Serial Killers • Spotify Studios

This episode delves into the chilling confessions and criminal exploits of the notorious serial killer Israel Keyes. Following his arrest and suicide, Keyes revealed details about his calculated murders, rapes, and robberies funded by a secret life of crime spanning over a decade. As the FBI interrogated him, Keyes manipulated investigators with lies and half-truths about his meticulously planned crimes across the country.

While acknowledging Keyes's confessions to several murders, the episode explores the lingering theories that his body count exceeds what he disclosed. A true crime podcaster continues investigating potential patterns and victim connections that Keyes claimed did not exist, suggesting the full extent of his violent misdeeds is still unknown.

Explore the chilling dichotomy between a killer's public persona and hidden savagery in the latest episode of "Serial Killers" with Vanessa Richardson and special guest Josh Hallmark. They delve deep into Israel Keyes' facade of normality, a man who managed to walk among us while harboring a dark and violent secret life. This episode reveals how Keyes, infatuated with infamous murderers, internalized their worst traits and cunningly escaped detection, carrying out his heinous acts with calculated precision.

Take a gripping walk through the unsettling case of Samantha Koenig's abduction, a sinister plot woven by Keyes that showcases the depth of his depravity. From the abduction to the appalling ransom scheme following her death, Richardson and Hallmark lay bare the horrifying reality of Keyes' crimes. They further discuss the FBI's relentless pursuit of Keyes and the alarming possibility that his predatory acts may be the key to unraveling numerous cold cases across the United States. Join them as they shed light on the harrowing investigation into one of America's most enigmatic serial killers.

In this gripping episode of "Serial Killers," Vanessa Richardson is joined by Brad Edwards for a deep dive into the shadowy past of James Lewis and the infamous Tylenol murders. The duo scrutinizes the chilling patterns of Lewis's criminal activities, laying bare the repeated shortcomings of law enforcement that allowed him to elude capture. From the overlooked evidence in the Raymond West murder case to Lewis's fraudulent escapades and subsequent flight from justice, Richardson and Edwards revisit a trail of lost opportunities that could have altered the course of criminal history.

Their investigation also casts doubt on the assumed motive of revenge against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, challenging the narrative that has persisted for years. The pair unpack the inconsistencies in the claims about the tragic death of Lewis's daughter, shattering the supposed link to the company. As the episode unfolds, listeners gain insight into the complex and inconclusive case against Lewis for the high-profile Tylenol murders. Despite the extortion conviction tied to his disturbing letter to the company, the story leaves us with more questions than answers about James Lewis's role in the tragic events that captured a nation's attention.

Join Vanessa Richardson and her guest Robert Kolker on "Serial Killers" as they delve into the dark realm of the Gilgo Beach murders. In a gripping discourse, they uncover the layers of police corruption that have tarnished the investigation into this notorious case, including details of former police chief James Burke's misconduct which engendered a deep mistrust within the community and further obscured justice. With an intricate tangle of cover-ups and coercion, listeners are provided with an unsettling look into how illicit activities within law enforcement can impede the pursuit of truth.

The episode doesn't just dwell on the past; it also brings to light recent developments that mark a turning point in the long-running case. They discuss the arrest of Rex Huerman, touching on the vital evidence that led to this moment—ranging from eyewitness accounts of a suspicious vehicle to the striking DNA evidence extracted from pizza crusts. Amidst a sea of still-unidentified victims and unsolved related crimes, the conversation also honors the relentless efforts of the victims' families. These families transformed from encountering law enforcement's apathy to becoming driven advocates for their missing loved ones, maintaining their memory and pushing the case into the spotlight. "Serial Killers" offers a deep dive into the complexities surrounding the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.

Join Vanessa Richardson on the "Serial Killers" podcast as she delves into the haunting case of Olivia Hope and Ben Smart, whose disappearance after a New Year's Eve party in New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds captivated and distressed a whole country. As the mystery surrounding their whereabouts post-celebration intensifies, the investigation spirals into a labyrinth of distressing clues and public clamor for answers. With each detail, Richardson unwraps the paradoxes and pressures that painted a national tragedy and a perplexing criminal case.

The saga takes a darker turn with the arrest of Scott Watson, the main suspect whose actions on the night of the disappearance uncannily match witness descriptions. Richardson examines the controversial conviction amidst a myriad of inconsistencies and evidentiary disputes that have since haunted the justice system. This episode pieces together the timeline that led to Watson's incarceration, the ongoing debate over the veracity of forensic evidence, and the relentless pursuit for truth as Watson seeks a new trial to overturn a verdict shrouded in contention.