Host Donnie Wahlberg looks at some of the most-frightening killers in history, retracing their backgrounds, psychology, motives and how they were eventually caught.
This is the shocking and gruesome mystery of John Wayne Gacy, a popular Chicago businessman and part-time clown who was leading a double life in the 1970s. By day, Gacy was a community leader and helpful neighbor. But by night, he transformed into a monster who chose young male teens as his prey. How did this seemingly cheerful man become the most prolific serial killer of his day without anybody noticing and how was he ultimately caught?
This is the shocking and gruesome mystery of John Wayne Gacy, a popular Chicago businessman and part-time clown who was leading a double life in the 1970s. By day, Gacy was a community leader and helpful neighbor. But by night, he transformed into a monster who chose young male teens as his prey. How did this seemingly cheerful man become the most prolific serial killer of his day without anybody noticing and how was he ultimately caught?
Charles Manson was born a bad kid, became a teenage thief and a violent predator, and by the end, spent far more than half his life behind bars. He had the ability to charm and the power of persuasion, but he chose to use those talents for sinister purposes. This episode details the horror of the vicious attacks and explains how Manson was able to convince his hippie followers to brutally murder innocent strangers.
Charles Manson was born a bad kid, became a teenage thief and a violent predator, and by the end, spent far more than half his life behind bars. He had the ability to charm and the power of persuasion, but he chose to use those talents for sinister purposes. This episode details the horror of the vicious attacks and explains how Manson was able to convince his hippie followers to brutally murder innocent strangers.
Wanted for multiple sex attacks against women in Northern California over three decades, this masked predator meticulously planned his assaults by studying the habits and routines of his female prey. The NorCal Rapist entered homes in advance of his attacks, memorizing floor plans and planning exits to avoid being seen. Then, armed with guns and knives, he attacked the women at night, mostly when they were asleep. But after 27 years on the loose, police suddenly closed in on the man they believe is the NorCal Rapist. This episode features victims, detectives, prosecutors, and criminal profilers, who detail the horror of the attacks, and the new forensic science that led to the suspect's capture.
Wanted for multiple sex attacks against women in Northern California over three decades, this masked predator meticulously planned his assaults by studying the habits and routines of his female prey. The NorCal Rapist entered homes in advance of his attacks, memorizing floor plans and planning exits to avoid being seen. Then, armed with guns and knives, he attacked the women at night, mostly when they were asleep. But after 27 years on the loose, police suddenly closed in on the man they believe is the NorCal Rapist. This episode features victims, detectives, prosecutors, and criminal profilers, who detail the horror of the attacks, and the new forensic science that led to the suspect's capture.
In 1990, Florida police were on a frantic search for a killer. Seven men were dead, their bodies scattered along state highways. Terrorized motorists heard of the bullet-ridden victims of the Interstate Killer - but the investigative trail was cold and there was no end in sight. The killer behind the spree was Aileen Wuornos—a complex, misunderstood misfit who hitchhiked near truck stops, selected her victims at random, and lured them to secluded locations. It took good old-fashioned police work, a little luck, and a lover's betrayal, to finally bring Wuornos' killing spree to an end. This episode features rare interviews with victims' family members, and Wuornos' best friend.
In 1990, Florida police were on a frantic search for a killer. Seven men were dead, their bodies scattered along state highways. Terrorized motorists heard of the bullet-ridden victims of the Interstate Killer - but the investigative trail was cold and there was no end in sight. The killer behind the spree was Aileen Wuornos—a complex, misunderstood misfit who hitchhiked near truck stops, selected her victims at random, and lured them to secluded locations. It took good old-fashioned police work, a little luck, and a lover's betrayal, to finally bring Wuornos' killing spree to an end. This episode features rare interviews with victims' family members, and Wuornos' best friend.
He terrorized Northern California in the late 1960s, killing young couples at secluded lover's lanes. Not satisfied with just the murders, he also taunted the public with cryptic clues, threats of increased violence and most famously, ciphers that were supposed to lead police to his identity, but mostly went nowhere. Detectives, reporters, and even civilians, have worked for decades to solve the case - but so far, no one has succeeded. Can new DNA techniques that were used to catch the Golden State Killer finally unmask this murderer, who is both infamous and completely unknown?
