Ep 18. Deadly Influence
- TVPG
- December 2, 2003
- 50 min
-
6.7 (22)
The FBI Files season 5 episode 18, "Deadly Influence," investigates a case involving a series of brutal murders committed by a man named George Russell. Russell's killing spree started in 1986 and lasted for five years, during which he murdered at least seven women and one man, all of whom he had a personal relationship with.
The investigation begins in 1990 when the FBI receives a call from local police in Rochester, New York, about the discovery of a woman's body. The victim, Bridgette Folley, had been strangled and left in the trunk of her car. The murder bore similarities to other crimes in the area, leading Agent Jim Cavanaugh to suspect a serial killer was on the loose.
As the FBI delves into the case, they discover that all the victims had a connection to Russell. Some were his ex-girlfriends, while others were friends or acquaintances. Russell had a reputation for being charming and charismatic, but he was also extremely possessive and violent.
The investigators gather evidence against Russell, including his handwriting from love letters he had sent to his victims, which matched the writing on threatening notes left for some of the victims. Additionally, they find a hidden compartment in his car containing a grisly collection of knives and other weapons.
Although Russell initially denies involvement in the murders, the mountain of evidence against him becomes overwhelming. Eventually, he confesses to all the crimes, claiming that he was under the influence of an evil power that he couldn't control.
The FBI Files season 5 episode 18, "Deadly Influence," is a gripping and disturbing look at the mind of a serial killer. The investigators' tireless work and determination to bring Russell to justice is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the FBI.