**Episode Summary: Morbid Network | Wondery
Title: Episode 617: Jerry Brudos: The Shoe Fetish Slayer (Part 1)
Release Date: November 11, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

Morbid delves deep into the dark and twisted life of Jerry Brudos, a notorious serial killer known as the "Shoe Fetish Slayer." Hosted by Ash and Chelsea, this episode meticulously unpacks Brudos' troubled upbringing, psychological disturbances, and the series of heinous crimes that marked his life.

Early Life and Family Dynamics ([16:10] - [20:24])

Jerry Brudos was born on January 31, 1939, in Webster, South Dakota, as the second child to Eileen and Henry Brudos. From the outset, the household was unstable. Henry, Jerry’s father, struggled with consistent employment, often moving the family in search of odd jobs. This lack of stability contributed to an environment rife with insecurity and tension.

Chelsea explains, “The Brudos household was never considered safe or supportive” ([17:02]). Eileen, Jerry's mother, exhibited clear favoritism towards his older brother, Larry, fostering resentment in Jerry. This preferential treatment was compounded by Eileen’s open disappointment over Jerry’s birth, as she had hoped for a daughter instead ([19:03]).

Formative Experiences and Early Signs of Deviance ([20:32] - [26:52])

At the tender age of five, Jerry's fascination with women's shoes began when he discovered a pair of high-heeled shoes in a junkyard ([21:38]). This innocent curiosity took a dark turn when his conservative mother harshly reprimanded him for playing with the shoes, even going as far as burning them in the backyard and locking him in his bedroom for the rest of the day ([25:24]).

Chelsea reflects on Jerry’s early experiences: “He didn’t understand why his mother was angry. He just kept the shoes hidden instead of getting rid of them” ([25:50]). These actions planted the seeds of secrecy and shame surrounding his burgeoning fetish.

Escalation of Behavior and First Crimes ([29:21] - [40:45])

Jerry's obsession with women's footwear intensified during his first-grade years in Riverton, California. His high school teacher’s daily high heels further fueled his fetish, leading him to steal a pair from her desk at age ten ([28:12]). Coupled with ongoing health issues requiring multiple surgeries, Jerry’s time at home with his domineering mother exacerbated his negative feelings towards women ([21:20]).

At sixteen, Jerry's dark fantasies culminated in his first known assault. He kidnapped a neighbor’s daughter, forcing her to undress while taking photographs ([40:16]). Despite the severity of his actions, his mother’s negligence allowed him to avoid early intervention, paving the way for his future crimes.

Attempts at Intervention and Continued Descent ([50:07] - [55:29])

Following the assault, Jerry was evaluated at the Oregon State Hospital. Psychiatrists diagnosed him with an "adjustment reaction of adolescents with sexual deviation fetishism" ([52:50]). Despite his troubling behavior, he was discharged nine months later, reflecting a significant oversight in his treatment and rehabilitation.

Returning to his parents' farm after a brief stint in the US Army, Jerry's mental stability remained precarious. His unresolved fantasies led him to commit multiple assaults, driven by a desperate need to satisfy his twisted desires ([61:00]). Chelsea notes, “He was obsessively seeking control and power through his violent actions” ([60:52]).

Marriage and Further Decline ([63:18] - [77:32])

At age twenty-four, Jerry married Ralphine Schwindler, a 17-year-old encyclopedia salesperson. Initially, their marriage seemed stable, with Jerry showing affection and engagement with their daughter, Megan ([63:42]). However, underlying tensions surfaced as Jerry's oppressive behaviors reemerged. He insisted on being nude at home and controlling Ralphine’s actions, leading to a strained and abusive relationship ([67:10]).

A pivotal moment occurred when Ralphine denied him access to witness the birth of their second child, devastating Jerry and further entrenching his feelings of betrayal and resentment ([74:05]). This event marked a significant shift, pushing Jerry deeper into his dark impulses.

First Murder and Escalation ([84:12] - [87:53])

On January 26, 1968, Jerry Brudos committed his first documented murder. He lured 19-year-old Linda Slauson, an encyclopedia salesperson, to his home under the guise of helping her with her broken-down car. Once inside, Jerry violently attacked her, strangling her to death with a belt ([84:14]). Post-murder, he engaged in necrophilia, photographing her body in stolen shoes and undergarments—a horrifying manifestation of his twisted fetish ([85:04]).

Despite suspecting foul play, the police initially dismissed her disappearance as a potential runaway case, delayed crucial investigations, and allowed Jerry to continue his spree undetected for several months.

Psychological Insights and Conclusion ([77:32] - [87:53])

Chelsea and Ash delve into Jerry's complex psychological makeup, emphasizing how his oppressive upbringing, unaddressed mental health issues, and societal taboos around sex education contributed to his descent into violence. They highlight the intersection of his fetish, feelings of powerlessness, and deep-seated hatred for women as catalysts for his brutal actions.

A notable moment from Chelsea: “He’s holding it in. He’s going to explode” ([35:35]), encapsulating the volatile mix of Jerry’s suppressed desires and unresolved trauma.

Notable Quotes

• Chelsea: “The Brudos household was never considered safe or supportive.” ([17:02])
• Chelsea: “He didn’t understand why his mother was angry. He just kept the shoes hidden instead of getting rid of them.” ([25:50])
• Chelsea: “He was obsessively seeking control and power through his violent actions.” ([60:52])
• Chelsea: “You need to be in an agreeing situation where that person agrees and is comfortable with engaging in your fetish.” ([71:32])
• Chelsea: “He’s holding it in. He’s going to explode.” ([35:35])

Insights and Conclusions

This first part of the two-part series paints a chilling portrait of Jerry Brudos—a man whose early life traumas, coupled with societal and familial neglect, spiraled into a path of obsession and violence. The hosts underscore the importance of addressing mental health issues and fostering open dialogues around sexuality to prevent such tragic outcomes.

As Ash poignantly puts it, “It's weird.” ([73:35])—a reflection on the unpredictable and often incomprehensible nature of human psychology when left unaddressed.

Stay Tuned for Part 2: The episode concludes by hinting at further gruesome developments in Brudos' life, promising an even more disturbing continuation in the next installment.

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