Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hash the Criminal Mind serial killer updates mid twenty twenty five.
Welcome to another episode of Crime Insights. I'm Detective Emily Carter,
but everyone at the precinct just calls me M. For
those tuning in for the first time, I'm that rookie
detective who still gets excited about case files and probably
drinks too much coffee on stakeouts. Six months into my badge,
(00:21):
and I'm still balancing textbook knowledge with street smarts. But hey,
that's what makes this journey interesting. Right today, we're diving
into some of the most significant serial killer cases making
headlines across America right now. As someone who wrote her
thesis on behavioral analysis of repeat offenders, I've been following
these developments closely, both professionally, and I'll admit out of
(00:42):
that same fascination that had me staying up late reading
case studies at the academy. Hash hash The Idaho murders
trial Brian Coberger. Let's start with what's shaping up to
be one of the most high profile trials of next year.
Brian Coberger's trial for the University of Idaho student murders
has been rescheduled to begin on August eleventh, twenty twenty five,
and will continue through November seventh, twenty twenty five. Seven.
(01:04):
This is actually a delay from the original June twenty
twenty five date. For those who haven't been following this case,
Coburger faces four murder charges in the fatal stabbings of
Ethan Chapin, Zana Kernodle, Madison Moogan, and Kaylee Goncalves, who
were killed in November twenty twenty two at a home
in Moscow, idahos seven. Police arrested him six weeks after
(01:25):
the murders at his parents' home in Pennsylvania. What makes
this case particularly noteworthy from an investigative perspective is the
way digital evidence and DNA played crucial roles. My forensics
instructor would call this a textbook example of modern investigation techniques.
The prosecution has already indicated they plan to seek the
death penalty if Coburger is convicted. Seven. There's a hearing
(01:46):
scheduled for November seventh this year to address motions challenging
the death penalty as a possible sentence. Interestingly, Coburger has
remained silent during his plea hearing, so the judge entered
not guilty, Please on his behalf as a rookie who
still loves the ropes of courtroom procedure. I find this
case particularly significant because it demonstrates how complex the pre
trial phase can be in high stakes murder cases. The
(02:08):
nearly three year gap between arrest and trial also highlights
the methodical nature of building a case this serious. Hash
hash Gilgo Beach Serial Killings Rex Hoyoman. The Gilgo Beach
serial killings investigation has seen major developments in the past
two years. Between July the twenty twenty three and December
twenty twenty four, architect Riquex Hoyeman was indicted for the
(02:30):
murders of seven victims, Amberlin Costello, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy
Maureen Brainard Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie mac five.
This case fascinates me because it demonstrates how cold cases
can break wide open with advances in forensic technology. The
investigation used cell phone records showing Hoyoman had been in
(02:52):
contact with three of the four victims initially connected to him.
Five Investigators also found that an email account linked to
hoya Man had been used to search for updates on
the investigation. What really broke the case open was DNA evidence.
Investigators matched mitochondrial DNA from a discarded pizza crust to
DNA found on burlap in which one of the victims
(03:14):
was wrapped. Five. They also found hair evidence connecting to
both Huhlmann and potentially his wife, though investigators noted that
Hoyermann's wife and children were out of state during the
times of the killings for five. During my academy training
in evidence collection, our instructor constantly emphasized the importance of
proper handling of DNA evidence. This case demonstrates why sometimes
(03:36):
the smallest trace evidence can connect the dots in cases
that have remained unsolved for years. The Gilgo Beach case
had stumped investigators for over a decade. Back in twenty eleven,
profilers suggested the perpetrator was likely a white male in
his mid twenties to mid forties, familiar with Long Island's
south shore, and who had access to burlap sacks five.
This profile appears to have been accurate, showing the value
(03:58):
of criminal profiling in narrowing down suspects hash hash. The
Stephan Sterns case murder of Madeline Soto Another case that's
getting significant attention is that of Stephan Stearns, who scheduled
for two separate trials in twenty twenty five. The first
trial in February will address dozens of charges related to
sexual battery of a minor and sexual pornography two. Then
(04:21):
in September, he'll face trial for the murder of thirteen
year old Madeline Soto, his girlfriend's daughter, who was allegedly
the victim in the disturbing videos and photos that led
to the initial charges two. As someone who's had to
sit through some disturbing case reviews during my training, cases
involving children are always the hardest to process. The prosecution
(04:42):
is seeking the death penalty in this case as well,
if Sterns is convicted to What makes this case particularly
disturbing from an investigative standpoint is the relationship between the
offender and victim. As we learned in victim profiling classes,
perpetrators who target victims within their close circle often display
particular psychological pas. The fact that Stearns is facing both
sexual abuse charges and murder chargers suggests a pattern of
(05:05):
escalation that's unfortunately common in certain types of predatory behavior.
