48 Hours: Scripting a Murder
Episode Release Date: May 7, 2025
Host/Author: CBS News
Overview
In the gripping episode titled "Scripting a Murder," CBS News' award-winning correspondents delve into the chilling true story of Mark Twitchell, an aspiring filmmaker who blurred the lines between reality and fiction with deadly consequences. This detailed investigation uncovers how Twitchell utilized his passion for filmmaking to orchestrate real-life horror, resulting in the disappearance and murder of two men, Gilles Tetro and Johnny Altinger.
The Victims
Gilles Tetro’s Ordeal
The episode begins with Gilles Tetro recounting his terrifying encounter:
Gilles Tetro (00:03): "When I was first telling the story, everyone thought it was a movie. They couldn't believe this happened to me and it was just a crazy story."
Tetro met a woman named Sheena on a dating site, Plenty of Fish, and agreed to meet her under seemingly innocent circumstances. However, the meeting took a horrific turn when he was attacked in a garage:
Gilles Tetro (02:30): "It was dark. Then I kind of looked around for the door. She told me to go through. And that's when somebody came out and attacked me from behind."
Despite enduring an assault from a masked assailant armed with a stun baton and a gun, Tetro managed to survive and later provided crucial information to the police.
Johnny Altinger’s Disappearance
Parallel to Tetro’s story is the mysterious disappearance of Johnny Altinger:
Johnny Altinger (08:58): "Where is he? What's going on? He wouldn't do this to us."
Altinger responded to a similar online dating ad and vanished without a trace shortly after, prompting his brother, Gary Altinger, to initiate a missing persons report.
Mark Twitchell: The Perpetrator
Mark Twitchell, a 29-year-old married father and aspiring filmmaker, emerges as the central figure in this case. Initially appearing as a harmless individual renting a garage for his film projects, Twitchell's true nature is gradually unveiled.
Twitchell’s Obsession with Dexter
Twitchell’s fascination with the TV show Dexter becomes a critical piece of evidence:
Detective Bill Clark (30:27): "I know that in Twitchell's mind, he thought he could make the ultimate serial killer film if he became one."
Additionally, his social media activities raised suspicions:
Renee Waring (23:40): "I am a huge fan of the Showtime show Dexterity. So I thought, oh, well, you know, I'll be friends with him."
These behaviors indicated a blurring of his fictional interests with real-world actions.
The Investigation
Initial Leads and Breakthroughs
Detective Bill Clark and his team focused their investigation on Twitchell after connecting his film project with the locations of the victims’ disappearances. A pivotal moment occurred when Twitchell inadvertently revealed possession of Johnny Altinger’s red Mazda:
Detective Bill Clark (17:44): "There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that you're involved in the disappearance of John Altinger."
Forensic evidence, including the infamous "SK Confessions" document found on Twitchell’s laptop, solidified the case against him:
SK Confessions (20:12): "I'm not sure when I decided to become a serial killer, but it was a feeling of pure euphoria."
Arrest and Tactical Maneuvers
On Halloween morning, 2008, Twitchell was apprehended after police set up a trap with an undercover operator posing as an investor. This strategic move led to his arrest without incident:
Detective Bill Clark (26:31): "We caught him on his first one."
The Trial
Courtroom Evidence and Twitchell’s Defense
During the trial, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including the SK Confessions, blood samples, and Twitchell’s own admissions:
Gilles Tetro (39:15): "One of the most important aspects was his ability to confirm the truth to the document that Mr. Twitchell had crafted."
Twitchell attempted to deflect responsibility by claiming his actions were part of a publicity stunt gone wrong, but the jury was not swayed:
Mark Twitchell (41:34): "He talks about how he was creating an urban legend and how he was going to lure Gilles in and Johnny in."
Verdict and Sentencing
The jury found Twitchell guilty of first-degree murder after just five hours of deliberation. He was sentenced to 25 years to life:
Judge (42:24): "He would have kept on killing. We caught him on his first one."
Aftermath and Reflections
Impact on the Survivors and Families
Tetro and Altinger’s families grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy. Tetro expresses profound gratitude for surviving:
Gilles Tetro (43:52): "If I would have died that day, my son wouldn't have been born. I think about that all. I don't know if it's the willpower to live or some higher power was looking over me that day. But I thank God that I got away."
Johnny Altinger’s brother, Gary, reflects on the devastating loss:
Gary Altinger (38:19): "When something like that happens to somebody you love, you don't want to believe it because the truth is really, really difficult."
Detective Clark’s Insights
Detective Clark underscores the importance of Twitchell’s capture in preventing further crimes:
Detective Bill Clark (42:35): "There’s no doubt in my mind, or I think any in the investigative team that he would have kept on killing. We caught him on his first one."
Conclusion
"Scripting a Murder" serves as a haunting reminder of how fiction can dangerously intertwine with reality. Through relentless investigation and the courage of survivors, Mark Twitchell was ultimately brought to justice, offering some closure to the victims' families and preventing future tragedies.
Notable Quotes:
- Gilles Tetro (03:22): "He's a cold blooded heartless killer."
- Johnny Altinger (09:34): "I've met a woman named Jen and I'm going away with her to Costa Rica and I'll call you at Christmas time."
- Detective Bill Clark (18:26): "There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that you're involved in the disappearance of John Altinger."
- Gilles Tetro (44:03): "If I would have died that day, my son wouldn't have been born."
This detailed summary encapsulates the harrowing true crime narrative explored in the "Scripting a Murder" episode of "48 Hours," highlighting the intricate investigation, the disturbing actions of Mark Twitchell, and the profound impact on those affected by his crimes.