Killer Minds: Inside the Minds of Serial Killers & Murderers
Episode: SERIAL KILLER: "The Alaskan Attacker" Pt. 1
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Hosts: Vanessa Richardson & Dr. Tristan Engels
Produced by: Crime House Studios

Introduction

In this gripping first part of the series titled "The Alaskan Attacker," hosts Vanessa Richardson and Dr. Tristan Engels delve deep into the life and psyche of Joshua Wade, a young man whose tumultuous upbringing and traumatic experiences led him down a path of escalating violence and murder in Alaska during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Early Life and Family Background

Joshua Wade's early years were marred by instability and abuse. Born on March 18, 1980, in San Diego, California, Joshua was the younger son of Greg and Catherine Wade. Initially, the family appeared to be well-integrated into their Mormon community, with Greg serving as a high-ranking elder. However, shortly after Joshua's birth, the family relocated to Great Falls, Montana, where Greg took a security job at a local Air Force base.

The family's stability quickly deteriorated as Greg's behavior changed drastically. He succumbed to alcohol and drug abuse, began dealing drugs, and engaged in multiple extramarital affairs. This downward spiral led to his excommunication from the Mormon Church and fostered an environment of fear and instability for Joshua and his sister Mandy.

Vanessa Richardson shares:
"[Greg] got into alcohol and drugs, and eventually he started dealing those drugs. He also had affairs with multiple women." ([04:46])

Childhood Abuse and Its Impact

Joshua's childhood was a crucible of emotional and physical trauma. His parents' separation following a terrifying incident where Greg threatened Catherine with a gun in front of Joshua and Mandy left deep psychological scars. Additionally, Joshua was subjected to sexual abuse by neighborhood boys between the ages of five and seven, compounding his suffering.

Dr. Tristan Engels explains the profound effects of such early trauma:
"Children often express their distress... through physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches... and without proper intervention, they are at an increased risk of developing emotional, academic, and behavioral deficits." ([06:37] & [07:52])

The cumulative effect of witnessing domestic violence, experiencing neglect, and enduring sexual abuse eroded Joshua's self-worth and ability to form healthy relationships. Albert Bandura's social learning theory is referenced to illustrate how Joshua internalized aggressive behaviors observed in his environment, setting the stage for his future actions.

Dr. Tristan Engels states:
"Josh is essentially being taught that feelings need to be expressed in a hostile or violent way and that aggression is a method of communication." ([09:32])

Adolescence and Early Criminal Behavior

Joshua's troubled youth continued as his parents separated. His mother, Catherine, struggled to provide for him and Mandy, leading to further instability. By age ten, Joshua attempted suicide by drowning and spent three months in a psychiatric hospital—a treatment that failed to address his deep-seated issues.

Upon release, Joshua's behavior became increasingly violent. He engaged in armed home invasions, attacked individuals with a machete, and developed disturbing interests, such as drawing violent cartoons and obsessing over the film "Faces of Death." Despite these alarming behaviors, his father Greg continued to shield him from severe consequences, even intimidating victims' families to prevent charges from being pressed.

Vanessa Richardson observes:
"Josh was exhibiting criteria for conduct disorder, which is often a precursor to antisocial personality disorder." ([16:03])

The Murder of Della Brown

On August 31, 2000, at the age of 20, Joshua Wade committed a heinous crime that would cement his infamy. While driving with friends in Anchorage, Alaska, they encountered Della Brown, a 33-year-old woman struggling with addiction and an abusive relationship. Instead of offering help, Joshua initially joked about running her over. After leaving her on the side of the road, he returned with the intent to rob and ultimately murdered her, engaging in necrophilia afterward.

Vanessa Richardson narrates:
"Josh smashed Della's head in with a rock, killing her... he engaged in necrophilia with Della's body." ([29:05])

Dr. Engels provides psychological insight into Joshua's actions:
"Josh is overcompensating for years of feeling vulnerable by preying on the vulnerable. It's as if he wants to prove to himself that he is the predator and he can no longer be the prey." ([30:14])

Capture and Trial

Two days after the murder, Della Brown's body was discovered, prompting a police investigation. An anonymous text tip led authorities to Joshua, and his subsequent confession recordings implicated him in multiple murders. Despite a recorded confession, the trial in January 2003 was fraught with challenges, including the absence of physical evidence linking Joshua directly to the crime scene.

Dr. Tristan Engels comments:
"People with antisocial personality disorder... struggle with impulse control... they impulsively go right back to doing that." ([43:31])

Ultimately, Joshua was acquitted of eight out of nine charges, including murder, due to reasonable doubt and insufficient evidence. He was convicted of evidence tampering and served only a portion of his sentence before being released on probation in 2004.

Release and Subsequent Crime

Upon his release in August 2007, Joshua appeared to make a brief period of good behavior. However, the lack of ongoing supervision and support structures paved the way for his next violent act. Obsessed with his neighbor, Mindy Schloss, Joshua attempted to rob her. The encounter escalated into murder when Mindy woke up, leading Joshua to shoot her after initially promising not to kill her.

Vanessa Richardson recounts:
"Josh threatened to kill her right then and there while Josh and his sister Mandy were in the backseat." ([00:00])

Dr. Engels analyzes the recurrence of Joshua's violent behavior:
"His pattern of disregarding the rules and norms of society is deeply ingrained, meaning it's his normal." ([43:31])

Psychological Insights and Analysis

Throughout the episode, Dr. Tristan Engels provides a comprehensive analysis of Joshua Wade's psychological makeup. Key factors contributing to his violent tendencies include:

• Early Trauma: Childhood sexual abuse and witnessing domestic violence fostered deep-seated anger and emotional dysregulation.

• Learned Aggression: Exposure to and imitation of violent behavior in his parents and environment normalized aggression as a means of communication.

• Lack of Support Systems: Absence of stable, supportive relationships hindered Joshua's ability to develop empathy and healthy coping mechanisms.

• Antisocial Personality Disorder: Persistent disregard for societal norms and the rights of others, coupled with impulsivity and lack of remorse, characterized his actions.

Dr. Engels emphasizes:
"Joshua is seeking validation and attention... he wants to show how strong and hardened he is." ([30:14])

Conclusion and Next Steps

The episode concludes with Joshua Wade's attempt to conceal his latest crime by burning Mindy Schloss's body and disposing of her car. However, his overconfidence led to increased police scrutiny, setting the stage for his eventual apprehension. The hosts tease that the next part of the series will cover Joshua's final capture, trial, and the haunting revelations that emerged from behind bars.

Notable Quotes

• Vanessa Richardson:
  "Josh took his rage out on the most vulnerable victims he could find. Even if that meant killing them." ([00:00])

• Dr. Tristan Engels:
  "Children often express their distress... through physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches..." ([06:37])
  "Josh is overcompensating for years of feeling vulnerable by preying on the vulnerable." ([30:14])

Further Exploration

For those captivated by the intricate details of Joshua Wade's descent into violence, the upcoming second part promises to unravel how he was ultimately held accountable and the psychological aftermath of his actions. Stay tuned to "Killer Minds" every Monday and Thursday to continue this deep dive into one of Alaska's most notorious criminals.

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