Criminology Podcast: Kane Fairbank (Episode 396)

Hosts: Mike Ferguson & Mike Morford
Release Date: February 8, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mike Ferguson and Mike Morford take listeners through the harrowing case of Kane Fairbank—a Utah man labeled “a serial killer in the making” whose violent attacks on two women in 2022 could have marked the start of a serial murder spree. The discussion explores Fairbank’s motives, the circumstances and consequences of his crimes, the bravery of the victims and bystanders, and broader safety concerns surrounding modern dating apps. The episode is rich with insights, chilling details, and reflections on the psychological and societal aspects of violent crime.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Serial Killers: Enduring Fascination

• [02:23] MM: The hosts open by reflecting on why society is fascinated by serial killers, discussing the "nature vs nurture" debate and the challenges in understanding the roots of such behavior.
• Quote:
  “...for me, the most fascinating part of it is trying to figure out the reasons behind what they did, what happened in their life, what experiences did they have... It's just so unfathomable what they do that you can’t even get into that space.” —Mike Ferguson [03:41]

2. Crime Context: Fewer Modern Serial Killers

• Improvements in forensics, technology (DNA, social media, surveillance) make serial murder harder now than in previous decades [04:57].
• Despite these advances, the potential for multiple crimes persists; Kane Fairbank was seen as a "serial killer in the making" (Judge Michael Direta).

3. The Case: Kane Fairbank’s Attacks

The First Attack – Hadley Monroe

• [06:04–09:25]
  • Kane Fairbank (18) met Hadley Monroe through Tinder.
  • Their first in-person meeting was uneventful, making the second date at remote Mueller Park seem safe.
  • After hours together, Kane suddenly attacked Hadley in his car with a knife, stabbing her multiple times.
  • Notable quote:
    “I grabbed the blade of the knife with my left hand to keep it from killing me. And I remember Cain saying, ‘your blood is making this knife really slippery.’” —Hadley Monroe (quoted by hosts) [07:07, 08:41]
  • Hadley managed to escape and, by chance, ran to a nearby group of camping medical professionals, who immediately assisted her.

The Second Attack – Random Victim

• [11:17–12:18]
  • After fleeing the first scene, Kane attempted to kill a random 64-year-old woman at a gas station.
  • The woman fought back; bystanders intervened and chased Kane, subduing him at a local bar until police arrived.
  • Both victims survived but with critical injuries.
  • Host Reflection:
    “He’s a coward who blitz attacks women and then when confronted by a male, he cowers.” —Mike Morford [12:18]

4. The Aftermath: Investigation and Motives

• Fairbank was charged with two counts of first-degree attempted aggravated murder.

• Police and prosecutors highlighted the active resistance and bravery exhibited by both victims.

• Remarkable Quote:
  “Both victims in this case were active defenders of their own lives. They took active steps to prevent the assault from furthering. ...We would stress to anyone, always fight.” —Stephanie Dinsmore, Davis County Sheriff’s Office [15:35]

• Kane admitted that fighting back thwarted his attacks:
  “I was like, all right, you’re too strong.” —Kane Fairbank to police [17:07]

• He specifically selected vulnerable victims—Hadley for her perceived openness, the older woman for her age and apparent weakness.

5. Online Dating Dangers and Red Flags

• [22:34–26:36]
  • BYU research highlighted the dangers: 274 sexual assaults in three years in Utah, where victims met perpetrators online.
  • Over half of assaulted women/girls were already struggling with depression.
  • Kane chose Tinder “just to find potential victims”:
    “That’s why I got Tinder. ...She liked me and it would be easy to trick her.” —Kane Fairbank [23:47]
  • Hadley felt she had been “fooled” and revisited every interaction to look for warning signs, but none were apparent.

6. Psychopathy Revealed: Chilling Confessions

• [27:50–31:33]
  • During interrogation, Kane expressed enjoyment in the violence, viewing stabbing as sexually gratifying.
  • “Stabbing her in the back was such a nice noise and that it felt so good. The only thing he said he would change is the fact his intended victim had survived.” — Summary of Kane’s confession [27:50]
  • He fantasized about collecting trophies from his victims and had plans to kill his own family, then continue killing strangers met via dating apps.

