Janina Fendyson, a Berlin-based reporter, and Philip Ostrowiczki, a local homicide detective, tackle a chilling case involving a Twitch streamer, Andreas, and an ominous kill order. They dive into the unsettling quest of Cider, whose obsession drives him to hire a hitman, revealing disturbing online dynamics. As the investigation unfolds, tension mounts between Andreas and his boyfriend Enrico, while detective intuition grapples with dark web complexities. The narrative also confronts Nico F's dangerous fixation on Enrico, merging obsession with chaos.
The facade of Andreas's vibrant life as a Twitch streamer masks the chilling reality of threats and planned violence against him.
The investigation reveals a complex web of obsession and jealousy involving Andreas's boyfriend Enrico and an ex named Nico F, highlighting mental health's critical role.
Deep dives
Andreas' Life and the Threat Emerges
Andreas is a Twitch streamer who appears to lead a charismatic and wholesome life in Berlin, supported by his boyfriend Enrico and a loyal following. On his birthday, a surprise video from friends highlights their affectionate relationship, showcasing moments of joy and camaraderie. However, this vibrant facade conceals a darker reality, as someone online—referred to as Cider—expresses a chilling intent to murder Andreas. Cider's communications reveal a deeply concerning obsession and meticulous planning, detailing not only Andreas' personal information but also alarming insights into his day-to-day life.
The Dark Web Connection
Cider's engagement with hitmen on the dark web paints a disturbing picture of premeditated violence, as they transfer a substantial sum of Bitcoin—over $21,000—through various transactions. The correspondence reflects a troubling naiveté on Cider's part, signifying their belief that engaging hitmen can fulfill their destructive desires. They express specific instructions surrounding the murder, emphasizing a curious contradiction in wanting to ensure that Andreas remains unharmed while demanding the hit be executed. This paradox adds layers of complexity to the psychological profile of Cider, raising questions about their motivation and state of mind.
Investigating the Suspect
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement discovers that the username connected to the kill order, Cider, technically points toward Enrico, Andreas' boyfriend, creating a web of uncertainty and suspicion. This leads to an interrogation process where Andreas and Enrico are separately questioned to establish any links to the threats against Andreas. While Andreas seems unaware of any reasons someone might want him dead, interrogators focus on Enrico as a potential suspect due to circumstantial evidence surrounding the online activity. However, Enrico’s composed demeanor during questioning raises doubts about his involvement, as he appears genuinely perplexed by the claims.
Revealing the Motivations
Further investigation uncovers Nico F, a man from Enrico's past who exhibits extreme jealousy and fixation, intensifying the threat against Andreas. The psychological evaluations expose Nico's tumultuous upbringing and an escalating obsession with Enrico, which manifests in alarming behaviors, such as using voodoo and searching for hitmen. This case reveals a deeper exploration of how unchecked jealousy can spiral into a fantasy of violence, indicating a profound disconnection from reality. Ultimately, Nico's actions serve to underscore the critical intersection of mental health, obsession, and the dire consequences they can yield when intertwined with the digital world.
Someone wants a German Twitch streamer dead. And as they examine the kill order, host Carl Miller and his team are increasingly worried that the threat could be coming from inside the victim’s apartment.
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