leaves the small town of less than 700 residences

with more questions than answers.

with more questions than answers.

- HAROLD: Gein would read the newspapers,

- HAROLD: Gein would read the newspapers,

the obituary section,

and whenever some middle-aged or elderly woman

and whenever some middle-aged or elderly woman

had died and got buried,

had died and got buried,

he would make these midnight raids on the cemetery.

he would make these midnight raids on the cemetery.

he would make these midnight raids on the cemetery.

he would make these midnight raids on the cemetery.

He would dig up the bodies of these women,

He would dig up the bodies of these women,

bring the corpses back to his farmhouse,

bring the corpses back to his farmhouse,

dissect them, make different kinds of household objects

dissect them, make different kinds of household objects

dissect them, make different kinds of household objects

dissect them, make different kinds of household objects

out of the body parts.

He made soup bowls from the skulls.

He made soup bowls from the skulls.

He made soup bowls from the skulls.

Uh, he made shade pulls from human lips.

Uh, he made shade pulls from human lips.

Uh, he made shade pulls from human lips.

Uh, he made a belt out of female nipples.

Uh, he made a belt out of female nipples.

He would upholster chairs out of their flesh,

He would upholster chairs out of their flesh,

He would upholster chairs out of their flesh,

but very, very notoriously, he filleted the corpses

but very, very notoriously, he filleted the corpses

but very, very notoriously, he filleted the corpses

but very, very notoriously, he filleted the corpses

and fashioned them into a skin suit

and fashioned them into a skin suit

and he would dress up in this skin suit

and he would dress up in this skin suit

and he would dress up in this skin suit

and pretend to be his own mother.

and pretend to be his own mother.

- NARRATOR: A recurring theme

- NARRATOR: A recurring theme

in the psychology of serial killers

in the psychology of serial killers

is a deeply dysfunctional childhood.

is a deeply dysfunctional childhood.

is a deeply dysfunctional childhood.

Ed Gein's father was an alcoholic and often absent,

Ed Gein's father was an alcoholic and often absent,

Ed Gein's father was an alcoholic and often absent,

so Gein was isolated

with his domineering and devotedly religious mother.

with his domineering and devotedly religious mother.

with his domineering and devotedly religious mother.

She preached to her boys

about the innate immorality of the world

about the innate immorality of the world

and her belief that all women were naturally promiscuous.

and her belief that all women were naturally promiscuous.

and her belief that all women were naturally promiscuous.

and her belief that all women were naturally promiscuous.

- Ed Gein was interested also

- Ed Gein was interested also

in so far as he had a pathological attachment

in so far as he had a pathological attachment

in so far as he had a pathological attachment

as a Schizophrenic young person to his mother

as a Schizophrenic young person to his mother

as a Schizophrenic young person to his mother

and when the mother died,

it's then that he embarked on his career

it's then that he embarked on his career

of doing these terrible things

of doing these terrible things

as though he was now reattached to his mother.

as though he was now reattached to his mother.

His mother hadn't really died,

His mother hadn't really died,

His mother hadn't really died,

even though she was actually a very wicked person to him.

even though she was actually a very wicked person to him.

She was very cruel to him, but nevertheless,

She was very cruel to him, but nevertheless,

She was very cruel to him, but nevertheless,

it was the only human tie that he had.

it was the only human tie that he had.

it was the only human tie that he had.

- GARY: Ed Gein, who has this kind of

bizarre quasi-psychotic, inadequate personality,

bizarre quasi-psychotic, inadequate personality,

bizarre quasi-psychotic, inadequate personality,

trying to create his suit,

trying to create his suit,

but he was also, when analyzed by professionals,

but he was also, when analyzed by professionals,

but he was also, when analyzed by professionals,

was also found to have distinct psychopathic features

was also found to have distinct psychopathic features

was also found to have distinct psychopathic features

mixed in with the psychotic qualities.

mixed in with the psychotic qualities.

- NARRATOR: Gein is apprehended

- NARRATOR: Gein is apprehended

after abducting and murdering Bernice Worden.

after abducting and murdering Bernice Worden.

He kidnapped her at the hardware store she owned.

He kidnapped her at the hardware store she owned.

Her decapitated body is found in Gein's shed

Her decapitated body is found in Gein's shed

Her decapitated body is found in Gein's shed

with her torso dressed out like a deer.

with her torso dressed out like a deer.

with her torso dressed out like a deer.

Gein later admits to making about 40 nocturnal visits

Gein later admits to making about 40 nocturnal visits

to local graveyards in a daze-like state.

to local graveyards in a daze-like state.

to local graveyards in a daze-like state.

to local graveyards in a daze-like state.

In 1968, Edward Gein is found guilty of murder,

In 1968, Edward Gein is found guilty of murder,

In 1968, Edward Gein is found guilty of murder,

but he's judged legally insane

but he's judged legally insane

and is remanded to a psychiatric institution,

and is remanded to a psychiatric institution,

and is remanded to a psychiatric institution,

where he dies in 1984.

where he dies in 1984.

Gein's heinous crimes

Gein's heinous crimes

leave a permanent scar on the American psyche.

leave a permanent scar on the American psyche.

leave a permanent scar on the American psyche.

The sensational nature of his acts

The sensational nature of his acts

also fuels a morbid fascination

also fuels a morbid fascination

that spawns many books and movies.

that spawns many books and movies.

that spawns many books and movies.

- Ed Gein, who was the inspiration,

- Ed Gein, who was the inspiration,

- Ed Gein, who was the inspiration,

not only for Norman Bates and Leatherface

not only for Norman Bates and Leatherface

not only for Norman Bates and Leatherface

in "Texas Chainsaw Massacre",

in "Texas Chainsaw Massacre",

but also the character Buffalo Bill

but also the character Buffalo Bill

in "Silence of the Lambs".

in "Silence of the Lambs".

in "Silence of the Lambs".

One thing that fascinated me

One thing that fascinated me

when I first began to write about people like Ed Gein,

when I first began to write about people like Ed Gein,

when I first began to write about people like Ed Gein,

was how these stories are immediately turned

was how these stories are immediately turned

into different kinds of folk tales and myths.

into different kinds of folk tales and myths.

into different kinds of folk tales and myths.

They become these undying, immortal monsters

They become these undying, immortal monsters

in our collective psyche.

in our collective psyche.

- NARRATOR: Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein's horrific crimes

- NARRATOR: Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein's horrific crimes

- NARRATOR: Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein's horrific crimes

shock their hometowns,

shock their hometowns,

shock their hometowns,

but there is another extreme killer

but there is another extreme killer

who terrifies an entire nation.

who terrifies an entire nation.

