Ep 10. Serial Confessions
- May 24, 2021
In Fatal Attraction season 8 episode 10, called "Serial Confessions," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through the minds of multiple killers. With expert commentary and intense reenactments, this episode examines what happens when serial killers confess their crimes.
The episode opens with a recap of the "Golden State Killer," a notorious predator who's crimes went unsolved for decades. Finally, in 2018, the killer was identified as a former police officer named Joseph DeAngelo. DeAngelo is just one of many killers who have confessed to their crimes, and the episode dives deep into the minds of these volatile individuals.
The first case examined is that of Samuel Little, who has been dubbed the most prolific serial killer in American history. Little claimed to have murdered up to 93 women over the course of four decades. Despite his high number of victims, Little went undetected for many years due to the transient nature of his crimes - he would often pick up women who were living on the streets, making it difficult for police to track his movement. However, once Little was finally caught, he began confessing to many of his crimes. The episode delves into what motivates a killer to confess, even when they have long evaded the law.
Next, the episode pivots to the case of Israel Keyes, a man who would travel across the country to commit murders. Keyes was highly intelligent and spent years honing his skills as a killer; he was so careful that he avoided leaving any DNA or physical evidence at any of his crime scenes. However, in 2012, Keyes was finally caught after kidnapping and murdering an 18-year old girl named Samantha Koenig. While in custody, Keyes shocked investigators with his willingness to confess to a number of other murders - many of which had not yet been solved. Throughout this segment, the episode explores what could possibly motivate a killer to confess to crimes committed years or even decades prior.
The next case examined in "Serial Confessions" is that of Robert Durst, a wealthy man who was charged with the murder of a close friend named Susan Berman. Durst's story is particularly fascinating because he confessed to the victim's brother, but only after being caught on a hot mic saying "what the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course." Durst's confession is unique in that it seems to have been accidental - he didn't realize his microphone was still on, and made the damning statement while alone in a bathroom. The episode hones in on the delicate art of interrogation, and how even a slip of the tongue can lead to a killer being brought to justice.
The final case examined in "Serial Confessions" is that of the Grim Sleeper, a man who committed a string of murders in the Los Angeles area for almost 20 years. The killer was finally caught in 2010, due in part to forensic evidence that linked him to several of the crimes. However, it wasn't until after his arrest that the killer - Lonnie Franklin Jr. - began to confess to his crimes. Throughout this segment, viewers are taken on a dark journey through the mind of a killer who managed to evade justice for decades.
In conclusion, "Serial Confessions" is a gripping episode of Fatal Attraction that delves deep into the psyche of multiple killers. Through expert analysis and intense reenactments, the episode explores what motivates a killer to finally confess to their crimes, even after years or decades have passed. From the chilling confessions of Samuel Little to the accidental slip-up of Robert Durst, this episode is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.