Serial Killers

For Halloween, we’re presenting an urban legend about a terrifying Texas child-killer… and discussing how real-life cases echo the legend.Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast and Tiktok @serialkillerspodcast! Have a story to share? Email us at serialkillerstories@spotify.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Hayward, California, in 1988, the unthinkable happened – 9-year-old Michaela Garecht was abducted by a stranger, witnessed only by her best friend. Her mother endures decades of stalled-out investigations and false leads, until the abduction is linked to a possible serial killer.Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast and Tiktok @serialkillerspodcast! Have a story to share? Email us at serialkillerstories@spotify.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The true story behind Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon: Members of Osage Nation are being targeted for their high-priced oil headrights. There’s so many murders that the small local police department can’t investigate thoroughly, so the tribe turns to the newly-formed FBI to get the job done.Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast and @theconspiracypod! Have a story to share? Email us at serialkillerstories@spotify.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The true story behind Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon: In the early twentieth century, Oklahoma’s Osage Reservation was rich in oil and spread the wealth across the tribe. But in the 1920s, it became clear that someone was killing members of the tribe. Was it a serial killer? A ploy to grab rights to the oil money? Or was it both?Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast and @theconspiracypod! Have a story to share? Email us at serialkillerstories@spotify.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early 2000s, a serial killer attacked at least six young women around Jacksonville, Florida. Though we’re still awaiting official justice, authorities have strong suspicion around convicted murderer Paul Durousseau. Today, Vanessa analyzes how well the Strangler’s crimes line up with Durousseau’s MO.Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast and Tiktok @serialkillerspodcast! Have a story to share? Email us at serialkillerstories@spotify.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may have heard of ‘boy moms’, but we promise you’ve never heard of one like Sante Kimes. In the final part of our story you’ll hear about how Kimes’ grifts grew in scale and complexity, and how the only person she trusted to carry out her deadly plans was her own son, Kenny Jr.Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast and Tiktok @serialkillerspodcast! Have a story to share? Email us at serialkillerstories@spotify.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sante Kimes progresses from petty theft to enslavement of service workers and undocumented immigrants. She uses her power and manipulation to control those around her, but her schemes eventually crumble. Her reckless behavior escalates as she engages in insurance fraud and car theft. Sante exploits and abuses vulnerable individuals, escapes from prison, and resorts to identity fraud after her husband's death.

Sante Kimes' insatiable desire for wealth and her troubled childhood are discussed. Her manipulative tactics and the warning signs are explored, along with her criminal activities and relentless pursuit of financial security.

Vanessa examines the twisted logic of Rudy Bladel, a railroad worker turned murderer who claimed revenge as his motive. She explores his troubled mental health, his targeting of rail workers, and his ongoing spree of murders. Bladel's recanted confession, psychological aspects of revenge, and the impact of a rail company merger on his transformation are also discussed.

Delve into the disturbing life of Harvey Miguel Robinson, America’s youngest serial killer. Explore his troubled background and the influences that shaped his violent path. Follow the investigators as they face challenges in solving the crimes, and witness the fear and terror experienced by the victims and the community. Learn about Robinson’s trial and his unique sentencing.