- NARRATOR: Psychotic killers have gone down

- NARRATOR: Psychotic killers have gone down

as some of the most infamous and depraved murderers

as some of the most infamous and depraved murderers

as some of the most infamous and depraved murderers

in the history of crime.

in the history of crime.

Their homicides have included despicable acts

Their homicides have included despicable acts

like dismemberment, necrophilia, and cannibalism,

like dismemberment, necrophilia, and cannibalism,

like dismemberment, necrophilia, and cannibalism,

but contrary to popular myth,

but contrary to popular myth,

serial killers genuinely influenced by psychotic visions

serial killers genuinely influenced by psychotic visions

are extremely rare.

are extremely rare.

are extremely rare.

- I think one of the most important myths

- I think one of the most important myths

for us to explode

is the idea that people who commit serial murder

is the idea that people who commit serial murder

must all be quote, unquote crazy, um, or evil, you know,

must all be quote, unquote crazy, um, or evil, you know,

must all be quote, unquote crazy, um, or evil, you know,

from dust to dawn, all day long, committing evil acts.

from dust to dawn, all day long, committing evil acts.

from dust to dawn, all day long, committing evil acts.

The reality is, very few of these individuals

The reality is, very few of these individuals

are actually gonna meet criteria for serious mental illness

are actually gonna meet criteria for serious mental illness

are actually gonna meet criteria for serious mental illness

such as psychosis or mania.

such as psychosis or mania.

- NARRATOR: Only a very small percentage of serial killers,

- NARRATOR: Only a very small percentage of serial killers,

- NARRATOR: Only a very small percentage of serial killers,

less than 1%, are judged to be legally insane.

less than 1%, are judged to be legally insane.

less than 1%, are judged to be legally insane.

Despite the rarity of psychotic serial killers,

Despite the rarity of psychotic serial killers,

there have been notable cases.

there have been notable cases.

there have been notable cases.

Serial killer, Herbert Mullin, was ruled insane

Serial killer, Herbert Mullin, was ruled insane

when he murdered 10 people in the 1970s.

when he murdered 10 people in the 1970s.

when he murdered 10 people in the 1970s.

Mullin hears voices emanating from his victims;

Mullin hears voices emanating from his victims;

Mullin hears voices emanating from his victims;

convincing him the crimes are necessary

convincing him the crimes are necessary

to prevent catastrophic earthquakes in California.

to prevent catastrophic earthquakes in California.

to prevent catastrophic earthquakes in California.

Richard Chase, known as the vampire of Sacramento,

Richard Chase, known as the vampire of Sacramento,

is also a bonafide psychotic.

is also a bonafide psychotic.

is also a bonafide psychotic.

He believes Nazis with ties to UFOs

He believes Nazis with ties to UFOs

He believes Nazis with ties to UFOs

are attempting to turn his blood into powder.

are attempting to turn his blood into powder.

The antidote is drinking more blood.

The antidote is drinking more blood.

The antidote is drinking more blood.

Chase often swallows an elixir of Coca-Cola

Chase often swallows an elixir of Coca-Cola

Chase often swallows an elixir of Coca-Cola

and animal entrails

and injects rabbit's blood into his own veins.

and injects rabbit's blood into his own veins.

and injects rabbit's blood into his own veins.

In the late 1970s,

Chase horribly slaughters six people, including a baby,

Chase horribly slaughters six people, including a baby,

Chase horribly slaughters six people, including a baby,

and drinks his victims' blood.

and drinks his victims' blood.

and drinks his victims' blood.

- Psychosis is certainly a serious mental disturbance.

- Psychosis is certainly a serious mental disturbance.

- Psychosis is certainly a serious mental disturbance.

It's a genuine mental illness.

This is the kind of mental illness where, you know,

This is the kind of mental illness where, you know,

you might hear voices in your head or you'll have--

you might hear voices in your head or you'll have--

there are delusional elements to what's going on

there are delusional elements to what's going on

and you might believe that you have to do things,

and you might believe that you have to do things,

I mean, you know, there's psychosis

I mean, you know, there's psychosis

that might bring with it a certain degree of paranoia,

that might bring with it a certain degree of paranoia,

you know, "Somebody's chasing me," or "I have--you know,

you know, "Somebody's chasing me," or "I have--you know,

you know, "Somebody's chasing me," or "I have--you know,

"God's told me to go and kill

"God's told me to go and kill

a certain kind of class of persons."

a certain kind of class of persons."

- HAROLD: More interesting question that people often ask

- HAROLD: More interesting question that people often ask

is are serial killers insane?

is are serial killers insane?

is are serial killers insane?

It's important to recognize that sanity and insanity

It's important to recognize that sanity and insanity

It's important to recognize that sanity and insanity

are not clinical terms, they're legal terms,

are not clinical terms, they're legal terms,

so it's very, very difficult to prove that a serial killer,

so it's very, very difficult to prove that a serial killer,

so it's very, very difficult to prove that a serial killer,

so it's very, very difficult to prove that a serial killer,

even though the acts he commits seem totally mad, is insane,

even though the acts he commits seem totally mad, is insane,

even though the acts he commits seem totally mad, is insane,

even though the acts he commits seem totally mad, is insane,

because the legal definition of sanity is,

because the legal definition of sanity is,

because the legal definition of sanity is,

you can tell the difference between right and wrong.

you can tell the difference between right and wrong.

you can tell the difference between right and wrong.

- [clock ticking]

- [clock ticking]

- [clock ticking]

- NARRATOR: David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam serial killer,

- NARRATOR: David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam serial killer,

launched a 13-month reign of terror in New York City

launched a 13-month reign of terror in New York City

launched a 13-month reign of terror in New York City

beginning in July 1976.

beginning in July 1976.

- [police sirens blasting]

- [police sirens blasting]

- NARRATOR: Berkowitz used a 44-caliber pistol

- NARRATOR: Berkowitz used a 44-caliber pistol

to kill six people and wound seven more

to kill six people and wound seven more

in random attacks.

in random attacks.

His victims of choice appear to be

His victims of choice appear to be

young women with long, dark hair.

young women with long, dark hair.

young women with long, dark hair.

Donna Lauria and Jody Valenti

Donna Lauria and Jody Valenti

are shot while chatting in a car.

are shot while chatting in a car.

