Keith Morrison, a seasoned reporter known for his gripping crime coverage, dives into a chilling tale of a teenage mastermind who manipulates peers into violence. He explores the psychological impact of a dark upbringing and the seductive charm of a charismatic leader. The podcast unpacks themes of youth rebellion, the aftermath of gun violence, and the tangled relationships that blur the lines between love and betrayal. Morrison's insights raise profound questions about morality and the haunting consequences of crime.
The podcast explores the disturbing influence of a charismatic teenager, Kevin Foster, who manipulates peers into increasingly violent behavior.
It highlights the moral dilemmas faced by crime reporter Jim Greenhill as he becomes emotionally entwined with the young criminals' story.
The series of letters between Kevin Foster and Jim Greenhill reveal a chilling plot for revenge that tests ethical boundaries and personal loyalty.
Deep dives
The Rise of Kevin Foster and the Lords of Chaos
In 1996, Kevin Foster emerged as a charismatic figure who led a group of outcast teenagers known as the Lords of Chaos. He commanded attention and admiration from his peers, particularly Pete Magnotti and Chris Black, who were drawn to his strength and rebelliousness. The group engaged in increasingly destructive behavior, culminating in acts of vandalism and a chilling manifesto that announced their intent to unleash chaos upon their community. As their criminal activities escalated, they ultimately devised a plan to commit murder, profoundly changing their lives and those around them.
The Murder of Mark Schwiebies
The turning point in the chaos occurred on the night of April 30, 1996, when Kevin Foster and his followers attempted to kill their music teacher, Mark Schwiebies. After a series of escalating confrontations with the teacher, their plan culminated in a brutal shooting as Schwiebies opened his door, resulting in his tragic death. This senseless act of violence shocked the community and marked the end of innocent youth for the boys involved, who soon became notorious criminals. The details of the crime were examined by Jim Greenhill, who was covering the story as a crime reporter, soon to become intricately involved in the aftermath.
Jim Greenhill's Unwitting Involvement
As the story unfolded, reporter Jim Greenhill found himself closer to the case than he anticipated, feeling a personal connection to the young criminals. He was captivated by their motivations and the tragic outcomes of their actions, leading him to pursue a book about their lives. However, as he interviewed key figures and became deeply entrenched in the narrative, he faced the challenge of confronting his own fascination with the evils embodied by Kevin Foster. Greenhill's growing obsession with the case blurred lines between journalist and participant as he navigated the moral complexities of his role.
The Plot for Revenge
Following his conviction, Kevin Foster engaged Jim Greenhill in a series of letter exchanges wherein he detailed his resentment towards those who betrayed him. Emphasizing a desire for revenge against those who testified against him, particularly his former friend Chris Burnett, Kevin enlisted Jim's help to orchestrate a murder plot while on death row. This shocking turn of events positioned Jim not only as an observer but also as an unwitting accomplice in Kevin's machinations. The gravity of their exchanges escalated as Kevin and his mother collaborated to plan the assassination of their perceived enemies.
A Turning Point: Jim Becomes a Witness
Jim's moral compass was tested as the elaborate plan to carry out the murders unfolded. Realizing the potential implications of Kevin's scheme, Jim ultimately chose to inform law enforcement, turning state’s witness against Kevin and his mother. This decision marked a significant pivot in Jim's identity and role, shifting him from a passive observer to an active participant in seeking justice. His cooperation helped unravel the plot, leading to Kevin’s further incarceration and highlighting the dangers of fanaticism and moral compromise.
A rare look at the frightening power of a charismatic killer, just 18 years old -- a teenage mastermind who convinces other kids to kill. Would even a hardened reporter covering his story get caught up in the spell? Keith Morrison reports.
Keith Morrison and Josh Mankiewicz go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’: