A terrifying killer preys on women in Hollywood, with a group of courageous women solving the case. Actress identifies potential predator, unsettling encounters in Hollywood Hills, uncovering the dark past of the perpetrator. Survivors' stories, deceptive tactics of the criminal, denial and legal defense in a murder trial, plea deal, and investigative pursuits leading to the truth.
Women fought back against a dangerous predator in Hollywood
Victor Palaiologos used fake auditions to target and harm women
Survivors and law enforcement work together to seek justice and prevent future harm
Deep dives
Disappearance and Beginning of the Investigation
Christie Johnson, a young woman eager to make her mark in the film industry, went missing after purportedly rushing off to an audition with high hopes of being in a new Bond movie. Days passed with no contact, prompting her family and the Santa Monica police to search frantically. Carrie, Christie's roommate, revealed important details about the mall visit and what Christie had shared about the audition. The police investigated mall surveillance tapes and media appeals ensued.
Discovery of Christie's Fate
After an extensive search, Christie's car was found at the St. Regis Hotel Valet parking area. Subsequently, detectives received a crucial tip leading them to the Hollywood Hills, where Christie's body was discovered down a steep incline. She had been strangled and thrown off the hillside, leading to her tragic demise. The forensic evidence proved scarce, with little physical trace left at the scene.
Unraveling the Predator's Pattern
Detective Virginia Openchain pieced together a troubling pattern of manipulation and predatory behavior by a man named Victor Paleologus, suspected of targeting multiple women with false promises of auditions and ties to the entertainment industry. Several women like Alice Walker, Kathy DiBono, and Susan Murphy came forward with harrowing encounters with Victor. The police lineup and witnesses' identification marked a turning point in connecting Victor to Christie’s disappearance.
Pattern of Deception and Violence
Victor Palaiologos engages in a pattern of deception and violence towards women, with multiple instances where he lured women under false pretenses and attempted physical harm. From trying to coerce women into fake movie auditions to assaulting and attempting to strangle them, Victor's repeated violent behavior escalated over time, leading to tragic outcomes. Despite his denials and manipulation tactics, evidence and testimonies from survivors illustrate a consistent pattern of predatory conduct, revealing the dangerous nature of his actions.
Seeking Justice Through Persistence
Survivors like Kathy DiBono and law enforcement officials relentlessly pursue justice against Victor Palaiologos, despite his attempts to evade accountability. Through meticulous investigative work and collaboration with survivors, authorities build a case against Victor, highlighting the importance of survivor testimonies in exposing his crimes. Despite facing legal challenges and manipulative tactics from the defense, the pursuit of justice remains steadfast, aiming to hold Victor accountable for his heinous acts and prevent future harm to others.
A terrifying killer and serial predator is brought down by a courageous group of women after he lures them with false promises of fame and fortune in Hollywood. Keith Morrison reports.
Listen to Keith’s original podcast on this story, "Murder in the Hollywood Hills" on Apple: https://apple.co/3BpBIeC
