Wicked Words - A True Crime Talk Show with Kate Winkler Dawson

Wicked Words - Casey Sherman: Helltown

Jan 8, 2024

Journalist and author Casey Sherman discusses the chilling true crime story of serial killer Tony Costa, who terrorized women in New England in the late '60s. Sherman delves into Costa's manipulative tactics, troubled upbringing, and the dark landmarks associated with his heinous crimes. The podcast explores the sensational trial of Costa, with shocking testimonies and strategies used by the defense, as well as additional murders and intriguing connections to other cases. It also delves into the arrogance and meticulous planning of a killer driven by societal circumstances in a more carefree era.

42:45

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Episode guests

Casey Sherman

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Tony Costa was a unique serial killer who spent time drawing his victims before killing them, influenced by writers like Kurt Vonnegut and Norman Mailer.

Costa's troubled past, which included animal cruelty and lack of psychiatric intervention, contributed to his development as a manipulative serial killer.

Costa targeted vulnerable young women, confessed to the murders during trial, and ultimately took his own life in prison, leaving behind a legacy of terror.

Deep dives

The Disturbing Acts of Tony Costa

Tony Costa, a serial killer in the late 60s, had a chilling method of spending time drawing his victims before killing them. Journalist Casey Sherman recounts this story from his book, 'Hell Town,' revealing Costa's unique approach inspired by writers like Kurt Vonnegut and Norman Mailer to mimic fictional components in his storytelling.

Introduction

2min

Tony Costa: The Cape Cod Killer

29min

The Trial of Tony Costa

7min

Exploring Additional Murders and Intriguing Connections

2min

Trial and Conviction of Tony Costa for Murder of Young Women

3min

The Arrogance and Plans of a Historical Criminal

2min

In the late ‘60s, a serial killer stalked women in New England. His name was Tony Costa. He was unusual because he spent a lot of time drawing in his victims. We’ve heard this story from a woman who Costa babysat, but this is a different account. Journalist Casey Sherman tells the story from his book, Helltown: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer on Cape Cod.

Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/4dsqzI1

Buy my books: katewinklerdawson.com

If you have suggestions for historical crimes that could use some attention, email me: info@tenfoldmorewicked.com

Follow me on social: @tenfoldmore (Twitter) / @tenfoldmorewicked (Facebook and Instagram)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Wicked Words - A True Crime Talk Show with Kate Winkler Dawson

Wicked Words - Casey Sherman: Helltown

Episode guests