Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime Episode: The Hiding Man: Anatomy of a Serial Killer // 518
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Publisher: Dark West Productions

Introduction to Serial Killers

In this special episode of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve deep into the unsettling world of serial killers. Coinciding with the release of Daphne's debut thriller novel, Night Watcher, the episode serves as both a celebration and an exploration of what drives individuals to commit heinous crimes repeatedly.

Daphne Woolsoncroft introduces her novel, highlighting its focus on a masked serial killer known as the Hiding Man, who haunts Portland, Oregon. This sets the stage for a comprehensive discussion on real-life serial killers and their psychological makeup.

Defining a Serial Killer

Heath Merryman opens the discussion by likening the episode to a "Serial Killers for Dummies" guide, promising an informative session filled with statistics, patterns, and psychological insights.

• FBI Definition: Daphne clarifies, “According to the FBI, a serial killer is someone who murders two or more people in separate events over a period of time, with a psychological cooling-off period in between” (02:41).

This definition distinguishes serial killers from spree or mass murderers, emphasizing the cyclical nature of their crimes driven by internal motivations such as power, control, or revenge.

Statistics and Demographics

The hosts present eye-opening statistics about serial killers in the United States:

• Prevalence: Over 3,000 known serial killers since the early 1900s, making the U.S. the country with the highest number of serial killers (07:02).
• Active Killers: Estimates suggest that between 25 and 50 active serial killers may be operating in the U.S. at any given time (08:12).
• Geographical Hotspots: California stands out with over 1,600 victims linked to serial killers, followed by Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. High population density and urban mobility contribute to these states being hotspots (12:30).

Heath notes, “Serial killings represent less than 1% of total homicides in the U.S., but their impact is outsized due to the psychological terror they instill” (08:00).

Psychological Profile and Motivations

The episode delves into the intricate psychology behind serial killers:

• Internal Motivation: Daphne explains that serial killers engage in premeditated acts driven by a desire for dominance rather than chaos. This dominance is often a twisted attempt to reclaim power or orchestrate pain (04:41).

• Early Life Trauma: A significant factor is early childhood trauma. Daphne cites a 2005 study indicating that nearly 70% of serial killers experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood (06:04). Examples include:

  • Eileen Wuornos: Abused by her grandfather and other adults.
  • Richard Ramirez (Night Stalker): Witnessed violence and was influenced by a cousin showing him mutilated images.
  • Ed Kemper (Co-Ed Killer): Tormented by his mother, leading to deep-seated rage towards women.

Dr. Katherine Ramsland is referenced, noting that serial killers often develop tools of manipulation, such as practicing facial expressions and adopting personas to blend into society (19:33).

Classification of Serial Killers

Drawing from FBI profiling techniques, the hosts categorize serial killers into distinct types:

1. Organized Killers: Intelligent and socially competent, they meticulously plan their crimes. Example: Ted Bundy.
2. Disorganized Killers: Impulsive with lower IQs, they leave evidence behind. Example: Richard Chase (The Vampire of Sacramento).
3. Visionary Killers: Driven by hallucinations or voices, often psychotic. Example: David Berkowitz (Son of Sam).
4. Mission-Oriented Killers: Believe they are eliminating a certain group of people. Example: Joseph Paul Franklin.
5. Hedonistic Killers: Kill for pleasure, sexual gratification, or thrill. Example: Jeffrey Dahmer.
6. Power and Control Killers: Derive satisfaction from dominating their victims. Example: Dennis Rader (BTK).

Heath emphasizes, “Most killers evolve between these types over time as their compulsion grows and their fantasies just deepen” (32:47).

Pop Culture vs. Reality

The hosts contrast the portrayal of serial killers in media with their real-life counterparts:

• Charismatic Portrayals: Films like Silence of the Lambs depict killers like Hannibal Lecter as intelligent and poised, which is rare in reality.

• Reality’s Mundanity: Most real serial killers are described as socially awkward or average. Heath states, “The majority of serial killers are not noticeable as serial killers physically” (34:23).

Daphne adds, “They are just people, but horrible people,” highlighting the fear that these ordinary-looking individuals could harbor dark secrets (35:04).

Fictional Representation: Night Watcher

Transitioning to fiction, Daphne discusses her novel, Night Watcher, which mirrors the episode's themes:

• Plot Overview: Nola Strait, the protagonist, is haunted by her past encounter with the Hiding Man. As she investigates potential new sightings and uncovers unsettling truths, she grapples with the possibility that the killer has resurfaced.

• Inspiration and Creation: Daphne draws parallels between real-life serial killers and her fictional Hiding Man, ensuring the character feels authentic by incorporating researched traits and behaviors.

Daphne Woolsoncraft shares, “I used so much of the information that we presented today to craft a killer that feels real” (35:23).

Listener Engagement and Q&A

The episode features a Q&A segment where Daphne addresses questions from listeners about her book:

• Naming the Killer: The name "Hiding Man" was chosen for its simplicity and direct relation to the killer's motive, avoiding overly clever monikers.

• Creating the Mask: Inspired by her father's drawings, Daphne designed a unique mask with black stitching to symbolize the killer's transformation and concealment.

• Future Works: Daphne reveals plans for subsequent books, including Season of Sinking, set outside Seattle, Washington, and outlines a commitment to releasing a new book annually (54:40).

Closing Thoughts

In wrapping up, Daphne expresses gratitude to listeners for their support and enthusiasm for both the podcast and her novel. A gripping audiobook clip from chapter seven underscores the episode's dark themes, emphasizing the chilling reality that such killers could exist among us.

Heath concludes by encouraging listeners to purchase Daphne's book and teasing the next regular episode, ensuring that this deep dive into serial killers provides a solid foundation for understanding the complex nature of these criminals.

Notable Quotes:

• "Serial killers are not just the stuff of horror movies or thriller novels. They walk among us, hidden in plain sight." — Daphne Woolsoncraft (02:54)

• "Most killers evolve between these types over time as their compulsion grows and their fantasies just deepen." — Heath Merryman (32:47)

• "To manage a mask, whether literal or symbolic, becomes a tool for their own manipulation." — Daphne Woolsoncraft (20:57)

Final Thought: This episode of Going West: True Crime not only provides an in-depth analysis of serial killers but also bridges the gap between real-life crimes and fictional storytelling, offering listeners both educational content and a thrilling narrative inspired by true events.