He terrorized Northern California in the late 1960s, killing young couples at secluded lover's lanes. Not satisfied with just the murders, he also taunted the public with cryptic clues, threats of increased violence and most famously, ciphers that were supposed to lead police to his identity, but mostly went nowhere. Detectives, reporters, and even civilians, have worked for decades to solve the case - but so far, no one has succeeded. Can new DNA techniques that were used to catch the Golden State Killer finally unmask this murderer, who is both infamous and completely unknown?
More than 900 Americans died in an isolated jungle in northern Guyana in November 1978. The man responsible, Jim Jones, has gone down in history as a madman who drove his followers to suicide. But the truth is more complicated, more horrifying, and more tragic than that. This episode dives deep into the life of Jones, from his lonely childhood to his spectacular rise as a charismatic minister sought out by politicians and film stars, and finally, to an almost unimaginable end: the mass murder of those who once called him "father."
More than 900 Americans died in an isolated jungle in northern Guyana in November 1978. The man responsible, Jim Jones, has gone down in history as a madman who drove his followers to suicide. But the truth is more complicated, more horrifying, and more tragic than that. This episode dives deep into the life of Jones, from his lonely childhood to his spectacular rise as a charismatic minister sought out by politicians and film stars, and finally, to an almost unimaginable end: the mass murder of those who once called him "father."
He is among the most infamous serial killers in American history. From 1976 to 1977, David Berkowitz terrorized New York City - under his creepy self-given moniker: the Son of Sam.
In 1977, the city of New York was being stalked by a seemingly faceless serial killer known as, "Son of Sam." But after his final shooting took him to Brooklyn, a twist of fate and a little luck led to his capture.
He calls himself "B.T.K." which stands for Bind, Torture, Kill and for decades this bloodthirsty serial killer terrifies Wichita as he murders again and again and again. Wichita residents live in fear that they will be his next victim.
For years the BTK killer plays a cat and mouse game with law enforcement and the media taunting them as he seeks the attention he craves. But then… he makes a mistake.
The summer of 1985 was one of the hottest Los Angeles had seen in a century. But terrified residents weren't sleeping with the windows open, they weren't sleeping at all. A killer was on the loose. He was the Night Stalker.
A tip from a teenage boy leads to the identity of the Night Stalker. Twenty-four hours later a mob of angry citizens track him down and capture him.
A frantic public, desperate for answers, live in terror, waiting for the man they dubbed "The Co-Ed Killer" to strike again. But no one could have expected that the person responsible, a local man, Edmund Kemper, was living among them.
In April 1973, 24-year-old Edmund Kemper had murdered 6 coeds in and around the city of Santa Cruz, California, shaking the community to its core.
The unbelievable story of Robert Durst, the millionaire heir to a vast real estate fortune who has been linked to the deaths of his wife, his best friend, and his neighbor.
Six weeks after jumping bail in Galveston, Texas, Robert Durst is caught on a store security camera in Pennsylvania shoplifting a sandwich and is quickly sent back to Galveston to stand trial for the murder of his neighbor, Morris Black.
Michael Swango - high school valedictorian, distinguished marine, trusted doctor... serial killer. For nearly two decades, this physician-turned-murderer left a trail of death and mayhem across two continents.
Dr. Michael Swango took an oath to "do no harm." But he did just the opposite. Suspicious illnesses and deaths followed this once-trusted physician-turned-killer from hospital to hospital for nearly two decades and across two continents.
The Golden State Killer invaded homes, tortured and terrorized families, committed fifty brutal rapes and thirteen vicious murders, and was on the loose for forty-four years. Cold case Investigators chased down thousands of leads without ever getting their man. But a new forensic tool breaks the case and exposes this remorseless predator – Joseph DeAngelo – his family, his background, and his life story; and finally, scores of victims get a measure of long-awaited justice.
The Golden State Killer invaded homes, tortured and terrorized families, committed fifty brutal rapes and thirteen vicious murders, and was on the loose for forty-four years. Cold case Investigators chased down thousands of leads without ever getting their man. But a new forensic tool breaks the case and exposes this remorseless predator – Joseph DeAngelo – his family, his background, and his life story; and finally, scores of victims get a measure of long-awaited justice.
