Science Vs How a Nuclear Lab Helped Catch a Serial Killer
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Nov 28, 2024 Ashley Flowers, the host of the popular Crime Junkie podcast, dives deep into a haunting true crime tale. She discusses a series of suspicious patient deaths linked to respiratory therapist Efren Saldivar at a California hospital in the 1990s. With expert insights from forensic scientists and detectives, they explore how advanced testing at a nuclear lab cracked the case wide open. Gripping confessions, ethical dilemmas in healthcare, and the cutting-edge science that unraveled this chilling mystery come to life, showcasing the intersection of medicine and crime.
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Initial Deaths
In 1996, a 75-year-old woman named Salbi Esatrian was treated at a hospital and died unexpectedly. This raised concerns as other patients with similar fates followed closely behind her.
Efren's Background
Efren Saldivar, an oddball from high school, eventually dropped out and pursued a career in healthcare. His fascination with a friend's medical uniform led him to become a respiratory therapist.
Dark Humor in Healthcare
Healthcare workers often develop a dark sense of humor to cope with trauma and death. This environment made it easier for rumors about Efren to circulate without serious investigation.
