Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime – "The Butcher Baker of Alaska / Part 1" (Episode 463)

Release Date: December 24, 2024
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Produced by: Dark West Productions

Introduction

In the chilling premiere of the two-part special on "The Butcher Baker of Alaska," hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve deep into the life and crimes of Robert Hansen, Alaska's most infamous serial killer. Released during the holiday season, this episode sets the stage for a haunting exploration of Hansen's transformation from a seemingly meek bakery owner into a relentless predator targeting women in his community.

Early Life and Family Background

Robert Hansen was born on February 15, 1939, in Estherville, Iowa, to Edna and Christian Hansen. The family relocated briefly to Richmond, California, before settling in Pocahontas, Iowa, where Christian operated the beloved Pocahontas Home Bakery. The bakery became a central part of the community, with the Hansen family residing in an apartment above the shop—a seemingly idyllic setup.

However, behind the facade of small-town respectability, Robert struggled profoundly. As a child, he felt like an outcast, a sentiment that only intensified during his teenage years. Hansen grappled with a persistent stutter, making him a target for ridicule and social isolation. Reflecting on his childhood, Daphne recounts:

"Robert really struggled to fit in as a child both in California and Iowa, and his feelings of being an outcast only intensified." (00:54)

Christian Hansen, Robert's father, was described as harsh and domineering. In an attempt to help Robert fit in, Christian forced him to write with his right hand, despite Robert being naturally left-handed. Daphne elaborates:

"This was apparently done in a bid to help him fit in. Like, him being left-handed would make students tease like I don't know, you know." (06:26)

Adolescence and Early Signs of Disturbance

From an early age, Robert's life was marked by hardship and emotional turmoil. He was forced to wake up as early as 2 or 3 a.m. alongside his father to help at the bakery before attending school. The combination of exhausting work hours and his stutter led to poor academic performance, including falling asleep in class.

Despite his social struggles, Robert was active in extracurricular activities—participating in the chorus, pep club, football, basketball, and track at Pocahontas High School. This juxtaposition highlighted his complex personality: an active participant in some areas while deeply isolated in others.

Daphne shares a poignant moment reflecting on Robert's personal insecurities:

"I looked like a freak and I sound like..." (08:04)

Heath adds context to Robert's psychological state:

"Robert blamed the rejection from girls in his adolescence for radicalizing him against them and spent the rest of his life taking it out on other women." (08:16)

First Major Incidents and Escalation

After high school, Robert served in the U.S. Army Reserve and worked as an assistant drill instructor at the police academy. Upon returning to Pocahontas, his frustration with societal perceptions led him to commit his first significant crime: arson. In retaliation for perceived injustices during his school years, he burned down the barn housing old school buses, an act that injured a firefighter and led to his arrest.

The community of Pocahontas, a tight-knit town of around 2,000 people, was shocked by Robert's actions. His parents, fearing public embarrassment, sold the bakery and moved to Walker, Minnesota, purchasing a lakeside resort.

During his time in the reformatory, Robert was evaluated by a psychiatrist who diagnosed him with an infantile personality and a social disease. Despite his troubled history, Robert married Phoebe Padgett on April 1, 1961. However, the marriage was short-lived; less than a year after the arson incident, the couple divorced, further deepening Robert's resentment towards women.

Heath poignantly remarks on Robert's choices:

"He's choosing to let your childhood destroy you and let it turn you into a monster." (12:06)

Relocation to Alaska and Emergence as a Serial Killer

In 1967, Robert and his wife Darla Hendrickson moved to Anchorage, Alaska, lured by the promise of adventure and the allure of Alaska's vast wilderness. Settling in the Muldoon neighborhood, Robert initially worked as a cake decorator at a Safeway grocery store before opening his own bakery, Hanson's Bakery.

Despite maintaining a friendly façade with locals, Robert remained a notorious loner, struggling to socialize. Darla, his wife, was deeply involved in her church and worked as an educator, supporting children with dyslexia. Together, they had two children, Christie and Johnny, who adored their father.

Robert's passion for hunting grew, and he began competing professionally, proudly displaying his trophies at home. His hunting obsession extended beyond wildlife; he found a dark parallel in his predatory behavior towards women.

Daphne highlights the normalcy of Robert's outward life:

"By all accounts, Robert's got a great life. He's doing what he loves, baking, and was able to open his own place, which is huge." (20:10)

However, beneath this veneer, Robert's sinister activities were beginning to surface. Alaska in the 1970s was experiencing a boom due to the Trans Alaska Pipeline, leading to an influx of newcomers and the growth of seedy establishments that often exploited vulnerable women. Robert frequented these places, scouting for his next victims.

Heath expresses frustration over the community's inability to recognize the danger:

"That's just wild to me that everybody knew who this guy was. They knew that he was a piece of shit. But they couldn't do anything about it at the time." (22:30)

Crimes and Escalation of Violence

On November 22, 1971, Robert committed his first known violent act against a woman. He attempted to kidnap Susan Heppard, mistakenly believing her friendliness was flirtatious. When Susan rejected his advances, Robert pulled a gun on her but was thwarted by the intervention of her roommates. Despite denying his intentions, he was apprehended for attempted rape.