7. Authorities' Perspectives and “What Ifs”

• [33:22]

  • Prosecutor Richard Larson:
    “This is a serial killer who fortunately got caught before he got good at killing. This is without question the scariest defendant I have ever encountered based on his willingness and desire to kill.”

• Hosts reflect on how Kane’s plans may have unfolded if not interrupted—drawing parallels with serial killers of past eras and highlighting the risks of today's technology-enabled predation.

8. Sentencing, Mental Health, and Victim Impact

• [39:52–43:54]

  • Kane pleaded “guilty but mentally ill” to two counts of attempted aggravated murder and was sentenced to 18 years to life (could be out by age 40).
  • Symptoms attributed to schizoaffective disorder, but hosts question whether remorse expressed at sentencing was genuine.
  • Victim, Hadley:
    • Continuous nightmares, trauma; at times doubted whether survival was worth the pain.
    • Designed a tattoo of her hand gripping a knife blade:
      “I put it on my body forever to understand. That’s something I overcame.” — Hadley Monroe [49:51]

• The other survivor, who remained anonymous, struggles with daily fear and anxiety.

9. Lessons & Safety Advice

• [47:24–49:51]

  • For dating app users: Meet in public places, involve friends in vetting potential dates, and let others know where you are.
  • Even prolonged digital or in-person contact may not reveal hidden intentions.
  • By chance, Hadley met Kane’s family with no suspicions—showing how easily predators can “pass” as normal.

• Hosts emphasize the courage of victims and bystanders, noting that immediate intervention helped save lives.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 03:41 | Mike Ferguson | "It's just so unfathomable what they do that you can't even get into that space." | | 08:41 | Mike Morford | "Your blood is making this knife really slippery." — attributed to Kane, as recalled by Hadley | | 12:18 | Mike Morford | "He’s a coward who blitz attacks women and then when confronted by a male, he cowers." | | 15:35 | Stephanie Dinsmore | "Both victims in this case were active defenders of their own lives... always fight." | | 17:07 | Kane Fairbank | "I was like, all right, you're too strong." | | 23:47 | Kane Fairbank | "That's why I got Tinder. ...She liked me and it would be easy to trick her." | | 27:50 | Mike Morford (paraphrased) | Kane described "stabbing her in the back was such a nice noise and that it felt so good." | | 33:22 | Richard Larson, Deputy DA | "This is a serial killer who fortunately got caught before he got good at killing. This is without question the scariest defendant I have ever encountered." | | 49:51 | Hadley Monroe | "I put it on my body forever to understand. That’s something I overcame." (on her tattoo) |

Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening & Serial Killer Fascination: [01:25]–[04:29]
• The Attacks (Hadley & the second victim): [06:04]–[14:53]
• Police & Bystander Response: [12:18]–[14:08]
• Kane’s Motives, Confessions: [17:07]–[31:33]
• Authorities’ Reactions: [33:22]–[36:03]
• Legal Proceedings and Sentencing: [39:52]–[41:48]
• Victim Trauma & Advice: [42:20]–[49:51]
• Lessons & Reflection: [51:44]–[56:41]

Tone & Style

The hosts maintain a conversational, reflective tone—mixing empathy for victims, measured outrage at the perpetrator, and analytical observations about crime, psychology, and society. They use frank and sometimes emotional language, particularly when discussing the brutality of Fairbank’s crimes and the resilience of the victims.

Summary & Conclusion

This episode of Criminology spotlights a terrifying near-miss: a young man with every intention (and plan) to become a serial killer, stopped before he could take any lives thanks to the resilience of his would-be victims and the quick action of strangers. The details are chilling—especially Fairbank’s cold explanations and enjoyment of violence—but the hosts use these facts to discuss broader issues: the dangers of online dating, bystander intervention, ongoing trauma for survivors, and the elusive question of why some people commit such crimes.

Listeners come away both disturbed by the depth of Fairbank’s depravity, and inspired by the willpower and community action that helped save lives. The episode serves as both a true crime investigation and a cautionary tale for anyone navigating today’s world.