Donna DeMasi and Joanne Lomino are victimized

Donna DeMasi and Joanne Lomino are victimized

Donna DeMasi and Joanne Lomino are victimized

while sitting together on the stoop of a house.

while sitting together on the stoop of a house.

Berkowitz says the Sam in his nickname

Berkowitz says the Sam in his nickname

comes from his neighbor, Sam Carr.

comes from his neighbor, Sam Carr.

comes from his neighbor, Sam Carr.

He claims Sam is a high demon

He claims Sam is a high demon

who transmits voice commands through his dog,

who transmits voice commands through his dog,

who transmits voice commands through his dog,

ordering the murders.

ordering the murders.

- I think that David Berkowitz is quite possibly

- I think that David Berkowitz is quite possibly

a revenge-motivated serial killer.

a revenge-motivated serial killer.

I am suspect about whether he really believes

I am suspect about whether he really believes

I am suspect about whether he really believes

that Sam Carr's dog was demonic and speaking to him,

that Sam Carr's dog was demonic and speaking to him,

that Sam Carr's dog was demonic and speaking to him,

and I suspect that

and I suspect that

he was gaining his...satisfaction

he was gaining his...satisfaction

he was gaining his...satisfaction

he was gaining his...satisfaction

from taking revenge against women.

from taking revenge against women.

This was a terribly lonely man.

This was a terribly lonely man.

This was a terribly lonely man.

David Berkowitz worked in the post office

David Berkowitz worked in the post office

David Berkowitz worked in the post office

on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx.

on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx.

It's a huge, beautiful, granite building,

It's a huge, beautiful, granite building,

It's a huge, beautiful, granite building,

and here's this man who's alienated,

and here's this man who's alienated,

doesn't have a girlfriend.

He has this flood of mail that's coming through this building;

He has this flood of mail that's coming through this building;

He has this flood of mail that's coming through this building;

a tidal wave of human connection.

a tidal wave of human connection.

a tidal wave of human connection.

Birthday cards, Valentine's Day cards,

Birthday cards, Valentine's Day cards,

love letters,

all this human connection is flowing around him

all this human connection is flowing around him

all this human connection is flowing around him

and there he is, alone.

and there he is, alone.

He's completely alone

He's completely alone

and he quite possibly was very angry

and he quite possibly was very angry

at all the beautiful women walking past him

at all the beautiful women walking past him

on the sidewalk on the Grand Concourse.

on the sidewalk on the Grand Concourse.

He was going into lovers lanes and shooting lovers.

He was going into lovers lanes and shooting lovers.

He was going after pretty women walking down the sidewalk.

He was going after pretty women walking down the sidewalk.

He was going after pretty women walking down the sidewalk.

This has all the ear marks of someone taking revenge

This has all the ear marks of someone taking revenge

This has all the ear marks of someone taking revenge

against that alienation, against that separation.

against that alienation, against that separation.

against that alienation, against that separation.

- NARRATOR: Reiman believes that like many serial killers,

- NARRATOR: Reiman believes that like many serial killers,

Berkowitz was faking his psychosis.

Berkowitz was faking his psychosis.

Berkowitz was faking his psychosis.

- MALCOLM: If you see some of the statements,

- MALCOLM: If you see some of the statements,

- MALCOLM: If you see some of the statements,

he was talking about his neighbor's dog

he was talking about his neighbor's dog

he was talking about his neighbor's dog

was possessed by a demon

and instructing him to go out and kill people.

and instructing him to go out and kill people.

and instructing him to go out and kill people.

Um, it would seem as if all of a sudden

Um, it would seem as if all of a sudden

these demonic voices ceased upon his arrest

these demonic voices ceased upon his arrest

these demonic voices ceased upon his arrest

and his incarceration,

and his incarceration,

making it somewhat...suspect that's really what it was.

making it somewhat...suspect that's really what it was.

making it somewhat...suspect that's really what it was.

making it somewhat...suspect that's really what it was.

I think that you'll often see with serial killers

I think that you'll often see with serial killers

that they will...make excuses

that they will...make excuses

that they will...make excuses

for...their murderous crimes.

for...their murderous crimes.

You'll see them blame it on something or somebody

You'll see them blame it on something or somebody

or an entity,

or an entity,

make up an entity like Sam Carr's dog.

make up an entity like Sam Carr's dog.

make up an entity like Sam Carr's dog.

- DR. FOX: A lot of people assume

that they're all psychotic or crazy,

that they're all psychotic or crazy,

that they're all psychotic or crazy,

but if you think about it,

but if you think about it,

if you are mentally impaired,

if you are mentally impaired,

it's actually a lot more difficult to function,

it's actually a lot more difficult to function,

let alone commit these types of crimes

let alone commit these types of crimes

which leave a lot of evidence behind,

which leave a lot of evidence behind,

which are very difficult to commit

which are very difficult to commit

and be able to do it so often

and be able to do it so often

that they're able to gain serial killer status,

that they're able to gain serial killer status,

so if you think about it,

so if you think about it,

it's actually very difficult to be mentally impaired

it's actually very difficult to be mentally impaired

and commit these types of crimes,

and commit these types of crimes,

but, that being said,

but, that being said,

psychopathy is very common among serial killers.

psychopathy is very common among serial killers.

psychopathy is very common among serial killers.

- NARRATOR: Psychopathy is a complex disorder

- NARRATOR: Psychopathy is a complex disorder

that has been recognized for centuries.

that has been recognized for centuries.

- HAROLD: They use to call it moral insanity

- HAROLD: They use to call it moral insanity

back in the 19th century, again, when they had serial killers--

back in the 19th century, again, when they had serial killers--

back in the 19th century, again, when they had serial killers--

and before they had the term psychopath--you know,

and before they had the term psychopath--you know,

they would try to figure out the psychology of these people

they would try to figure out the psychology of these people

because these were people who were very rational

because these were people who were very rational

and often very intelligent.

and often very intelligent.

They were not subject to delusions or hallucinations,

They were not subject to delusions or hallucinations,

but they seemed just like you and me

except they had no morality, they had no conscience,

except they had no morality, they had no conscience,

except they had no morality, they had no conscience,

except they had no morality, they had no conscience,

they had no ability to empathize with other human beings.

they had no ability to empathize with other human beings.

You know, they saw other human beings merely as objects

You know, they saw other human beings merely as objects

to be exploited and used for their own depraved pleasures.

to be exploited and used for their own depraved pleasures.

