Ep 11. Live to Tell: The Railroad Killer
- December 11, 2010
On this episode of 48 Hours Mystery, entitled "Live to Tell: The Railroad Killer," the focus is on a man named Angel Maturino Reséndiz. Known to authorities as the "Railroad Killer," Reséndiz was responsible for a string of murders across the United States in the 1990s. He was eventually caught and put to death, but not before leaving a trail of victims in his wake.
The episode begins with a brief overview of Reséndiz's background. Born in Puebla, Mexico, he had a troubled childhood and a history of mental illness. He came to the United States in the mid-1970s, and over the years, he committed a number of crimes, including burglary and assault. He was arrested several times, but always managed to evade serious punishment.
In 1997, Reséndiz began his killing spree. His victims were mostly middle-aged or elderly men and women who lived near train tracks. He would hop off a train, break into their homes, and bludgeon them to death with whatever he could find. He eventually claimed responsibility for several murders in Texas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Florida.
The episode includes interviews with several people who knew Reséndiz or were involved in the investigation, including law enforcement officials, relatives of the victims, and Reséndiz's own defense attorney. They all offer their insights and perspectives on this complex case.
One of the key figures in the episode is Detective Roy Yowell, who worked on the case for years. Yowell explains how difficult it was to track Reséndiz, who was constantly on the move and had no fixed address. Yowell also describes how frustrating it was to see Reséndiz slip through their fingers time and time again.
Another important figure in the episode is Julie Rae Harper, the daughter of Reséndiz's final victim. Harper was just 17 years old when Reséndiz broke into her family's home in Texas and killed her mother. She recounts the harrowing experience of waking up to find Reséndiz looming over her bed, and how she managed to escape and run for help. Harper, who is now a mother herself, also talks about how she has coped with the loss of her mother over the years.
The episode also delves into Reséndiz's mental state and whether he was capable of understanding the consequences of his actions. His defense attorney, Allen Tanner, argues that Reséndiz was severely mentally ill and that he should have received a lesser sentence. Tanner points out that Reséndiz was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and had a history of delusions and hallucinations. However, others argue that Reséndiz was aware of what he was doing and should be held fully responsible for his crimes.
In the end, Reséndiz was captured in Texas in 1999, after an intense manhunt involving several law enforcement agencies. He was eventually convicted of several murders and sentenced to death. He was executed in 2006.
Overall, "Live to Tell: The Railroad Killer" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of 48 Hours Mystery. It offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a serial killer and raises important questions about mental illness, justice, and personal responsibility. Whether you're a true crime buff or simply interested in exploring the darker corners of the human psyche, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