The Butcher Baker was one of the most prolific serial killers in Alaska's history. For more than a decade, he kidnapped young women and brought them into the wilderness where he stalked them like prey. He got away with his crimes for years, living a double life as a soft-spoken baker and church-going family man by day, and prowling the streets and strip clubs at night, looking for more victims. But when one woman escaped and lived to tell her harrowing story, police made a shocking discovery inside Robert Hansen's home, which would expose the baker as the monster he truly was.
The Butcher Baker was one of the most prolific serial killers in Alaska's history. For more than a decade, he kidnapped young women and brought them into the wilderness where he stalked them like prey. He got away with his crimes for years, living a double life as a soft-spoken baker and church-going family man by day, and prowling the streets and strip clubs at night, looking for more victims. But when one woman escaped and lived to tell her harrowing story, police made a shocking discovery inside Robert Hansen's home, which would expose the baker as the monster he truly was.
In November 1974, six members of the DeFeo family were found murdered inside their beautiful seaside home. The mother, father, and four of their children were shot in the back as they lay sleeping in their beds. The bodies were discovered by the only family member left alive – the oldest son Butch DeFeo. What really happened that night in Amityville? Who murdered the DeFeo family and why? What caused the strange events in the house near the sea? Parapsychologists and psychics descend on the house to investigate claims of levitating objects and demonic possession in an attempt to explain why, 50 years later, this house is still a source of nightmares.
In November 1974, six members of the DeFeo family were found murdered inside their beautiful seaside home. The mother, father, and four of their children were shot in the back as they lay sleeping in their beds. The bodies were discovered by the only family member left alive – the oldest son Butch DeFeo. What really happened that night in Amityville? Who murdered the DeFeo family and why? What caused the strange events in the house near the sea? Parapsychologists and psychics descend on the house to investigate claims of levitating objects and demonic possession in an attempt to explain why, 50 years later, this house is still a source of nightmares.
In 1968, an 8-year-old girl is abducted and raped. The Los Angeles police were just moments from catching her attacker, but he eludes them and escapes to New York where he kills a young woman. This is the beginning of a monstrous killing spree of young girls and women. When police discover who is behind these horrific murders, they are shocked to find it's a handsome, charming photographer. With a string of murders already behind him, incredibly, Rodney Alcala is chosen to appear on the national game show, "The Dating Game." What happens next makes Rodney Alcala one of the most horrific serial killers in US history.
In 1968, an 8-year-old girl is abducted and raped. The Los Angeles police were just moments from catching her attacker, but he eludes them and escapes to New York where he kills a young woman. This is the beginning of a monstrous killing spree of young girls and women. When police discover who is behind these horrific murders, they are shocked to find it's a handsome, charming photographer. With a string of murders already behind him, incredibly, Rodney Alcala is chosen to appear on the national game show, "The Dating Game." What happens next makes Rodney Alcala one of the most horrific serial killers in US history.
He was a family man, living in a New Jersey suburb with his wife and three kids. But unbeknownst to his neighbors, Richard Kuklinski held a dark secret: he was the "Iceman" – a cold-blooded killer who was part-time mob hitman for hire, and full-time psychopath. This intimidating, oversized killer managed to evade the police with ease for years. That is, until a few smart investigators started connecting the dots between seemingly unrelated murders and a mystery man known as "Big Rich."
He was a family man, living in a New Jersey suburb with his wife and three kids. But unbeknownst to his neighbors, Richard Kuklinski held a dark secret: he was the "Iceman" – a cold-blooded killer who was part-time mob hitman for hire, and full-time psychopath. This intimidating, oversized killer managed to evade the police with ease for years. That is, until a few smart investigators started connecting the dots between seemingly unrelated murders and a mystery man known as "Big Rich."
A string of horrifying fires plagues California in the Eighties and Nineties, one of them fatally trapping four people inside. Are these raging infernos accidental or is someone setting them deliberately? Years of meticulous investigation leads law enforcement to uncover a wave of terrifying fires set by a man some call the most prolific arsonist of the Twentieth century, who turns out to be none other than renowned fire investigator Captain John Orr. In a game of cat and mouse, colleagues discover dark secrets behind the man who thrived on the chaos of igniting the fires he was supposed to be fighting.