- NARRATOR: In the 1880s, German psychiatrist,

- NARRATOR: In the 1880s, German psychiatrist,

- NARRATOR: In the 1880s, German psychiatrist,

Richard von Krafft-Ebing,

wrote the classic textbook, "Psychopathia Sexualis".

wrote the classic textbook, "Psychopathia Sexualis".

wrote the classic textbook, "Psychopathia Sexualis".

- HAROLD: And it is a very, very shocking book in many ways,

- HAROLD: And it is a very, very shocking book in many ways,

because Krafft-Ebing is very, very graphic in his description

because Krafft-Ebing is very, very graphic in his description

because Krafft-Ebing is very, very graphic in his description

of the kind of acts of the criminals he talks about,

of the kind of acts of the criminals he talks about,

of the kind of acts of the criminals he talks about,

and again, some of them,

and again, some of them,

even nowadays are really beyond the pail.

even nowadays are really beyond the pail.

even nowadays are really beyond the pail.

There were certain necrophilia sex killers, for example,

There were certain necrophilia sex killers, for example,

There were certain necrophilia sex killers, for example,

who would murder victims and keep their corpses with them

who would murder victims and keep their corpses with them

who would murder victims and keep their corpses with them

who would murder victims and keep their corpses with them

to perform sexual acts on until the corpses had reached

to perform sexual acts on until the corpses had reached

to perform sexual acts on until the corpses had reached

an advanced state of decomposition.

an advanced state of decomposition.

an advanced state of decomposition.

- NARRATOR: The book even describes

- NARRATOR: The book even describes

the Jack The Ripper case

the Jack The Ripper case

while the crime is still fresh in the news.

while the crime is still fresh in the news.

- ♪

- ♪

- ♪

- ANNOUNCER: The bodies of women were found

- ANNOUNCER: The bodies of women were found

in various lonely quarters of London

in various lonely quarters of London

ripped open and mutilated.

ripped open and mutilated.

It is probable that he first cut the throats of his victims,

It is probable that he first cut the throats of his victims,

then ripped open the abdomen and groped among the intestines.

then ripped open the abdomen and groped among the intestines.

then ripped open the abdomen and groped among the intestines.

In some instances, he cut off the genitals

In some instances, he cut off the genitals

and carried them away,

and carried them away,

in others, he only tore them to pieces and left them behind.

in others, he only tore them to pieces and left them behind.

in others, he only tore them to pieces and left them behind.

He does not seem

to have had sexual intercourse with his victims,

to have had sexual intercourse with his victims,

to have had sexual intercourse with his victims,

but very likely,

the murderous act and subsequent mutilation of the corpse

the murderous act and subsequent mutilation of the corpse

were equivalence for the sexual act.

were equivalence for the sexual act.

- ♪

- ♪

- ♪

- NARRATOR: The crimes of Jack The Ripper

- NARRATOR: The crimes of Jack The Ripper

terrorized London,

terrorized London,

but a century after his heinous crimes,

but a century after his heinous crimes,

a new serial killer strikes fear throughout the nation.

a new serial killer strikes fear throughout the nation.

a new serial killer strikes fear throughout the nation.

A maniac known as the Yorkshire Ripper.

A maniac known as the Yorkshire Ripper.

A maniac known as the Yorkshire Ripper.

- NARRATOR: Many extreme serial killers

- NARRATOR: Many extreme serial killers

perform unspeakable acts.

perform unspeakable acts.

A great challenge for investigators,

A great challenge for investigators,

psychiatrists and the courts,

psychiatrists and the courts,

is to determine if these murderers are legally insane.

is to determine if these murderers are legally insane.

is to determine if these murderers are legally insane.

is to determine if these murderers are legally insane.

To unlock this complex puzzle,

To unlock this complex puzzle,

they often look to the offenders' childhoods

they often look to the offenders' childhoods

to determine how they became such monsters.

to determine how they became such monsters.

to determine how they became such monsters.

to determine how they became such monsters.

Research shows that as children,

Research shows that as children,

they often suffered significant abuse,

they often suffered significant abuse,

sometimes psychological, sometimes physical,

sometimes psychological, sometimes physical,

sometimes psychological, sometimes physical,

often sexual.

often sexual.

There was usually a long history of psychiatric problems,

There was usually a long history of psychiatric problems,

There was usually a long history of psychiatric problems,

criminal behavior and alcoholism within the family.

criminal behavior and alcoholism within the family.

- Often they might share disrupted or broken childhoods

- Often they might share disrupted or broken childhoods

- Often they might share disrupted or broken childhoods

in the sense that their family lives,

in the sense that their family lives,

their socialization patterns are atypical,

their socialization patterns are atypical,

their socialization patterns are atypical,

they're not common;

they're not common;

perhaps a family breakdown, family violence,

perhaps a family breakdown, family violence,

perhaps a family breakdown, family violence,

all those sorts of things.

all those sorts of things.

- NARRATOR: Jeffrey Dahmer

claims to have been sexually abused by his neighbor

claims to have been sexually abused by his neighbor

claims to have been sexually abused by his neighbor

when he was ten years old.

His parents were constantly fighting

and divorced when he was 17.

and divorced when he was 17.

and divorced when he was 17.

Both his mother and father moved out,

Both his mother and father moved out,

leaving Dahmer alone with his growing paranoia

leaving Dahmer alone with his growing paranoia

and terrible fantasies.

and terrible fantasies.

- Clearly, what's operating there

- Clearly, what's operating there

is what we would tend to call these days, a paraphilia.

is what we would tend to call these days, a paraphilia.

is what we would tend to call these days, a paraphilia.

That kind of sexual preference

That kind of sexual preference

may not emerge until the teens, early teens, or late teens

may not emerge until the teens, early teens, or late teens

may not emerge until the teens, early teens, or late teens

and that's partly might be derived from experimentation,

and that's partly might be derived from experimentation,

and that's partly might be derived from experimentation,

so--

and it might also different kinds of emotional reactions,

and it might also different kinds of emotional reactions,

and it might also different kinds of emotional reactions,

so the teenage years,

so the teenage years,

the years when we develop our kind of courtship and our--

the years when we develop our kind of courtship and our--

and our sexual relationships with others,

and our sexual relationships with others,

and our sexual relationships with others,

that can be a very disturbing, period,

that can be a very disturbing, period,

and it can of course go awry.

and it can of course go awry.

- NARRATOR: Because of their extreme social isolation

- NARRATOR: Because of their extreme social isolation

and general hatred of the world,

and general hatred of the world,

they often profess to have felt suicidal as teenagers.

they often profess to have felt suicidal as teenagers.

they often profess to have felt suicidal as teenagers.

