Ep 4. Basketball Diaries

In CopyCat Killers season 3 episode 4, titled "Basketball Diaries," viewers are presented with a case involving one of the most gruesome crimes in basketball history. On March 13, 1996, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold walked into their high school in Colorado armed with guns and explosives, killing 13 and injuring 21 before turning the weapons on themselves.

As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that the perpetrators of this heinous crime were heavily influenced by the film "The Basketball Diaries" - a 1995 movie based on the real-life diary entries of Jim Carroll, a troubled young basketball player who turns to drugs and crime. Harris and Klebold, who were known for their fascination with violent video games and heavy metal music, identified with Carroll's story and reportedly watched the movie multiple times leading up to the shooting.

The episode explores the parallels between Carroll's story and the actions of Harris and Klebold, revealing how the film may have served as a blueprint for their attack. The show presents interviews with experts and psychologists who provide insight into the influence of media on violent behavior, as well as family members and survivors of the Columbine shooting.

In addition to delving into the motives and mental states of the shooters, "Basketball Diaries" also covers the response to the massacre from law enforcement and the community at large. The episode examines the aftermath of the shooting, including the implementation of new safety measures in schools, the debate over gun control legislation, and the ongoing struggle for healing and closure for those affected.

As with all episodes of CopyCat Killers, "Basketball Diaries" provides a thorough examination of a high-profile crime, exploring the psychological and societal factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. Through interviews and expert analysis, the show shines a light on the complex issues surrounding violent behavior and seeks to understand what drives individuals to commit terrible acts.