Ep 6. The Last Call Killer

The episode titled "The Last Call Killer" from the twelfth season of City Confidential is an intense true crime story that dives deep into the killings of gay men in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The Last Call Killer is believed to be responsible for the deaths of at least eight men, all of whom were gay and frequented bars in the city's Greenwich Village neighborhood. The victims were typically found strangled and often had objects like belts or cords wrapped tightly around their necks. The killer's preferred method of attack was to lure men to his apartment off of Christopher Street with the promise of alcohol, drugs, or sex, and then use ligatures to strangle them.

The episode begins with a discussion of the gay culture in New York City during the 1980s. It was a time when the AIDS epidemic was rampant, fear was widespread, and many people felt stigmatized and ostracized because of their sexuality. It was also a time when gay rights were becoming more widely recognized, and the LGBT community was beginning to find its voice. Against this backdrop, the Last Call Killer was able to prey on vulnerable men who were looking for love and companionship in a world that often felt hostile and indifferent.

Using interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, forensic experts, and family members of the victims, the episode explores the police investigation into the killings. It also examines the role that the media played in covering the case, the psychological profile of the killer, and the larger cultural context in which the murders occurred.

One of the key figures in the story is Detective James Henry, who worked on the case from its early stages. Henry was a seasoned detective with decades of experience, but he found the Last Call Killer case to be particularly challenging. The killer was careful to avoid leaving behind any physical evidence, and he seemed to have a preternatural ability to hide in plain sight. Henry and his colleagues knew that they were dealing with a dangerous and elusive predator, and they were determined to catch him before more lives were lost.

The episode doesn't shy away from the gruesome details of the killings, but it also humanizes the victims and their families. We meet the brothers, sisters, and friends of some of the men who were murdered, and we hear their poignant recollections of their loved ones. We also learn about the impact that the murders had on the LGBT community, which was already grappling with stigma and discrimination.

Ultimately, the episode is a tribute to the doggedness of the investigators who worked tirelessly to solve the case. It's also a reminder of the dangers that lurk in the dark corners of our cities and the importance of remaining vigilant and compassionate in the face of violence.

Overall, "The Last Call Killer" is a harrowing but ultimately rewarding story of crime, justice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Those who are interested in true crime, LGBT history, or the social and cultural context of New York City during the 1980s and 1990s will find much to enjoy in this gripping and emotionally resonant episode of City Confidential.