They display a strong interest in deviant sexuality

They display a strong interest in deviant sexuality

and they're obsessed with violence, voyeurism,

and they're obsessed with violence, voyeurism,

and they're obsessed with violence, voyeurism,

and pornography.

and pornography.

Their fantasies drive their murderous acts.

Their fantasies drive their murderous acts.

- What's interesting

- What's interesting

is you sort of carefully examine the lives

is you sort of carefully examine the lives

of a lot of these serial sexual offenders

of a lot of these serial sexual offenders

of a lot of these serial sexual offenders

is that each crime seems to almost represent

is that each crime seems to almost represent

an attempt to live out the fantasy

an attempt to live out the fantasy

in a more and more perfect way.

in a more and more perfect way.

If they prowl until they find an individual

If they prowl until they find an individual

If they prowl until they find an individual

that perfectly, you know, fits the character,

that perfectly, you know, fits the character,

almost like working for Central Casting or something.

almost like working for Central Casting or something.

We have to find someone that's just right,

We have to find someone that's just right,

appearance wise.

appearance wise.

Sometimes they'll even alter the appearance of the individual

Sometimes they'll even alter the appearance of the individual

with a wig or makeup or worse

with a wig or makeup or worse

with a wig or makeup or worse

to make the individual look like the character they have in mind,

to make the individual look like the character they have in mind,

to make the individual look like the character they have in mind,

but it's important to understand them imagining themselves

but it's important to understand them imagining themselves

but it's important to understand them imagining themselves

almost like a director of a scene

almost like a director of a scene

where they're calling all the shots for once.

where they're calling all the shots for once.

where they're calling all the shots for once.

- NARRATOR: A century after Jack The Ripper terrorized London,

- NARRATOR: A century after Jack The Ripper terrorized London,

a new serial killer strikes fear

a new serial killer strikes fear

into the residents of England's northern counties.

into the residents of England's northern counties.

into the residents of England's northern counties.

Peter Sutcliffe's homicidal rage lasts five years,

Peter Sutcliffe's homicidal rage lasts five years,

Peter Sutcliffe's homicidal rage lasts five years,

claiming the lives of at least 13 women

claiming the lives of at least 13 women

and wounding seven more.

and wounding seven more.

and wounding seven more.

He slaughters his victims with a hammer, chisel,

He slaughters his victims with a hammer, chisel,

screw driver and knives.

screw driver and knives.

The crimes earn Sutcliffe the nickname,

The crimes earn Sutcliffe the nickname,

The Yorkshire Ripper.

The Yorkshire Ripper.

- DR. STONE: Peter Sutcliffe was born

- DR. STONE: Peter Sutcliffe was born

in the northeast part of England in the York, Leeds area.

in the northeast part of England in the York, Leeds area.

in the northeast part of England in the York, Leeds area.

in the northeast part of England in the York, Leeds area.

He eventually ended up

He eventually ended up

wanting to kill one prostitute after the other.

wanting to kill one prostitute after the other.

wanting to kill one prostitute after the other.

He was often at the edge of being captured,

He was often at the edge of being captured,

He was often at the edge of being captured,

but they couldn't quite accumulate enough evidence

but they couldn't quite accumulate enough evidence

in the pre-DNA days

in the pre-DNA days

to certify that he was the person.

to certify that he was the person.

to certify that he was the person.

- NARRATOR: When Peter Sutcliffe is 20 years old,

- NARRATOR: When Peter Sutcliffe is 20 years old,

he works as a grave digger in a cemetery.

he works as a grave digger in a cemetery.

he works as a grave digger in a cemetery.

He claims he is driven to murder prostitutes

He claims he is driven to murder prostitutes

by voices he hears emanating from tombstones.

by voices he hears emanating from tombstones.

by voices he hears emanating from tombstones.

Sutcliffe is a quiet, pleasant, and handsome young man,

Sutcliffe is a quiet, pleasant, and handsome young man,

Sutcliffe is a quiet, pleasant, and handsome young man,

and no one suspects he is capable of such heinous acts.

and no one suspects he is capable of such heinous acts.

and no one suspects he is capable of such heinous acts.

Sutcliffe develops a loathing

Sutcliffe develops a loathing

and at the same time a fascination with prostitutes.

and at the same time a fascination with prostitutes.

and at the same time a fascination with prostitutes.

By now, he his married

By now, he his married

and holds a good job as a long-haul truck driver.

and holds a good job as a long-haul truck driver.

and holds a good job as a long-haul truck driver.

In 1975, he attempts two murders in July and August,

In 1975, he attempts two murders in July and August,

In 1975, he attempts two murders in July and August,

but both women survive his hammer and knife attacks.

but both women survive his hammer and knife attacks.

but both women survive his hammer and knife attacks.

but both women survive his hammer and knife attacks.

But the voices drive him forward.

But the voices drive him forward.

In October, he successfully kills his first victim.

In October, he successfully kills his first victim.

In October, he successfully kills his first victim.

Three months later,

Three months later,

he bludgeons a prostitute and stabs her 50 times.

he bludgeons a prostitute and stabs her 50 times.

he bludgeons a prostitute and stabs her 50 times.

There is no schedule for Sutcliffe's murders;

There is no schedule for Sutcliffe's murders;

There is no schedule for Sutcliffe's murders;

the next is 13 months later.

the next is 13 months later.

- GARY: And as time goes on, what happens is that

- GARY: And as time goes on, what happens is that

just like someone who's addicted to drugs,

just like someone who's addicted to drugs,

there's some evidence that biologically there may--

there's some evidence that biologically there may--

there's some evidence that biologically there may--

there's some evidence that biologically there may--

that this may be literally true

that the same brain areas that subserve drug addiction

that the same brain areas that subserve drug addiction

might be at play in individuals who repeatedly commit homicide

might be at play in individuals who repeatedly commit homicide

might be at play in individuals who repeatedly commit homicide

become addicted to it.

become addicted to it.

They need more and more of a fix,

They need more and more of a fix,

more and more power,

more and more power,

more and more of a horrible crime

more and more of a horrible crime

to satisfy that need.

to satisfy that need.

- NARRATOR: Sutcliffe butchers another prostitute

- NARRATOR: Sutcliffe butchers another prostitute

six months later,

but the police investigation gains little traction.

but the police investigation gains little traction.

but the police investigation gains little traction.

but the police investigation gains little traction.