Hash hash unsolved homicides in Washington DC. While much attention
goes to the high profile serial killer cases, it's important
to remember the many unsolved homicides that occur across the country.
Washington d C has seen a significant number of homicides
already in twenty twenty five, with many cases still unsolved. Three.
(05:26):
The list from the Metropolitan Police Department is sobering just
in the first five months of twenty twenty five. Victims
include Landon Mayo, Wayne McDaniel's junior, Alan Medman, Travon Norman,
and many others. Three. The most recent victim listed is
Daryl Anderson, who was killed just over a week ago
on June second, twenty twenty five. Three. During my first
(05:47):
month on patrol, my training officer taught me something I'll
never forget. Behind every name on these lists is a
family waiting for answers. While these cases may not be
connected to serial killings, each one represents a tragedy and
a puzzle that investigators working tirelessly to solve. As someone
who's now part of this system, I can tell you
the dedication to these cases doesn't diminish just because they
(06:07):
don't make national headlines. Each detective's desk has that one
case that keeps them up at night, the one they're
determined to solve. Hash hash serial killer trials and public fascination.
The public fascination with serial killers continues unabated. Court TV
has listed several high profile cases among their most anticipated
trials of twenty twenty five, including the Coburger and Stern's
(06:29):
cases we just discussed too. This fascination extends beyond courtrooms
into popular culture. We see it in documentaries, books, and
even social media. For example, a recent post by People
magazine referenced one of the first mass murder cases in
United States history, demonstrating the ongoing cultural interest in these
extreme crimes. Four. As someone who studied criminal psychology, I
(06:50):
understand the fascination. These cases represent the extremes of human behavior,
and understanding them feels like understanding something fundamental about humanity's
darkest capabilities. But as a detective, I also see the
real human cost of these crimes, the victims who never
got to live out their lives, the families left with
permanent voids, and the communities forever changed by violence. Hashash
(07:11):
historical context of serial killings in America to put current
cases in perspective, it's worth looking at the history of
syrie killings in the United States. The FBI estimates that
at any given time, there are between twenty five and
fifty active serial killers in the United States. While that
number may seem high, it's actually decreased from the golden
age of serial killers in the nineteen seventies and eighties.
(07:32):
Some of the most notorious American serial killers include John
Wayne Gacy, who killed thirty three young men and boys
between nineteen seventy two and nineteen seventy eight in Chicago.
Known as the Killer Clown. Gaysey was executed in nineteen
ninety four. One Jeffrey Darmer, known as the Milwaukee Monster,
who killed at least sixteen people Darma, was eventually murdered
(07:53):
in prison on November twenty eighth, nineteen ninety four. To
six Fred and Rosemary West, who committed multiple murders, including
fact family members. Fred hanged himself in his cell on
January first, nineteen ninety five, while Rosemary received a life
sentence in November nineteen ninety five and six. Edmund Kemper,
known as the co Ed Butcher, who killed students, family members,
and a neighbor before turning himself in. Kemper is still
(08:14):
alive and in custody at a medical facility in California.
Six Joseph Paul Franklin, who committed eleven murders between nineteen
seventy seven and nineteen eighty and was executed in twenty thirteen.
One Lornie David Franklin Junior, known as the Grim Sleeper,
was linked to at least ten murders in Los Angeles
since nineteen eighty five through DNA evidence. He died in
(08:35):
prison while awaiting execution. One hash hash the evolution of
serial killer investigations. What strikes me, as someone who studied
both historical and contemporary cases is how dramatically investigation techniques
have evolved. The Gilgo Beach case is a perfect example.
DNA technology that wasn't available when the murders began eventually
(08:55):
led to hoyer Man's arrest. In my forensics training, we
learned about the revolution impact of DNA databases, digital forensics,
and behavioral analysis on solving these complex cases. Investigations that
might have gone cold forever in previous decades can now
be solved through advanced techniques and persistent detective work. My
lieutenant likes to say that modern serial killers have to
(09:16):
evade not just eyewitnesses and physical evidence, but cell tower pings,
digital footprints, CCTV networks, and DNA databases. The technological net
has tightened significantly that said investigation fundamentals remain the same.
My first homicide detective mentor constantly reminded me that technology
doesn't solve cases. Detectives do. The tools have changed, but
(09:38):
the methodical process of connecting evidence to build a case
remains the detective's primary skill. Hash Hash the psychology behind
serial killings. As someone who specialized in criminal psychology before
joining the force, I'm particularly interested in understanding the why
behind these horrific crimes. While each case is unique, research
has identified certain patterns in the development of serial killers.
