Ep 3. DC Sniper

In season 1 episode 3 of It Takes a Killer, titled "DC Sniper," the true story behind the infamous sniper attacks that terrorized the Washington D.C. area in 2002 is explored. Over the course of 22 days, 10 people were killed and three others were critically injured by the sniper team of John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo.

The episode begins with a chilling recreation of the first attack, which took place on October 2, 2002, in a parking lot in Maryland. The victim, James Martin, was shot in the chest as he was walking towards his vehicle after shopping. The show then moves on to describe the series of attacks that followed, with Muhammad and Malvo using a Bushmaster rifle equipped with a telescopic sight to target victims at random.

The show delves into the investigation that followed the attacks, with police struggling to find any promising leads or connections between the victims. The episode discusses the different theories that emerged, including the possibility of a lone gunman or a terrorist cell, as well as the idea that the attacks were racially motivated.

As the attacks continued, the public became increasingly panicked and schools were closed as a precaution. The show describes the immense pressure that law enforcement faced to solve the case as quickly as possible, with the FBI and other agencies joining the investigation.

The breakthrough in the case came when a witness reported seeing a suspicious blue Chevrolet Caprice at the scene of one of the attacks. This tip led the police to Muhammad and Malvo, who were found sleeping in their car at a rest stop in Maryland. The show describes the ensuing manhunt and dramatic capture of the suspects, as well as the trial that followed.

Throughout the episode, experts provide insight into the motivations behind the attacks, the tactics used by the snipers, and the impact the attacks had on the community. The show also explores the psychological profile of Muhammad and Malvo, and the relationship that developed between them as they carried out the attacks.

Overall, "DC Sniper" is a gripping and informative episode that provides a detailed look at one of the most notorious crime sprees in recent history. The show offers a nuanced portrayal of the events and people involved, and sheds light on the incredible effort that went into bringing the snipers to justice.