- MAN: Obviously, the people that go to the prostitutes,

- MAN: Obviously, the people that go to the prostitutes,

the punters as we call them, their clients,

the punters as we call them, their clients,

the punters as we call them, their clients,

they are very, very reluctant to come forward indeed.

they are very, very reluctant to come forward indeed.

We don't expect them to come forward cheerfully

We don't expect them to come forward cheerfully

We don't expect them to come forward cheerfully

on occasions of this nature.

on occasions of this nature.

Of course the third aspect of it is that members of the public

Of course the third aspect of it is that members of the public

Of course the third aspect of it is that members of the public

because it's a prostitute,

because it's a prostitute,

do not feel affected themselves.

do not feel affected themselves.

Have it been the murder of a young baby or a young girl,

Have it been the murder of a young baby or a young girl,

Have it been the murder of a young baby or a young girl,

then I think we would have had far more people

then I think we would have had far more people

trying to volunteer information

trying to volunteer information

then we had because it's the murder of a prostitute.

then we had because it's the murder of a prostitute.

- NARRATOR: But then his murders take a frightening turn.

- NARRATOR: But then his murders take a frightening turn.

- NARRATOR: But then his murders take a frightening turn.

His next victim is not a prostitute,

His next victim is not a prostitute,

it's a 16-year-old school girl.

it's a 16-year-old school girl.

Now terror grips the north counties;

Now terror grips the north counties;

Now terror grips the north counties;

no woman is safe.

no woman is safe.

Police go house to house, desperate for clues.

Police go house to house, desperate for clues.

Police go house to house, desperate for clues.

- OFFICER: Hello. - WOMAN: Hello.

- OFFICER: Hello. - WOMAN: Hello.

- OFFICER: We're doing house to house inquiries

regarding this murder that happened on Saturday night.

regarding this murder that happened on Saturday night.

- WOMAN: Yeah.

- WOMAN: Yeah.

- OFFICER: You mind answering a few questions, please?

- OFFICER: You mind answering a few questions, please?

- WOMAN: Go ahead.

- OFFICER: Have you seen these photographs in the paper?

- WOMAN: Yeah.

- OFFICER #2: That's the young girl there.

- OFFICER #2: That's the young girl there.

Now, those were the clothes

that she was wearing on Saturday night.

that she was wearing on Saturday night.

Do you remember were you out on Saturday,

Do you remember were you out on Saturday,

you know, saw anyone like that? - WOMAN: No.

you know, saw anyone like that? - WOMAN: No.

you know, saw anyone like that? - WOMAN: No.

- NARRATOR: The Yorkshire Ripper continues on his murderous rage.

- NARRATOR: The Yorkshire Ripper continues on his murderous rage.

- NARRATOR: The Yorkshire Ripper continues on his murderous rage.

West Yorkshire chief police investigator, George Oldfield

West Yorkshire chief police investigator, George Oldfield

West Yorkshire chief police investigator, George Oldfield

is asked if he thinks the Ripper will strike again.

is asked if he thinks the Ripper will strike again.

is asked if he thinks the Ripper will strike again.

- I think there's every possibility that he will.

- I think there's every possibility that he will.

The big question is, when and where.

The big question is, when and where.

The big question is, when and where.

The big question is, when and where.

My fear every Sunday morning when the telephone rings is

My fear every Sunday morning when the telephone rings is

are we in business again?

are we in business again?

are we in business again?

- NARRATOR: Citizens are in a panic;

- NARRATOR: Citizens are in a panic;

there are no concrete leads.

there are no concrete leads.

Finally, in December 1977,

Finally, in December 1977,

the police get a lead that points to Peter Sutcliffe,

the police get a lead that points to Peter Sutcliffe,

the police get a lead that points to Peter Sutcliffe,

but the Yorkshire Ripper slips through their grasp.

but the Yorkshire Ripper slips through their grasp.

but the Yorkshire Ripper slips through their grasp.

- NARRATOR: Extreme serial killer, Peter Sutcliffe

- NARRATOR: Extreme serial killer, Peter Sutcliffe

is butchering young women at an alarming pace

is butchering young women at an alarming pace

across England's north counties.

across England's north counties.

across England's north counties.

At first, it's only prostitutes,

At first, it's only prostitutes,

but now all women are in the cross hairs

but now all women are in the cross hairs

of this maniac murderer.

of this maniac murderer.

Police search frantically, but they find no concrete clues,

Police search frantically, but they find no concrete clues,

Police search frantically, but they find no concrete clues,

Police search frantically, but they find no concrete clues,

until a brand new five pound note

until a brand new five pound note

is found on one victim.

is found on one victim.

It's traced to the salary payment made to Peter Sutcliffe.

It's traced to the salary payment made to Peter Sutcliffe.

It's traced to the salary payment made to Peter Sutcliffe.

It's traced to the salary payment made to Peter Sutcliffe.

Sutcliffe's wife can't believe Peter is the killer

Sutcliffe's wife can't believe Peter is the killer

and she supplies an alibi.

and she supplies an alibi.

Within days of his police interview,

Within days of his police interview,

there is another attack,

there is another attack,

but the victim survives

but the victim survives

and the police sketch artist

creates a very close likeness to Sutcliffe.

creates a very close likeness to Sutcliffe.

creates a very close likeness to Sutcliffe.

The frenzy to catch the Ripper intensifies.

The frenzy to catch the Ripper intensifies.

The frenzy to catch the Ripper intensifies.

Sutcliffe continues his trucking runs

Sutcliffe continues his trucking runs

where he would sleep in the cab.

where he would sleep in the cab.

Pinned up in one of his windows is a chilling note.

Pinned up in one of his windows is a chilling note.

Pinned up in one of his windows is a chilling note.

It reads, "In this truck is a man whose latent genius,

It reads, "In this truck is a man whose latent genius,

It reads, "In this truck is a man whose latent genius,

It reads, "In this truck is a man whose latent genius,

"if unleashed, would rock the nation,

"if unleashed, would rock the nation,

"whose dynamic energy would overpower those around him;

"whose dynamic energy would overpower those around him;

"whose dynamic energy would overpower those around him;

better let him sleep."

better let him sleep."

better let him sleep."

During the first five months of 1978,

During the first five months of 1978,

there were three more victims.

there were three more victims.

The public pressure to capture the killer is intense.

The public pressure to capture the killer is intense.

The public pressure to capture the killer is intense.

George Oldfield and his team are desperate for leads.

George Oldfield and his team are desperate for leads.

