Lords of Death: Episode 5 | Psycho Killer

Host: Thrasher Banks
Produced by: Tenderfoot TV & Audacy
Release Date: December 9, 2024

Episode Overview

In Episode 5 of Lords of Death, titled "Psycho Killer," host Thrasher Banks delves deeper into the enigmatic 1995 Potts murders in Dayton, Ohio. This installment uncovers conflicting testimonies, explores the murky connections between various individuals involved, and introduces the shadowy group known as the "Lords of Death." As Thrasher navigates through a web of deceit and hidden motives, he inches closer to unraveling the truth behind multiple unsolved cases tied to the Potts murders.

Key Interviews and Claims

1. Confronting Pete Gravens

The episode primarily features an intense conversation with Pete Gravens, a pivotal figure linked to the Potts murders.

• Initial Accusations:
  Thrasher receives an angry voicemail from Pete after Gary Alexander, Tim Terrell's cousin, implicates Pete in the Potts murders. At [02:24], Pete exclaims, "Gary Alexander that motherfucker is a piece of shit."

• Pete's Defense and Family Connections:
  Pete vehemently denies involvement, asserting his loyalty to Tim. At [04:40], he states, "I seriously don't think Timmy had anything to do with fucking Mr. Potts." He also reveals that his father, Joe Gravens, was a deputy sheriff who worked security at the Potts property, adding layers of complexity to his alibi and potential involvement.

• Alibi Scrutiny:
  Thrasher investigates Pete's alibi, uncovering discrepancies. Pete claims he was incarcerated during the Potts murders, but records show he was released in January 1989, casting doubt on his innocence regarding the October 1988 murder of Leila Potts.

2. Jason's Revelations

Months after Pete's death in July 2019, Thrasher receives a text from Jason, Pete's former brother-in-law, claiming insider information about Pete's involvement.

• Detailed Account of the Murders:
  At [14:40], Jason outlines a scenario where Pete acted as the driver and watch guard, while Tim and Jim orchestrated the murders. Jason describes how Tim attempted to kill Homer Potts but was interrupted by Leila, leading to a brutal confrontation.

• Motivations and Insurance Fraud:
  Jason posits that the murders were financially motivated, linked to insurance and inheritance disputes. He mentions, "Leila was supposed to pay Homer's killers, but failed to do so."

3. Tricia's Testimony

A crucial but anonymous source, Tricia, provides a harrowing account of witnessing satanic rituals and brutal torture linked to Tim Terrell.

• Satanic Rituals:
  At [26:24], Tricia recounts, "Tim liked to sacrifice little animals... He was like the priest, you know what I mean."

• Witnessing Torture:
  She describes a woman being tortured and forced to participate in heinous acts, implicating Tim as a key perpetrator: "He was laughing as he was torturing this lady and like stabbing and doing heinous things to her."

4. Anonymous Source on Margaret's Involvement

An unnamed relative of Margaret, John's girlfriend arrested for a gun store robbery, provides additional insights linking her to satanic rituals and multiple murders.

• Pattern of Violence:
  They describe Tim and Jim as serial killers involved in various brutal murders, including that of Leila Potts: "They used to drive around in a van and Tim would be in the back and they would pick up girls. Some were prostitutes and Tim would kill them."

Evidence and Alibis

• Homer Potts' Estate:
  Thrasher examines Homer's probate documents, revealing over $18,000 in cash assets at the time of his murder, supporting the motive of financial gain.

• Discrepancies in Pete's Alibi:
  Contrary to Pete's claims of incarceration during the Potts murders, records show he was released shortly after Leila's murder, undermining his credibility and suggesting possible involvement.

• Hidden Connection Through Employment:
  Pete's father, Joe Gravens, served as a security guard at the Potts property, positioning Pete in proximity to the crime scene and existing witnesses.

The Lords of Death: Unveiling the Cult

The episode introduces the clandestine group known as the "Lords of Death," suggesting a cult-like structure behind the murders.

• Initiation Rituals:
  Thrasher uncovers that membership involves taking someone's life, evidenced by the exclusive tattoo associated with the group: "You had to take someone's soul."

• Leadership and Recruitment:
  Jim is portrayed as the leader with Tim as his second-in-command, actively recruiting and indoctrinating members into their nefarious activities.

• Thrasher's Correspondence with Tim:
  In a bold move, Thrasher writes to Tim seeking clarity on Cindy Kozad's murder. Tim's cryptic response advises Thrasher to investigate Mick's involvement: "I'm not asking you to believe me over Mick..."

Cindy Kozad's Murder: The Inception of the Chaos

Cindy Kozad's unsolved murder acts as a catalyst, intertwining with the Potts case and revealing the breadth of the Lords of Death's operations.

• Mick's Potential Involvement:
  Thrasher theorizes that Mick's role in Cindy's murder may have been his initiation into the Lords of Death, paralleling Jim's influence over Tim regarding the Potts murders.

• Symbolism and Group Dynamics:
  The presence of the Lords of Death symbol and the shared violent rituals indicate a deep-seated, organized conspiracy linking multiple murders.

Investigative Findings and Conclusions

Thrasher synthesizes the gathered testimonies and evidence to construct a plausible narrative:

1. Financial Motive:
   The significant cash assets in Homer's estate and the insurance scam theory suggest a money-driven motive for the Potts murders.

2. Cult Influence:
   The Lords of Death's involvement introduces a ritualistic and ideological layer to the crimes, indicating the murders were not solely for financial gain but also for maintaining power within the cult.

3. Conflicting Alibis and Testimonies:
   Discrepancies in Pete's alibi and the conflicting accounts from Gary and Jason highlight the complexities and challenges in establishing a clear sequence of events.

4. Lack of Concrete Evidence:
   Despite compelling testimonies, the absence of direct evidence and the deaths of key witnesses hinder the resolution of the case, leaving many questions unanswered.

Looking Forward

As Thrasher concludes the episode, he acknowledges the unresolved aspects of the investigation and the looming presence of additional murders linked to the Potts case. The search for a definitive witness continues, with hopes of finally bringing closure to the victims and their families.

Notable Quotes:

• Pete Gravens ([02:24]):
  "You should call me. I can tell you some fucking stories, dude."

• Jason ([14:40]):
  "Pete was the driver and tasked with guarding the back door. Tim was supposed to knock on the front door and kill Homer."

• Tricia ([26:24]):
  "He was laughing as he was torturing this lady and like stabbing and doing heinous things to her."

• Tim's Response ([34:53]):
  "I'm not asking you to believe me over Mick. So ask him to explain what happened on his last case..."

Final Thoughts

Episode 5 of Lords of Death masterfully intertwines personal testimonies, investigative journalism, and haunting mysteries to paint a chilling portrait of the Potts murders and the sinister forces behind them. Thrasher Banks' relentless pursuit of truth amidst obstructions offers listeners a gripping exploration of memory, perception, and the dark corridors of human nature.

Credits:
Produced by Meredith Stedman and Dennis Cooper. Special thanks to Tori Ross, Caitlin Kabowski, and Thrasher's mother Carrie. Original music by Makeup and Vanity Set with additional music by Thrasher Van. For more episodes, visit Tenderfoot TV.