Summary of "Going West: True Crime" - Episode: The Butcher Baker of Alaska / Part 2 (Episode 464)

Release Date: December 27, 2024
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Produced by: Dark West Productions

1. Introduction

In the second installment of "The Butcher Baker of Alaska," hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve deeper into the sinister activities of Robert Hansen, Alaska’s most infamous serial killer. Building upon the foundation laid in Part 1, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of Hansen's escalating crimes, the investigative efforts that led to his capture, and the lasting impact on his victims and their families.

2. Robert Hansen’s Early Crimes

Robert Hansen's descent into serial killing began long before his notorious Alaskan spree. As discussed by the hosts, Hansen had a tumultuous upbringing in Pocahontas, Iowa, which set the stage for his future criminal behavior. At 21, in 1961, Hansen's first significant run-in with the law involved the arson of multiple school buses. This early act of rebellion hinted at his latent violent tendencies.

Heath Merryman reflects on Hansen's early misdemeanors:
"He got let out early, and now it's the '80s. So he does not want to fuck up here." ([16:49])

3. Escalation of Crimes in the 1980s

Between 1971 and 1983, Hansen committed a series of kidnappings, rapes, and murders across Alaska. Targeting primarily sex workers, Hansen exploited the lack of attention these victims received from both law enforcement and the community. This period saw an increase in the ferocity and frequency of his crimes, with victims being targeted during Alaskan winters and the extended daylight of the midnight sun.

Key victims discussed include:

• Susan Shepard (November 1971)
• Patricia Roberts (December 9, 1971)
• Megan Emmerich (July 1973, Seward)
• Mary Thill (July 1975, Seward)

Despite repeated arrests and court hearings, Hansen was consistently released, exacerbating the danger he posed to society.

4. The Turning Point: Cindy Paulson’s Escape

The narrative takes a pivotal turn with the introduction of Cindy Paulson, an 18-year-old sex worker who became Hansen's key witness. On June 13, 1983, Cindy was kidnapped by Hansen but managed a daring escape from his car at the Merrillfield Airport.

Daphne Woolsoncroft recounts the terrifying encounter:
"When he woke up, he escorted her back into his car, telling her that he wanted to spend the weekend with her...
"So terrified and utterly traumatized, this young woman waited back at her room alone while police arrived to speak with her." ([15:22])

Cindy's quick thinking and bravery were instrumental in narrowing down Hansen's identity. Her testimony, combined with a keen investigative approach, began to unravel the extent of Hansen's crimes.

5. Investigation Deepens

As Sergeant Glenn Flothy spearheaded the investigation, connections between Hansen and numerous missing women began to surface. The detectives identified over a dozen women fitting a specific profile: young sex workers disappearing after daytime dates in Anchorage.

Heath Merryman emphasizes the chilling pattern:
"It's just, it's terrifying because I don't think anybody in the community really understands or really understood at that point what was going on here." ([10:16])

Key investigative breakthroughs included:

• Witness Identification: A motorist's account led police to link Hansen to his unlicensed airplane.
• Physical Evidence: The discovery of a .223 mini rifle matched the shell casings found at multiple crime scenes.
• Behavioral Profiling: The FBI's profile of the killer closely matched Hansen's known behaviors and characteristics.

6. The Arrest and Conviction

On October 27, 1983, the Anchorage Police Department intensified their efforts, leading to Hansen's arrest on November 3, 1983. Despite his attempts to fabricate an alibi, inconsistencies in his story and mounting evidence against him sealed his fate.

Daphne Woolsoncroft highlights Hansen's psychological manipulation:
"You can't rape a prostitute, can you? Like, are you kidding me?" ([24:56])

In court, Hansen was indicted on multiple counts, including first-degree assault, kidnapping, theft, and insurance fraud. His confession, albeit partial, linked him to at least 17 known murders, with indications of more victims yet unidentified.

Heath Merryman summarizes Hansen’s motive:
"I guess it made me feel masculine or powerful or in control of my life." ([40:44])

7. Aftermath and Impact

Hansen's conviction had profound effects on his family and the Anchorage community. His wife, Darla Hansen, grappled with the revelation of her husband's atrocities, leading to their eventual divorce and relocation to Arkansas. Their children faced social stigma, prompting a fresh start away from the shadows of their father's crimes.

Cindy Paulson, after serving as a pivotal witness, moved on to rebuild her life, eventually marrying and starting a family. However, the scars of her ordeal lingered, highlighting the enduring impact of Hansen's actions on his victims and their loved ones.

Heath Merryman reflects on the emotional toll:
"No kid is gonna want to believe that. No family member is gonna want to believe that." ([43:55])

8. Conclusion

Robert Hansen's reign of terror left an indelible mark on Alaska's history, with his strategic use of the wilderness facilitating the concealment of his crimes. Despite his death in 2014, the quest to identify his remaining victims continues, with advancements in genetic genealogy offering hope for closure.

Daphne Woolsoncroft underscores the ongoing efforts:
"If you have any information about Robert's last unidentified victim, Eklutna Annie, or the information about the remains of any of the women who have never been located, including Beth Van Zanton, Megan Emmerich, Mary Thill, Roxanne Easeland, and Andrea Altieri, please call the Alaska State Troopers Missing persons clearinghouse at 800-447-89333 or 907-269-5038." ([46:19])

The episode serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated law enforcement officers.

Notable Quotes

• Heath Merryman at [16:49]:
  "He knows that he can't slip up anymore. Like, he knows that they're not going to give him any more chances because they already gave him chances."

• Daphne Woolsoncroft at [24:56]:
  "You can't rape a prostitute, can you? Like, are you kidding me?"

• Heath Merryman at [40:44]:
  "I guess it made me feel masculine or powerful or in control of my life."

• Daphne Woolsoncroft at [43:55]:
  "No kid is gonna want to believe that. No family member is gonna want to believe that."

Final Thoughts

"The Butcher Baker of Alaska / Part 2" offers an in-depth and harrowing account of Robert Hansen's crimes, the meticulous investigation that brought him to justice, and the subsequent ripple effects on his community and family. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Daphne and Heath provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of one of Alaska's darkest chapters in true crime history.