George Oldfield and his team are desperate for leads.

Then, in the spring,

there are astounding developments;

there are astounding developments;

taunty letters from the Ripper that seem to be authentic.

taunty letters from the Ripper that seem to be authentic.

taunty letters from the Ripper that seem to be authentic.

And three months later,

And three months later,

a tape recording from the killer.

a tape recording from the killer.

- RIPPER: I see you are still having no luck catching me.

- RIPPER: I see you are still having no luck catching me.

- RIPPER: I see you are still having no luck catching me.

I have the greatest respect for you, George, good lord.

I have the greatest respect for you, George, good lord.

I have the greatest respect for you, George, good lord.

I have the greatest respect for you, George, good lord.

You are no nearer catching me now

You are no nearer catching me now

than four years ago when I started.

than four years ago when I started.

than four years ago when I started.

I reckon your boys are letting you down, George.

I reckon your boys are letting you down, George.

I reckon your boys are letting you down, George.

They can't be much good, can they?

They can't be much good, can they?

They can't be much good, can they?

I should be in the book of records.

I should be in the book of records.

I'm not quite sure when I'll strike again,

I'm not quite sure when I'll strike again,

but it will definitely be sometime this year,

but it will definitely be sometime this year,

but it will definitely be sometime this year,

maybe September, October.

maybe September, October.

maybe September, October.

- NARRATOR: On September 2nd, 1979,

- NARRATOR: On September 2nd, 1979,

another victim,

another victim,

seemingly verifying the warning on the tape.

seemingly verifying the warning on the tape.

seemingly verifying the warning on the tape.

A huge publicity campaign is launched

A huge publicity campaign is launched

to enlist the support of the public

to enlist the support of the public

to help catch the killer.

to help catch the killer.

A special newspaper is printed

A special newspaper is printed

and delivered to over a million homes,

and delivered to over a million homes,

and a tape is broadcast with a plea for assistance.

and a tape is broadcast with a plea for assistance.

and a tape is broadcast with a plea for assistance.

- ANNOUNCER: Over the past four years,

- ANNOUNCER: Over the past four years,

twelve women have been horribly murdered

twelve women have been horribly murdered

and mutilated by a sick, sadistic maniac,

and mutilated by a sick, sadistic maniac,

the Yorkshire Ripper.

the Yorkshire Ripper.

How can we stop this madman from killing again?

How can we stop this madman from killing again?

How can we stop this madman from killing again?

Here's one way: listen.

Here's one way: listen.

Here's one way: listen.

- RIPPER: I'm not quite sure when I'll strike again,

- RIPPER: I'm not quite sure when I'll strike again,

- RIPPER: I'm not quite sure when I'll strike again,

but it will be definitely sometime this year.

but it will be definitely sometime this year.

but it will be definitely sometime this year.

- ANNOUNCER: Have you heard that voice before?

- ANNOUNCER: Have you heard that voice before?

At work or the pub, club, on a bus or in a cue?

At work or the pub, club, on a bus or in a cue?

At work or the pub, club, on a bus or in a cue?

At work or the pub, club, on a bus or in a cue?

Think, do you know somebody

Think, do you know somebody

with a northeastern accent like that

with a northeastern accent like that

who lives in the Leeds, Bradford,

who lives in the Leeds, Bradford,

Manchester, Preston, Halifax, or Huddersfield areas

Manchester, Preston, Halifax, or Huddersfield areas

Manchester, Preston, Halifax, or Huddersfield areas

or who traveled there from your area?

or who traveled there from your area?

If so, phone your local police.

If so, phone your local police.

If so, phone your local police.

If so, phone your local police.

- NARRATOR: The case now gains worldwide attention,

- NARRATOR: The case now gains worldwide attention,

and leads pour in to the police.

and leads pour in to the police.

and leads pour in to the police.

More than a million man hours

More than a million man hours

are devoted to analyzing the clues.

are devoted to analyzing the clues.

The pressure and immense workload

The pressure and immense workload

leads to eight divorces within the Ripper squad.

leads to eight divorces within the Ripper squad.

leads to eight divorces within the Ripper squad.

Hundreds of wives report their own husbands as the Ripper,

Hundreds of wives report their own husbands as the Ripper,

Hundreds of wives report their own husbands as the Ripper,

but in the end,

but in the end,

it's determined that the letters and recording are a hoax.

it's determined that the letters and recording are a hoax.

it's determined that the letters and recording are a hoax.

it's determined that the letters and recording are a hoax.

The Yorkshire Ripper remains on the loose.

The Yorkshire Ripper remains on the loose.

- NARRATOR: Police have spent thousands of hours

- NARRATOR: Police have spent thousands of hours

chasing leads on the Yorkshire Ripper

chasing leads on the Yorkshire Ripper

chasing leads on the Yorkshire Ripper

only to discover the letters

and tape recordings they're analyzing

and tape recordings they're analyzing

and tape recordings they're analyzing

are just an elaborate hoax.

are just an elaborate hoax.

Meanwhile, to help avoid capture,

Meanwhile, to help avoid capture,

Sutcliffe decides to change his murder signature,

Sutcliffe decides to change his murder signature,

Sutcliffe decides to change his murder signature,

and starts to kill by strangulation with a rope.

and starts to kill by strangulation with a rope.

and starts to kill by strangulation with a rope.

Two more victims

up the Yorkshire Ripper's death toll to 13,

up the Yorkshire Ripper's death toll to 13,

up the Yorkshire Ripper's death toll to 13,

with 7 more brutally attacked.

with 7 more brutally attacked.

with 7 more brutally attacked.

Then finally, on January 2nd, 1981,

Then finally, on January 2nd, 1981,

police find Sutcliffe parked with a prostitute.

police find Sutcliffe parked with a prostitute.

police find Sutcliffe parked with a prostitute.

He slips behind some shrubbery, claiming he's urinating.

He slips behind some shrubbery, claiming he's urinating.

He slips behind some shrubbery, claiming he's urinating.

He tries to hide his weapons, but on questioning,

He tries to hide his weapons, but on questioning,

he's caught in several lies and arrested.

he's caught in several lies and arrested.

he's caught in several lies and arrested.

At the police station, he faces intense interrogation

At the police station, he faces intense interrogation

and he says,

and he says,

-"You think i'm the ripper, don't you?"

-"You think i'm the ripper, don't you?"

Detective Sergeant Deszo Boyle says, "Well, what about it?"

Detective Sergeant Deszo Boyle says, "Well, what about it?"

