Kill List Episode Summary: "Big Lake | 16"

Release Date: December 31, 2024

Introduction

In "Big Lake | 16," part of the gripping true-crime series Kill List by Wondery and Novel, host Carl Miller delves deep into the harrowing story of Alexis Stern, a young woman from Big Lake, Minnesota, who becomes the target of a sinister plot orchestrated through the dark web's murder-for-hire services. This episode unpacks the complexities of Alexis's troubled relationship, the ensuing threats against her life, and the frustratingly slow response of law enforcement.

The Relationship: A Promising Start Turned Sour

The episode begins by painting a picture of Alexis Stern's seemingly ordinary life in the small town of Big Lake. At 15, Alexis is an aspiring writer, weaving tales of darkness even as she remains isolated from her community. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Adrian Fry, a 19-year-old British online boyfriend.

Key Moments:

• First Meeting: After months of online dating, Adrian visits Big Lake, and their first in-person meeting is described by Alexis:

  [06:24] Alexis Stern: "I had just gone on break and I was walking up towards the front of the store. I was walking behind this guy and I was like, he looks really familiar."

• Intensifying Relationship: Their relationship quickly deepens despite the 4,000-mile distance. However, the initial excitement soon gives way to tension as Adrian's need for constant contact becomes overwhelming.

  [08:13] Alexis Stern: "He was texting me when he was at work, when I got home from school or he got home from work, we would talk. And it got to the point I had absolutely no free time to myself. I was always talking to him, Skyping him."

• Growing Strain: Trust issues emerge, highlighted by mutual accusations of infidelity, leading Alexis to contemplate ending the relationship.

  [09:13] Alexis Stern: "I tried mentioning the idea to Adrian that maybe we should take a break or break up. And he completely freaked out, saying that I was going to make a mistake..."

The Threat: Dark Web and the Kill List

As Alexis grapples with her deteriorating relationship, a more sinister threat looms. Carl Miller introduces his role in uncovering a secret "kill list" on the dark web, where real money is paid for real murders.

Key Developments:

• Adrian's Behavior: Adrian's erratic behavior escalates, leading Alexis to suspect him of being involved in a plot against her life.

  [18:20] Alexis Stern: "Buy a gun, and that immediately threw me off. I was like, what do you mean?"

• Kill Order: Alexis receives alarming messages indicating that someone has placed a hit on her through the dark web alias "mastermind365."

  [20:33] Alexis Stern: "You sat me down and you said that someone had put a hit out on me on the dark web."

• Lack of Law Enforcement Action: Despite presenting compelling circumstantial evidence linking Adrian to the threat, authorities struggle to take decisive action due to jurisdictional challenges and insufficient concrete evidence.

  [25:21] Carl Miller: "So what is the actual evidence at play against Adrian here? Has he been falsely accused by Alexis, or is he responsible for planning her murder?"

Investigation Challenges and Unresolved Questions

The episode highlights the frustrating inertia of law enforcement in handling cases that span international borders and involve the dark web's clandestine operations.

Insights from Experts:

• Producer Caroline Thornham discusses the patterns observed in similar cases, noting that most perpetrators are ex-partners seeking control:

  [27:40] Caroline Thornham: "...the most common motive we've ever seen on the kill list, which is a desire to control someone."

• Circumstantial Evidence: While Alexis believes the timing and language of the kill list messages implicate Adrian, authorities find the evidence too circumstantial to prosecute.

  [29:44] Carl Miller: "But striking coincidence is only what it is too. There's no really strong evidence that actually links Adrian in that way to the murder order."

• Jurisdictional Hurdles: Attempts to collaborate with UK authorities yielded little progress, leaving the case unresolved and Adrian unprosecuted.

  [34:34] Caroline Thornham: "It's a jurisdictional issue, because Adrian is based in the UK and Alexis is based in America."

Aftermath and Ongoing Fear

Despite the lack of legal resolution, the psychological toll on Alexis is profound. She remains in a state of fear, constantly vigilant and altering her life to avoid potential threats.

Personal Struggles:

• Relocation for Safety: Alexis and her family take drastic measures to protect themselves, including relocating and enhancing their security measures.

  [23:34] Alexis Stern: "Yeah, I'm not dead, but I'm not living either. I'm just in a stasis, hoping maybe something will happen."

• Continued Harassment: Adrian's sporadic, aggressive communication exacerbates Alexis's anxiety, blurring the lines between their past relationship and the present threat.

  [26:15] Alexis Stern: "Just one photo. It's going to take you, like, five seconds. I was like, no, I don't want to."

Conclusion: A Quest for Closure

"Big Lake | 16" encapsulates the tragic intersection of personal relationships and the lurking dangers of the dark web. Alexis Stern's story is emblematic of the broader issues surrounding online relationships, cyber threats, and the complexities of international law enforcement. As Alexis seeks closure and attempts to rebuild her life, the episode leaves listeners pondering the elusive nature of justice in the digital age.

Final Reflections:

[38:13] Alexis Stern: "Like I lived through someone wanting to put a hit on me. Not a lot of people can say."

The episode underscores the necessity for more robust investigative frameworks to address the evolving threats posed by the dark web, ensuring that victims like Alexis receive the protection and resolution they desperately need.

Notable Quotes

• Alexis Stern:

  • "[08:13]... It was always an us, never just a me."
  • "[09:13]... I'm a really big empath. I feel like I really connect to people's emotions a lot more."
  • "[17:16]... I was done."
  • "[23:34]... I'm just in a stasis, hoping maybe something will happen."
  • "[38:13]... Not a lot of people can say."

• Caroline Thornham (Producer):

  • "[27:40]... it's a desire to control someone."
  • "[27:54]... it's a striking coincidence."

• Carl Miller (Host):

  • "[24:52]... there's so many unanswered questions here."
  • "[35:20]... this is something that's going to hang over Alexis and over Adrian indefinitely."

Looking Ahead

In the next episode, Kill List explores another unresolved mystery in the Spanish town of Pontevedra, where Ana Garcia seeks justice for a suspected assassination attempt. The series continues to shed light on the dark corners of the internet and the real-world consequences of virtual threats.

Credits:

• Host: Carl Miller
• Reporter: Caroline Thornham
• Production: Anna Sin Fields, Tom Wright, Jay Kotajevic, Amalia Sallund
• Researchers: Megan Oyinka, Lena Chang, Chris Monteiro
• Sound Design: Daniel Kempson
• Music: Skylar Gerdman, Martin Linabel
• Executive Producers: Sean Glynn, Max O'Brien, Craig Strachan, Marshall Louis, Erin O'Flaherty

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