However, while out on bail, Robert's violent tendencies persisted. On December 19, 1971, he kidnapped and raped Patricia Roberts, a sex worker, threatening her family in the process. Patricia bravely identified him in a police lineup, leading to his arrest once more. Yet, the Anchorage Police Department made a baffling decision to strike a deal: if Robert pled guilty to Susan Heppard's charges, Patricia's charges would be dropped.

Daphne recounts the immediate aftermath:

"To this day, Beth has never been found and is believed to have been among Robert's first victims in Alaska." (34:32)

Shortly after his release, Robert's crimes continued unabated. In 1973, he was linked to the disappearance of Megan Emmerich in Seward, a port city in Alaska known for its natural beauty and prolonged daylight hours during summer. Megan, a 17-year-old student, vanished without a trace, fitting the profile of Robert's victims.

Despite mounting evidence, Robert managed to evade long-term psychiatric care, shuttled between various doctors who were either manipulated or deceived by his outwardly reformed persona. This lack of consistent treatment allowed his violent urges to remain unchecked.

Psychiatric Evaluations and Systemic Failures

Throughout his encounters with the law, Robert underwent multiple psychiatric evaluations. Dr. J. Ray Langdon diagnosed him with dissociative identity disorder, noting his belief that his attacks were mere nightmares and highlighting his memory loss and schizophrenic episodes (30:14).

In subsequent evaluations, Dr. Allen H. Parker classified his kleptomania as obsessive-compulsive behavior, while Dr. Robert McManmon diagnosed him with bipolar affective disorder. Despite intermittent treatments with medications like Thorazine and lithium, Robert inconsistently adhered to his regimen, allowing his mental health to deteriorate.

During a 1977 sentencing for petty theft, Robert attempted to manipulate the judge by portraying himself as a reformed individual desperate to support his family:

"Your honor, there is no doubt I committed the crime, but I would like you to consider my wife and two small children." (37:31)

His pleas fell on deaf ears, and the judge recognized him as a repeat offender:

"It was a strong case... When we didn't put him away for a long time, we taught him to kill." (43:14)

Community Impact and Police Frustration

Detective Ron Rice expressed deep frustration with the system's handling of Robert Hansen:

"We taught Hansen to kill. When we didn't put him away for a long time, we taught him who to kill." (43:14)

This sentiment underscores the systemic failures that allowed Hansen to continue his reign of terror. Despite clear patterns and multiple victims, bureaucratic red tape and inadequate psychological treatment enabled Robert to remain at large, leading to further tragedies.

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

As Part 1 of "The Butcher Baker of Alaska" draws to a close, Daphne and Heath reflect on the harrowing journey of Robert Hansen—from a troubled youth to a serial killer who exploited systemic weaknesses to continue his crimes. The episode ends on a somber note, emphasizing the ongoing mystery surrounding some of his victims and the profound impact of his actions on the Anchorage community.

"Thank you so much, everybody for listening to part one of these episodes of Going West." (43:14)
"What a grim quote that we left off on at the very end. That was horrifying." (43:30)

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating Part 2, which promises to delve deeper into Hansen's subsequent murders and the eventual unraveling of his dark legacy.

Notable Quotes

• Daphne: "Robert really struggled to fit in as a child both in California and Iowa, and his feelings of being an outcast only intensified." (00:54)

• Heath: "Robert blamed the rejection from girls in his adolescence for radicalizing him against them and spent the rest of his life taking it out on other women." (08:16)

• Daphne: "I looked like a freak and I sound like..." (08:04)

• Heath: "That's just wild to me that everybody knew who this guy was. They knew that he was a piece of shit. But they couldn't do anything about it at the time." (22:30)

• Daphne: "To this day, Beth has never been found and is believed to have been among Robert's first victims in Alaska." (34:32)

• Heath: "I'm not a serial killer." (17:24) (Note: This quote reflects a lighter moment between hosts and not Hansen's statements.)

• Daphne: "What a good guy he is." (37:31)

• Detective Ron Rice: "We taught Hansen to kill. When we didn't put him away for a long time, we taught him to kill. We not only taught him to kill, we taught him who to kill." (43:14)

Final Thoughts

"The Butcher Baker of Alaska / Part 1" offers a comprehensive and unsettling examination of Robert Hansen's life, shedding light on the intricate web of personal struggles, systemic failures, and societal complacency that enabled one man's descent into serial killing. Daphne and Heath's meticulous storytelling ensures that listeners are both informed and deeply affected by the gravity of Hansen's crimes, setting the stage for a gripping continuation in the subsequent episode.

Please tune in to Part 2 of this special two-part series, releasing on Thursday, December 26, 2024, as Daphne and Heath continue to uncover the dark realities of Robert Hansen's horrific legacy.