Mind of a Monster: The Hollywood Ripper

1990s Northampton, Massachusetts: a picturesque city known for being home to one of the largest Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in the US. It's the last place anyone would imagine a serial killer to walk the hallways, but the very person responsible for keeping these war heroes alive, their nurse, is secretly killing them.  In this 6-part series, Dr. Michelle Ward investigates the case of one of the US's most prolific, but not widely known, serial killers. She'll talk to families of the victims, colleagues of the perpetrator, criminology experts and detectives from the case, uncovering testimonies and confessions, trial transcripts and news reports, all to reveal who was responsible for the rise in deaths on Ward C. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On September 23rd, Dr. Michelle Ward returns for another season, and this time she's covering serial killer Kristen Gilbert. From 1989 to 1995, nurse Kristen Gilbert claimed the lives of 4 patients. Across six episodes, criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward consults with detectives, victim’s families, and witnesses to investigate her life and crimes on Ward C. Episode 1 releases September 23rd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cindy Paulson, a pivotal figure in the Robert Hansen case and a former sex worker, shares her story for the first time. She reflects on her tumultuous childhood, the harrowing details of her abduction, and the negligence she faced from law enforcement. Paulson discusses her evolving trust in investigator Glenn Flothe and the deep personal impact these events had on her life. This candid conversation sheds light on trauma, resilience, and the often-unseen struggles of those seeking justice.

Robert Hansen meets with the prosecution, and the true extent of his crimes becomes apparent, surprising even his defense lawyers. But he doesn't remember any of his victims' names. What follows is the painstaking recovery of bodies and the attempts to identify them. Dr. Michelle Ward revisits the story of Delynn Frey and tells of her family's heartache as the wait to identify her body stretches into years. Two other unidentified victims' stories take us to the present day, and the cold case investigators vow to give them back their names. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glenn Flothe, the lead investigator of the Robert Hansen case, and Joe Evans, Hansen's defense attorney, delve into the chilling details surrounding the investigation of a suspected serial killer. They discuss the tense atmosphere as police search Hansen's home, uncovering flight maps linked to victims. Flothe reveals the pressure of keeping a key witness, Cindy Paulson, safe amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Evans shares insights on the complexities of building a legal defense amid overwhelming evidence, painting a stark picture of the case's gripping tension.

Glenn Flothe, an Alaska State Trooper known for his meticulous investigative techniques, shares his firsthand account of unraveling the Robert Hansen case, revealing the chilling realities of a serial killer on the loose. Christy Hayes, a survivor, bravely recounts her horrifying abduction experience for the first time, shedding light on the trauma faced by numerous victims. Author Leland Hale provides deep insights into the investigation's complexities, emphasizing the emotional toll on survivors and the systemic failures in the pursuit of justice.

In this discussion, Leland Hale, an author and researcher who probed the Robert Hansen case, shares gripping insights about the notorious figure behind several disappearances. They delve into Hansen's seemingly normal life as a bakery owner contrasted with his dark past and abusive relationships. The conversation uncovers his troubled childhood, themes of entitlement, and the psychological scars from high school bullying. Hale also discusses systemic biases in the justice system that allowed Hansen to evade serious consequences and the urgent need for accountability.

Greg Baker, a dedicated police officer who investigated Cindy Paulson's case, shares gripping insights into the dark narratives of missing women in Anchorage. He discusses the unsettling realities behind their disappearances and the systemic biases faced by female victims. Baker recounts the harrowing details of a survivor's encounter, emphasizing the psychological impact and struggles for justice. He also reflects on the challenges of navigating a complex investigation while highlighting the urgent need for community awareness and support in preventing such tragedies.

Maxine Farrell, a retired detective from the Anchorage Police Department, recalls her harrowing experiences investigating missing women amidst the chaos of Alaska's oil boom in the 1980s. Susan Bradford, a key witness, shares her chilling memories of Sherry Morrow's disappearance. John Daly, the officer who discovered Morrow’s body, reveals the darker realities of violence against women in the area. Together, they explore potential mafia connections and shed light on the dangers faced by dancers, raising disturbing questions about predatory behaviors targeting vulnerable communities.

Travel back to 1980s Alaska, where a dark underbelly hides a series of chilling disappearances. The gritty 4th Avenue strip becomes a haunting backdrop as women vanish without a trace. Dr. Michelle Ward combines survivor stories with expert insights, piecing together the complex identity of one of the U.S.'s most prolific serial killers. The exploration reveals disturbing links to organized crime and showcases the bravery of those who survived. Uncover the chilling truth behind the chaos.