Ep 1. Twilight
- July 13, 2018
- 42 min
In the season 5 premiere of CopyCat Killers, titled "Twilight," viewers are taken through the chilling case of a notorious murder that inspired a copycat killer. The episode focuses on the brutal murder of Stephanie Bennett, who was beaten and strangled inside of her home in 1994. The case remained unsolved for years until a man named Roy Norris was arrested for several other murders and eventually confessed to killing Bennett.
Twilight is an exploration of the events leading up to Bennett's murder, including the troubling backstories of both her and Norris. The episode features interviews with detectives who worked on the case, as well as friends and family members of both Bennett and Norris.
Viewers are taken through the series of events that led Norris to commit such a horrific crime. The episode delves into Norris's troubled childhood and the traumatic experiences he endured, including being sexually abused by his stepfather. Additionally, the episode analyzes the role that drugs played in his life and how they likely contributed to his violent tendencies.
The episode also examines the media coverage surrounding Bennett's murder and how it sparked a copycat killer. Just a few years after Bennett's murder, a man named Michael Thornton carried out a similar crime in the same area. While Thornton initially denied any involvement, he eventually confessed to being inspired by the media coverage of Bennett's murder.
Throughout Twilight, viewers are given a closer look into the minds of both the killer and the copycat killer. The episode analyzes the psychological and emotional factors that led them to commit such heinous crimes. The episode also explores the impact that these crimes had on their respective communities and the lasting legacy that they left behind.
Overall, Twilight is a gripping and haunting exploration of a truly shocking crime and the copycat killer it inspired. Viewers will be taken on a journey through the dark and disturbing minds of these killers, as well as the detectives who worked tirelessly to bring them to justice. With in-depth interviews and comprehensive analysis, Twilight is a must-see for true crime fans and anyone interested in the intricacies of criminal psychology.