A string of horrifying fires plagues California in the Eighties and Nineties, one of them fatally trapping four people inside. Are these raging infernos accidental or is someone setting them deliberately? Years of meticulous investigation leads law enforcement to uncover a wave of terrifying fires set by a man some call the most prolific arsonist of the Twentieth century, who turns out to be none other than renowned fire investigator Captain John Orr. In a game of cat and mouse, colleagues discover dark secrets behind the man who thrived on the chaos of igniting the fires he was supposed to be fighting.
One of North America's most haunting and horrific crime sprees was a series of rapes, abductions, and murders of young women just north of the U.S.–Canada border from 1987 to 1992. Ontario authorities joined FBI profilers to hunt the monster responsible, but they came up empty handed for more than five years until one tip led cops to an unlikely suspect: a middle-class accountant living with his beautiful wife in a quaint pink house in the suburbs. They were sure they had their man, but the saga was far from over. Disturbing videotapes were discovered, and the public learned the sordid details of the crimes and who else was involved, sending shockwaves throughout the world.
One of North America's most haunting and horrific crime sprees was a series of rapes, abductions, and murders of young women just north of the U.S.–Canada border from 1987 to 1992. Ontario authorities joined FBI profilers to hunt the monster responsible, but they came up empty handed for more than five years until one tip led cops to an unlikely suspect: a middle-class accountant living with his beautiful wife in a quaint pink house in the suburbs. They were sure they had their man, but the saga was far from over. Disturbing videotapes were discovered, and the public learned the sordid details of the crimes and who else was involved, sending shockwaves throughout the world.
When college-aged women in Charlottesville, Virginia started disappearing, the community was shaken to the core. The search for answers led authorities to an unlikely suspect, a local star athlete, Jesse Matthew Jr. In a story filled with twists and turns, the viewer goes behind the investigation of how at least two young women were violently killed and how a third cheated death and became the key to bringing a murderer to justice. For the first time, you'll hear explosive and heart wrenching details from victims' families and friends.
When college-aged women in Charlottesville, Virginia started disappearing, the community was shaken to its core. The search for answers led authorities to an unlikely suspect, a local star athlete named Jesse Matthew Jr. In a story filled with twists and turns, the viewer goes behind the investigation of how he kidnapped and killed at least two young women, and how a third cheated death and became the key to bringing a murderer to justice. For the first time, you'll hear explosive and heart-wrenching details from victims' families and friends.
Sammy "The Bull" Gravano was one of the most feared mobsters in history. As the right-hand man to mafia kingpin John Gotti, he carried out multiple murders on behalf of the crime family. But after his arrest, he committed the ultimate mafia sin: he broke the sacred oath of silence and cut a deal with the government—agreeing to testify against his former boss. In shocking testimony, Gravano described the cold-blooded murders of close friends and business partners and the secret world of La Cosa Nostra. As the highest-ranking mobster ever to defect, The Bull's testimony helped put Gotti and dozens of others behind bars and devastated the hierarchy of organized crime. After the trial, Gravano was supposed to slip away quietly under the Witness Protection Program with a new name and a new face. But the notorious gangster was not about to live a normal life. Despite the bounty on his head, Gravano abandoned the Witness Protection Program and drifted back into the criminal world. Sammy Gravano is one of the last mobsters of a bygone era and his journey from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn to the mafia's inner circle, to government informant, and then to prison, is a riveting tale of murder, betrayal, and survival.
Sammy "The Bull" Gravano was one of the most feared mobsters in history. As the right-hand man to mafia kingpin John Gotti, he carried out multiple murders on behalf of the crime family. But after his arrest, he committed the ultimate mafia sin: he broke the sacred oath of silence and cut a deal with the government—agreeing to testify against his former boss. In shocking testimony, Gravano described the cold-blooded murders of close friends and business partners and the secret world of La Cosa Nostra. As the highest-ranking mobster ever to defect, The Bull's testimony helped put Gotti and dozens of others behind bars and devastated the hierarchy of organized crime. After the trial, Gravano was supposed to slip away quietly under the Witness Protection Program with a new name and a new face. But the notorious gangster was not about to live a normal life. Despite the bounty on his head, Gravano abandoned the Witness Protection Program and drifted back into the criminal world. Sammy Gravano is one of the last mobsters of a bygone era and his journey from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn to the mafia's inner circle, to government informant, and then to prison, is a riveting tale of murder, betrayal, and survival.
