Ep 4. Allentown Massacre & The Copycat

In the fourth episode of season three of Killer Kids, viewers are introduced to two distinct cases of youth violence that left a trail of devastation in their wake. The first story, titled "Allentown Massacre," chronicles the heinous acts committed by a trio of teenage boys in the small Pennsylvania town in 1995. The second story, "The Copycat," centers around a high school student in Vancouver who becomes fixated on a notorious serial killer and sets out to emulate his crimes.

In the Allentown Massacre case, viewers are presented with a chilling reminder of the potential for extreme violence in even the most seemingly normal of teenagers. The focus is on the three boys, who are depicted as typical suburban kids with good grades and no prior criminal records. However, as the episode progresses, it becomes apparent that there was a dark underbelly to their seemingly idyllic lives. The boys had become increasingly fascinated with violent video games, heavy metal music, and neo-Nazi ideology, elements that fueled their growing desire to carry out an act of mass murder.

The episode traces the events leading up to the massacre, including the boys' acquisition of firearms and their plans to target their high school, which they believed to be a hotbed of liberalism and moral decay. Through interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and survivors, viewers gain insight into the minds of the killers and the devastating impact of their actions on the community.

The second story, "The Copycat," explores the troubling phenomenon of young people who become fixated on infamous serial killers and seek to emulate their crimes. The episode centers around a teenage boy named Justin, who becomes obsessed with a notorious Canadian killer named Clifford Olson. Despite having no prior history of violent behavior, Justin begins to exhibit concerning signs of disturbing behavior, including posting menacing messages online and carrying knives to school.

The episode delves into the family and environmental factors that may have contributed to Justin's twisted fascination with Olson, including a troubled home life and a lack of positive role models. It also raises important questions about the role of the media in sensationalizing violent crimes and the impact this can have on vulnerable young minds.

Overall, "Allentown Massacre & The Copycat" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged episode that paints a vivid picture of the potential for extreme violence in young people. Through careful analysis of these unforgettable cases, viewers gain a greater understanding of the complex factors that contribute to youth violence and the tragic consequences that can result.