Ep 10. I'm So Lonesome I Could Kill & The Bicycle Thief
- TV14
- June 30, 2014
- 42 min
-
(12)
In the Killer Kids season 3 episode 10, titled "I'm So Lonesome I Could Kill & The Bicycle Thief," the show explores the stories of two young killers who were motivated by loneliness and jealousy.
The first story focuses on a teenage girl named Torey Adamcik who, along with her best friend Brian Draper, murdered their classmate, Cassie Jo Stoddart. The two boys had been planning the murder for weeks, and they even made a movie about it before carrying out their plan. Torey's motive for the murder was jealousy–she was envious of Cassie's close relationship with her boyfriend, who was friends with Brian. After luring Cassie to her home, Torey and Brian brutally stabbed her to death. The murder shocked the small town of Pocatello, Idaho, and Torey and Brian were both sentenced to life in prison.
The second story follows the case of an 11-year-old boy named Rick Chavis, who murdered his neighbor, 8-year-old Maddie Clifton. Rick was often left alone at home while his mother worked, and he had a troubled home life. Maddie was a sweet and popular little girl, and she often played with Rick and his siblings. One day after a confrontation between the two children, Rick lured Maddie into his home and killed her. He then hid her body in his closet for a week before ultimately leading police to her. Rick's motive for the murder was never entirely clear, but it was speculated that he may have killed Maddie out of jealousy or anger.
Throughout the episode, interviews with law enforcement officials, family members, and psychologists provide insight into the psychology behind these horrific acts of violence. The episode also features reenactments of the crimes, as well as footage from the trials and news coverage that surrounded them.
"I'm So Lonesome I Could Kill & The Bicycle Thief" is a chilling reminder of the capacity for violence within even young children. The episode raises important questions about the role of parenting and community support in preventing these tragedies, and offers a sobering perspective on the devastating consequences of loneliness and jealousy in the lives of young people.