In the fall of 1977, the bodies of young women begin piling up in Los Angeles. Almost all were nude, showing signs of torture, and discarded on hillsides. Overnight, the city became gripped with terror as the press dubbed the perpetrator "The Hillside Strangler." As the killings escalated, police received reports that two suspicious men were spotted flashing police badges and asking women to pull over. Suddenly, detectives realized that they were facing not a single serial killer but a pair working in tandem. Even more terrifying: the perpetrators may be members of law enforcement. A large task force was formed, but every lead went nowhere. Then, in late February 1978, after ten women had been slaughtered, the killings inexplicably stopped. Nearly another year passed before two murders more than 1,200 miles away opened the door to a bizarre family saga that ultimately uncovered the identity of the Hillside Stranglers.
In the fall of 1977, the bodies of young women begin piling up in Los Angeles. Almost all were nude, showing signs of torture, and discarded on hillsides. Overnight, the city became gripped with terror as the press dubbed the perpetrator "The Hillside Strangler." As the killings escalated, police received reports that two suspicious men were spotted flashing police badges and asking women to pull over. Suddenly, detectives realized that they were facing not a single serial killer but a pair working in tandem. Even more terrifying: the perpetrators may be members of law enforcement. A large task force was formed, but every lead went nowhere. Then, in late February 1978, after ten women had been slaughtered, the killings inexplicably stopped. Nearly another year passed before two murders more than 1,200 miles away opened the door to a bizarre family saga that ultimately uncovered the identity of the Hillside Stranglers.
It was just a normal night for 18-year-old Samantha Koenig. She was closing the coffee kiosk where she worked in Anchorage, Alaska—like she had done many times before—when one last customer came in: a man known in the community as a local business owner and caring father. But lurking beneath that anodyne surface was a rapist and a ruthless killer with a penchant for selecting random victims throughout the country. Israel Keyes' kidnapping of Koenig led to an intense manhunt and a cross country investigation that ended his reign of terror. While in custody, Keyes played cat and mouse with detectives, revealing some details about his crimes and his missing victims. In the end, Keyes had one last surprise.
It was just a normal night for 18-year-old Samantha Koenig. She was closing the coffee kiosk where she worked in Anchorage, Alaska—like she had done many times before—when one last customer came in: a man known in the community as a local business owner and caring father. But lurking beneath that anodyne surface was a rapist and a ruthless killer with a penchant for selecting random victims throughout the country. Israel Keyes' kidnapping of Koenig led to an intense manhunt and a cross country investigation that ended his reign of terror. While in custody, Keyes played cat and mouse with detectives, revealing some details about his crimes and his missing victims. In the end, Keyes had one last surprise.
Nicknamed the "Dapper Don," on account of his expensive suits and swagger, John Gotti was one of the biggest celebrities of the 1980s. But the real John Gotti was a man to be feared—a ruthless gangster who ordered hits on enemies and friends alike, as well as anyone else who crossed him. In the 70s, Gotti worked his way up the ranks of the Gambino crime family as a solid earner and vicious capo determined to not let anything or anyone stand in his way. Gotti's big move came in 1985, when he organized the brutal murder of then Gambino boss Paul Castellano and took Castellano's throne as the new Gambino godfather, making him public enemy #1. Everyone from law enforcement to other goodfellas considered Gotti dangerous and unpredictable. And for years he seemed unstoppable. This episode explores how this common street thug became the godfather of one of the world's most powerful crime families, and how a secret FBI operation finally brought him down.
John Gotti's expensive suits and swagger earn him the nickname Dapper Don; in reality, he is a man to be feared, a ruthless, dangerous Mafia gangster who orders hits on his enemies, his friends, and anyone who crosses him.
From 1979-1981, the popular hiking trails of Northern California became the setting of a terrifying mystery. A man known as the Trailside Killer was raping and killing women in a place they had always felt safe. The cold-blooded attacks stunned the community and frustrated law enforcement. They had few clues as to the killer's identity, until one victim managed to get away and identified a middle-aged man living an ordinary life with his parents.
