Ep 4. The Back to School Killer: Portrait of a Predator Pt. 2

In season 4 episode 4 of Very Scary People titled "The Back to School Killer: Portrait of a Predator Pt. 2", the focus is on the notorious serial killer, William Heirens, who terrorized the city of Chicago in late 1940s. Heirens received the infamous moniker of "The Lipstick Killer" after he used lipstick to write messages on the walls of his victim's homes. During his killing spree, Heirens murdered three people, including two women and a young girl. In the second part of this two-part episode, viewers will learn more about Heirens' predatory tactics and how they allowed him to continue his killing spree for over a year.

The episode charts Heirens' murders, beginning with the killing of Florence Johnson in June 1945. Heirens' prowling tactics were sophisticated as he studied his victims and broke into their homes to commit his murders. It soon became apparent that Heirens had a particular preference for young women, which he demonstrated with the murder of six-year-old Suzanne Degnan. This case became infamous, as Heirens's actions led to a city-wide manhunt for the child's killer. Alarmed by the failed search efforts, Heirens sent the police a ransom note that he hoped would mislead them in their investigation.

The episode delves into Heirens' strange behavior during his trial. He was known to behave erratically in front of the jury and appeared to be struggling with the weight of his crimes. Heirens had been caught carrying expensive antique items, which he was trying to sell in a pawnshop. The police were able to trace these items back to his previous crime scenes, leading Heirens to confess to his crimes. Despite advocating for his innocence, Heirens was eventually found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Viewers will learn about the aftermath of the Lipstick Killer case and the impact it had on the city of Chicago. The episode explores how the news of Heirens' crimes spread across the country, becoming a topic of discussion in the media for many years to come. The case also led to the establishment of modern forensic techniques, including fingerprint and DNA analysis, which have played a critical role in solving crimes in the present day. Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion of the lasting impact Heirens' crimes have had on the victim's families who continue to seek justice and closure.

Overall, "The Back to School Killer: Portrait of a Predator Pt. 2" is a chilling episode that tells the story of a heinous murderer who preyed on innocent victims. It explores the mind of a serial killer and the devastating impact their actions have on the fabric of society. Fans of true crime will find this episode to be a gripping exploration of one of America's most infamous murder cases.