Podcast Summary: Morbid Network | Wondery
Episode Title: Episode 618: Jerry Brudos: The Shoe Fetish Slayer (Part 2)
Hosts: Ash and Elena
Release Date: [Assumed recent based on transcript]

Introduction

In Episode 618 of Morbid, hosted by Ash and Elena, the duo delves deeper into the chilling case of Jerry Brudos, infamously known as the "Shoe Fetish Slayer." This episode is a continuation from Part 1, offering a comprehensive exploration of Brudos' heinous crimes, the subsequent investigation, and his eventual capture and sentencing.

Background on Jerry Brudos

Ash and Elena begin by recapping Jerry Brudos' modus operandi, emphasizing his sadistic tendencies and fetishistic motives. Brudos was not just a serial killer but also a necrophiliac, adding layers of horror to his crimes.

Detailed Account of the Crimes

1. The Murder of Karen Sprinker

• Date: March 27, 1969
• Victim: 19-year-old Karen Sprinker
• Location: Salem, Oregon
• Incident Overview:
  • Karen left home for lunch and shopping, planning to return to school with new clothes.
  • Brudos, lurking in the parking area, initially fixated on another woman before shifting his attention to Karen.
  • At [12:00], Elena advises:

    "Never let someone take you to a second location."

Brudos grabbed Karen outside the department store, brandishing what appeared to be a pistol (later revealed as a toy). Despite Karen resisting, she was forcibly taken to Brudos' basement where she endured sexual assault, humiliation by dressing in stolen women's clothing, and was eventually strangled to death. Her body was disposed of in the Long Tom River, weighted down with mechanical parts.

2. The Attempted Killings of Sharon Wood and Others

• Date: April 21, 1969
• Victim: 24-year-old Sharon Wood
• Location: Parking garage
• Incident Overview:
  • Brudos attempted to abduct Sharon as she left work.
  • Sharon fought back fiercely, biting Brudos' thumb and screaming, leading to his escape when a car arrived.

Additionally, Brudos attempted to abduct a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old girl, both of whom narrowly escaped, thanks to timely interventions.

3. The Murder of Linda Slauson

• Date: May 28, 1969
• Victim: Linda Slauson
• Location: Long Tom River
• Incident Overview:
  • Brudos approached Linda under the guise of a store detective, accusing her of shoplifting.
  • She complied initially, only to realize the malicious intent.
  • Linda was sexually assaulted, photographed, and strangled, her body also disposed of in the river.

4. Discovery of Jan Whitney’s Body

• Date: July 28, 1969
• Victim: Jan Whitney
• Location: Willamette River
• Incident Overview:
  • Jan Whitney's body was found tied to railroad iron, confirming Brudos' pattern of disposing bodies in similar manners.

Investigation and Capture

As the bodies of Karen Sprinker and Linda Slauson were discovered, law enforcement began linking the cases due to similarities in the disposal methods and the nature of the assaults. Brudos' history of assault and prowling near the Oregon State campus raised suspicions.

Breakthrough: The Ambush at the Oregon State Dorm

• Date: May 14, 1969
• Incident Overview:
  • A student reported a suspicious man calling her out of the blue to ask her on a date.
  • During the arranged meeting, detectives surveilled Brudos covertly.
  • When Brudos arrived to pick up the student, detectives apprehended him.

Evidence Secured:

• Basement Findings:
  • Copper wire and nylon cord matching the materials used to dispose of the victims.
  • A stash of nude photographs depicting women dangling from ropes.
  • Women's clothing collected from various victims.

Notable Quote at [54:10]:

Elena: "It's wild to look at somebody in the moment that, like, they have no humanity."

Trial and Psychiatric Evaluation

Brudos initially pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, a defense that heavily relied on psychiatric evaluations. Seven psychiatrists assessed him, concluding that while he exhibited signs of paranoia and antisocial personality disorder, he was aware of his actions and their moral implications.

Key Insights from Psychiatric Reports:

• Affability and Agitation:
  • Brudos was described as both talkative and agitated, indicating manipulative behavior.
• Emotional Detachment:
  • Showed no remorse or emotional response when discussing his crimes.
• Understanding of Right and Wrong:
  • Capable of comprehending the gravity of his actions, contradicting the insanity plea.

Notable Quote at [63:42]:

ASH: "That is a huge part of his pathology, but it doesn't get known how bad he was."

Sentencing and Imprisonment

On June 27, 1969, Jerry Brudos changed his plea to guilty, resulting in three consecutive life sentences. Despite the initial sentence allowing for parole, continuous evaluations ensured that Brudos remained incarcerated for life.

• Parole Board Decisions:
  • Multiple parole attempts were denied, and in June 1995, it was declared that Brudos would never be eligible for parole.

Prison Life:

• Brudos became a model prisoner but faced hostility from fellow inmates, particularly targeting sex offenders.
• Death:
  • Jerry Brudos died of liver cancer on March 28, 2006, providing a sense of closure to the victims' families.

Notable Quote at [75:56]:

Elena: "And I am so glad he's dead."

Conclusion and Reflections

Ash and Elena reflect on the psychological aspects of Brudos' behavior, pondering the nature versus nurture debate in the development of such extreme criminal pathology. They emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying causes to prevent future cases.

Notable Discussion Points:

• Nature vs. Nurture:
  • The hosts discuss the potential genetic and environmental factors contributing to Brudos' actions.
• Preventative Measures:
  • The need for comprehensive psychological studies on incarcerated serial killers to better understand and mitigate such behaviors.

Notable Quote at [68:53]:

Elena: "It's just something to look into, and I think we should see what studies are currently being done on this kind of stuff."

Final Thoughts

Episode 618 serves as a stark reminder of the depths of human depravity and the complexities involved in criminal psychology. Ash and Elena provide an in-depth, empathetic, and analytical narrative that not only recounts the events but also encourages listeners to contemplate the broader implications of such tragic cases.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [12:00] Elena: "Never let someone take you to a second location."
• [54:10] Ash: "This person, like, torturing someone."
• [63:42] Ash: "That is a huge part of his pathology, but it doesn't get known how bad he was."
• [75:56] Elena: "And I am so glad he's dead."
• [68:53] Elena: "It's just something to look into, and I think we should see what studies are currently being done on this kind of stuff."

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the key elements of the podcast episode without direct promotion or endorsement of any content.