It's the late 70s, and a baffling mystery plagues Northern California's popular hiking trails -- a serial rapist and murderer dubbed the "Trailside Killer" terrorizes the area. Investigators find few clues -- until one brave victim manages to get away.
In the mid 1980s, Kansas City women start to vanish; they all share one thing in common, an odd connection to the same man who calls himself "The Slave Master"; police must be just as wily if they want to bring down this serial killing sadist.
In the mid-'80s, Kansas City women start to vanish. They all share one thing in common -- an odd connection to the same cunning man who calls himself "The Slave Master." Police must be just as wily if they want to bring down this serial killing sadist.
Someone snatches a student from her college campus in Indiana, while a second missing girl turns up dead months later. Then, terrified girls report a man trying to lure them into his van, but is he the real killer? Police wonder until one man confesses.
Someone snatches a student from her college campus in Indiana, while a second missing girl turns up dead months later. Then, terrified girls report a man trying to lure them into his van, but is he the real killer? Police wonder until one man confesses.
New York City firefighters discover the headless bodies of two sex workers, leading the tabloids to dub the perpetrator the "Times Square Killer." Now, investigators must find a way to hunt down a psychopath adept at blending into his surroundings.
New York City firefighters discover the headless bodies of two sex workers, leading the tabloids to dub the perpetrator the "Times Square Killer." Now, investigators must find a way to hunt down a psychopath adept at blending into his surroundings.
Nurse Judy Buenoano survives a string of unimaginable tragedies, including two house fires, a mysterious canoe accident and the loss of her husband, boyfriend, and child. Is Judy just a magnet for bad luck, or is something far more sinister at play?
Nurse Judy Buenoano survives a string of unimaginable tragedies, including two house fires, a mysterious canoe accident and the loss of her husband, boyfriend, and child. Is Judy just a magnet for bad luck, or is something far more sinister at play?
The murder of Taunja Bennett is the first of many bodies found in the Pacific Northwest, California, and beyond. Police never link the deaths until someone starts sending macabre letters signed with a happy face. Is this the end -- or just the beginning?
The murder of Taunja Bennett is the first of many bodies found in the Pacific Northwest, California, and beyond. Police never link the deaths until someone starts sending macabre letters signed with a happy face. Is this the end -- or just the beginning?
Anthony Sowell appears to be a helpful member of his Cleveland neighborhood, and he uses those charms to lure unsuspecting women into his modest house. However, once inside, he turns into the devil and leaves ia twisted trail of torture, rape, and murder.
In mid–90s Miami, a sadistic crew of bodybuilders known as the Sun Gym Gang preys on the rich with one ultimate goal – rob them blind. However, as their greed grows, they turn to murder, resulting in one of the goriest crime scenes in Florida history.
in the early 90s, sadistic drug kingpin Clarence "Preacher" Heatley rules New York City. He rakes in millions during the crack epidemic, murdering anyone who gets in his way. After a 12-year-old boy is killed, the Feds try to take him down.
David Matusiewicz, Christine Belford and their four kids live the American dream. But when David's parents move in, his family's need for control over the children leads to allegations of abuse, a 19-month kidnapping, and ultimately, a brutal murder.
Marjorie Diehl–Armstrong starts her life as a bright young woman with a promising future. However, her true colors show as she goes down as sinister path of manipulation, bank, robbery, and multiple gruesome murders.
Yathomas Riley is an undefeated rising star in the pro boxing world, but he's also prone to fits of rage and violence outside the ring. Did that cause him to shoot two women he claimed to love – or is he an innocent victim of tragic circumstances?
Starting in the late 1990s, one of the most devious serial killers in history terrorizes women in the Pacific Northwest and Colorado. Just like Hannibal Lecter, Scott Lee Kimball lures his victims with charisma while he works as an FBI informant.
In 1994, a ruthless serial killer hunts elderly women in a sleepy California town, terrifying the community. When a family member of one victim realizes the murderer is her own stepdaughter, police rush to stop her before she can kill again.
Complete episode guide for Very Scary People with detailed information about every season and episode including air dates, summaries, ratings, and streaming availability in United States.
This episode guide is organized by seasons, making it easy to track your viewing progress or find specific episodes. Use the episode information to plan your binge-watching sessions or catch up on missed episodes.