Detective Sergeant Deszo Boyle says, "Well, what about it?"

There's a long pause then Sutcliffe says,

There's a long pause then Sutcliffe says,

There's a long pause then Sutcliffe says,

"You're right. It's me."

"You're right. It's me."

At his trial, Peter Sutcliffe is found guilty

At his trial, Peter Sutcliffe is found guilty

and sentenced to life in prison,

and sentenced to life in prison,

but shortly after his conviction,

but shortly after his conviction,

prison psychiatrist examine the killer

prison psychiatrist examine the killer

and declare him legally insane.

and declare him legally insane.

and declare him legally insane.

and declare him legally insane.

He's then transferred to Broadmoor Hospital

He's then transferred to Broadmoor Hospital

to serve his sentence.

to serve his sentence.

to serve his sentence.

Peter Sutcliffe's father

never understands what drove his son.

never understands what drove his son.

never understands what drove his son.

And he grieves for the victims and their families.

And he grieves for the victims and their families.

And he grieves for the victims and their families.

- Our hearts go out to all the families of the victims,

- Our hearts go out to all the families of the victims,

- Our hearts go out to all the families of the victims,

whoever they are, wherever they are.

whoever they are, wherever they are.

whoever they are, wherever they are.

We--we must carry that burden,

We--we must carry that burden,

We--we must carry that burden,

We--we must carry that burden,

as well as Peter,

as well as Peter,

for the rest of our lives.

for the rest of our lives.

After all, he is my son

After all, he is my son

and I want every father in the country

and I want every father in the country

to be glad that it was my son and not theirs.

to be glad that it was my son and not theirs.

to be glad that it was my son and not theirs.

- NARRATOR: As a homicide detective,

- NARRATOR: As a homicide detective,

Malcolm Reiman specialized in sexual predator

Malcolm Reiman specialized in sexual predator

and serial killer cases.

and serial killer cases.

and serial killer cases.

All too often,

he was confronted with the gruesome results

he was confronted with the gruesome results

of extreme serial killers' madness.

of extreme serial killers' madness.

of extreme serial killers' madness.

- Every crime scene speaks to you,

- Every crime scene speaks to you,

so you have to examine a crime scene in great detail

so you have to examine a crime scene in great detail

so you have to examine a crime scene in great detail

and look at the little details.

and look at the little details.

The horror of the situation

The horror of the situation

The horror of the situation

is something that you have to move past

is something that you have to move past

in order to get your job done.

in order to get your job done.

You're not a robot, you know, you do feel these things,

You're not a robot, you know, you do feel these things,

and they're absolutely horrifying scenes,

and they're absolutely horrifying scenes,

and they're absolutely horrifying scenes,

and I think that what happens is you'll think about it later

and I think that what happens is you'll think about it later

and I think that what happens is you'll think about it later

and it'll come back to you later.

and it'll come back to you later.

When you're at the crime scene, you have a job to do

When you're at the crime scene, you have a job to do

and it's a technical job, so you have to move past that,

and it's a technical job, so you have to move past that,

and it's a technical job, so you have to move past that,

you have to grit your teeth and get past that

you have to grit your teeth and get past that

and then you deal with it

and then you deal with it

and then you deal with it

on a personal or emotional level later on.

on a personal or emotional level later on.

on a personal or emotional level later on.

on a personal or emotional level later on.

And being at a crime scene is so much more intense.

And being at a crime scene is so much more intense.

And being at a crime scene is so much more intense.

You can look at pictures or films, but when you smell it,

You can look at pictures or films, but when you smell it,

You can look at pictures or films, but when you smell it,

when you get the smell in your hair and your suit,

when you get the smell in your hair and your suit,

when you get the smell in your hair and your suit,

when you get the smell in your hair and your suit,

when you're stepping over brains and blood,

when you're stepping over brains and blood,

trying not to get it on your shoes,

trying not to get it on your shoes,

uh, when you're starring at a dead body

uh, when you're starring at a dead body

uh, when you're starring at a dead body

and the lifeless eyes are looking back at you, um,

and the lifeless eyes are looking back at you, um,

and the lifeless eyes are looking back at you, um,

it's...it's a surreal life.

it's...it's a surreal life.

- [police sirens blaring]

- [police sirens blaring]

- NARRATOR: Reiman speaks for all police officers

- NARRATOR: Reiman speaks for all police officers

- NARRATOR: Reiman speaks for all police officers

who track these murderers,

describing the importance and the difficulty

describing the importance and the difficulty

of apprehending these monsters,

of apprehending these monsters,

and the satisfaction of finally bringing them to justice.

and the satisfaction of finally bringing them to justice.

and the satisfaction of finally bringing them to justice.

and the satisfaction of finally bringing them to justice.

- MALCOLM: To get these cases solved,

- MALCOLM: To get these cases solved,

you have to be absolutely relentless.

You can't give up, you have to remain focused.

You can't give up, you have to remain focused.

You can't give up, you have to remain focused.

You can't give up, you have to remain focused.

You have to be absolutely relentless.

You have to be absolutely relentless.

You have to be absolutely relentless.

When you...go down an avenue

When you...go down an avenue

When you...go down an avenue

and it hits a dead-end,

and it hits a dead-end,

you gotta find another way around it,

you gotta find another way around it,

you can't give up, you can't throw up your hands,

you can't give up, you can't throw up your hands,

because it's up to you.

because it's up to you.

Nobody's gonna do it for you, you've gotta do it.

Nobody's gonna do it for you, you've gotta do it.

- INTERVIEWER: How satisfying is it when you get it?

- INTERVIEWER: How satisfying is it when you get it?

- INTERVIEWER: How satisfying is it when you get it?

- MALCOLM: It's incredibly satisfying.

- MALCOLM: It's incredibly satisfying.

It's, uh...it's God's work.

It's, uh...it's God's work.

It's, uh...it's God's work.

You, uh, you're giving justice to the dead.

You, uh, you're giving justice to the dead.

You, uh, you're giving justice to the dead.

You're giving justice to that person's family,

You're giving justice to that person's family,

You're giving justice to that person's family,

to their loved ones,

to their loved ones,

and there's also another fact

and there's also another fact

that a lot of people don't take into account,

that a lot of people don't take into account,

you're saving people who haven't been victimized yet;

you're saving people who haven't been victimized yet;

you're saving people who haven't been victimized yet;

you're saving people who haven't been victimized yet;

people who would have been killed

people who would have been killed

had you not done your job.

had you not done your job.

had you not done your job.

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