(10:00):
We display what psychologists call the dark triad of personality traits. Narcissism, machiavelianism,
and psychopathy. Early childhood trauma, abuse, and head injuries are
also common in the backgrounds of many serial offenders. The
FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit categorizes serial killers into organized and
disorganized types. Organized killers plan carefully, while disorganized killers act
(10:23):
impulsively and leave more evidence behind. Most real world killers
fall somewhere on a spectrum between these extremes. What's particularly
interesting in modern cases is how digital behaviour often mirrors
and extends these psychological patterns. Rex Heyreman's alleged online searches
about his own case investigation reflect the narcissistic fascination many
serial killers have with their own crimes and media coverage
(10:46):
five hash hash the impact of media coverage. The relationship
between serial killers and media coverage is complicated. On one hand,
detailed reporting helps inform the public and can generate leads.
On the other hand, excess of coverage can inadvertently glorify perpetrators.
During my media relations training at the Academy, our instructor
emphasized the importance of focusing on victims rather than giving
(11:09):
killers the notoriety they often seek. This remains a challenge
for law enforcement and media alike. The true crime genre
has exploded in popularity through podcasts, documentaries, and books. As
someone who consumed plenty of this content before joining the force,
I understand its appeal, but now working actual homicide cases,
I see how these stories can sometimes oversimplify the complex,
(11:30):
meticulous work of investigations. One positive development is how media
attention can help solve cold cases. Public tips generated by
renewed media interest have helped crack numerous long dormant investigations.
The Golden State killer case is perhaps the most famous
example where a combination of genetic genealogy and public assistance
led to an arrest decades after the crimes. Hash hash
(11:51):
the future of serial killer investigations. Looking ahead, several emerging
technologies promise to further transform how we investigate serial homicides.
Artificial intelligence is already being used to identify patterns across
seemingly unrelated cases that might indicate a serial offender. Advanced
DNA techniques can now generate likely physical characteristics and even
distant family connections from minimal biological evidence. During a recent
(12:14):
forensics conference, I attended, experts predicted that within a decade
will be able to generate remarkably accurate facial reconstructions from
DNA alone, potentially revolutionizing how we identify both victims and
perpetrators in cold cases. Geographic profiling software continues to advance,
helping investigators narrow down where offenders likely live based on
(12:35):
crime locations. This technique has proven remarkably accurate in many
serial offender cases. My department recently began using a new
digital evidence management system that can automatically cross reference case
files to identify potential connections, work that would have taken
detectives months to complete manually in the past. Hash hash
victim advocacy and support. While focusing on offenders and investigations,
(12:59):
we must never lose sight of victims and their families.
During my victim advocacy training, I learned about the unique
challenges faced by families of serial murder victims. Many families
wait years or even decades for answers. The uncertainty can
prevent normal grief processing and create what psychologists call ambiguous loss.
Organizations specifically dedicated to supporting these families provide crucial services,
(13:22):
including counseling, legal advocacy, and assistance navigating the criminal justice system.
One positive development I've observed is the increasing role victims
families play in investigations and prosecutions. Many departments now assign
family liaisons to keep relatives informed and involved throughout the process.
This not only provides comfort to families, but often generates
valuable leads and insights for investigators. Hash hash conclusion the
(13:46):
continuing challenge, as we've explored these current and historical serial
killer cases, one thing becomes clear. While investigation techniques have
advanced dramatically, the fundamental challenge remains the same, identifying patterns,
gathering evidence, and bringing perpetrators to justice. For every high
profile case that makes headlines, dozens of potential serial homicides
(14:07):
remain unsolved. The Washington d C Unsolved Homicides List reminds
us that behind every statistic is a human story and
a family waiting for closure. Three. As a detective, still
in the early stages of my career, I'm humbled by
both the progress we've made and the challenges that remain.
The upcoming trials of Brian Coeberger and Rex Hoyerman represent
years of meticulous investigative work five Frants seven. Yet for
(14:30):
every case solved, others remain mysteries. What gives me hope
is witnessing first hand the dedication of veteran detectives who
never stop pursuing justice, even for decades old cases. Their persistence,
combined with advancing technology and public awareness, ensures that even
the most complex serial murder cases have a better chance
of being solved than ever before. For listeners fascinated by
(14:51):
these cases, I encourage maintaining the difficult balance between interest
and respect, remembering that behind every sensational headline are real
victims whose story deserve to be told with dignity. This
is Detective Emily Carter signing off until next time. Stay
safe out there, and remember, in the pursuit of justice,
every detail matters.