Ep 3. Exorcist Iii

Copycat Killers is a gripping true crime series that delves into real-life cases of perpetrators who committed horrific crimes after being inspired by famous films. Each episode focuses on a well-known Hollywood movie and the chilling true story of how it motivated someone to become a murderer.

In season 7, episode 3, viewers are taken into the world of The Exorcist III, a cult horror classic that has terrified audiences for decades. Based on the novel Legion by William Peter Blatty, this film is known for its intense scares and demonic storyline, which centres around a possessed young girl.

The episode entitled ‘Exorcist III’ explores the real-life copycats who were inspired by this iconic horror film. These cases shocked the world with their brutal violence and extreme behaviour, all in the name of demonic possession.

As always, the series has a skilled team of law enforcement professionals, crime scene investigators, and psychologists who analyse the evidence and recount the chilling stories of these copycat killers. In this episode, they examine the motives, behaviour, and psyche of those who were inspired by The Exorcist III.

The team starts by detailing The Exorcist franchise itself, revealing how the films have influenced pop culture and have become synonymous with fear. The original movie was based on real-life events and was so successful that it spawned a series of sequels, a TV series, and numerous copycat films.

The episode continues by examining cases where people were driven to commit heinous crimes after watching or being influenced by violent scenes from The Exorcist III. This includes the case of one woman who murdered her own son, convinced that he was possessed by demons. Another young girl tried to kill her own family, believing that Satan was guiding her actions.

These cases are not only shocking but raise important questions about how films and the media influence our behaviour. As the team points out, these copycat killers were not just affected by a single movie but were likely struggling with pre-existing mental health issues that were exacerbated by their exposure to The Exorcist III.

The episode also features interviews with experts in the fields of psychology and criminology who shed light on the complex relationship between violence in the media and its impact on society. They also discuss the importance of mental health care and its role in preventing copycat killings.

Overall, Copycat Killers season 7, episode 3 is a chilling exploration of the link between violent media and real-life copycat killings. It exposes the dark side of human nature and raises important questions about our responsibility as a society to protect vulnerable individuals from the harmful effects of media violence. If you are a fan of true crime and psychological thrillers, this episode is a must-watch.