Ep 2. The Libertyville Horror

In season 2 episode 2 of The 1980s The Deadliest Decade, titled "The Libertyville Horror," viewers are taken back to the year 1985 to explore the tragic and disturbing murder of a family in Libertyville, Illinois. The episode examines the events leading up to the gruesome crime and the subsequent investigation, as well as the impact the tragedy had on the small town community.

Through interviews with law enforcement officials, family members, and local residents, the episode uncovers the disturbing details of the crime. On a winter night in 1985, a seemingly happy family of six was brutally murdered in their home. The perpetrator, who remains unknown to this day, not only killed the parents but also their four children. The crime scene was one of the most gruesome that investigators had ever seen, with evidence of a violent struggle throughout the house.

As the investigation unfolded, rumors began to circulate in the town. Some believed that the killer was a satanist, as the word "satan" was found written on the walls of the house in the victims' blood. Others pointed fingers at members of the family's own church community. With no clear suspects or motive, the case quickly became one of the most baffling in the town's history.

However, the episode also explores the toll the crime took on the town of Libertyville itself. The brutal murder of an entire family shook the community to its core, leaving many residents feeling vulnerable and fearful. Moreover, the subsequent investigation led to further divisions in the town, with rumors and accusations tearing apart previously close-knit social circles.

Ultimately, "The Libertyville Horror" is a harrowing reminder of how a single act of violence can have far-reaching effects. Through interviews with those closest to the case, as well as expert analysis of the forensic evidence, the episode offers a fascinating deep dive into a crime that still remains unsolved to this day. It asks tough questions about the nature of evil, the role of community in responding to tragedy, and the limitations of law enforcement in solving complex cases.