Morbid Episode 660: Herbert Mullin: The Killer Hippie (Part 1) Summary

Release Date: April 3, 2025
Host/Author: Morbid Network | Wondery
Description: Morbid is a true crime, creepy history, and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. Join us for a heavy dose of research with a dash of comedy thrown in for flavor.

Introduction

In Episode 660 of Morbid, hosts Alayna and Ash delve into the chilling case of Herbert Mullin, infamously known as "The Killer Hippie." This episode marks the first installment of a two-part series that explores the life, motivations, and heinous crimes of Mullin, set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s in California.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Herbert Mullin was born on April 14, 1947, in Salinas, California. His birth coincided exactly 41 years after the devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906, a coincidence that later played a significant role in his distorted worldview.

Alayna [15:20]: "The most remarkable thing about his birth was that it occurred exactly 41 years to the day after the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. But it comes into play in a big, very big way in his behavior later."

Mullin grew up in what appeared to be a typical conservative American household. His father, Martin, a World War II veteran, embodied mid-century American masculinity—stern and strict but occasionally affectionate. His mother, Jean, was a devout Catholic who heavily influenced the children’s education and spirituality.

Alayna [16:27]: "Jean Mullen was a devout Catholic and she took her faith very seriously. And she literally, like, she was one of those that. I don't want to hear you questioning anything about my beliefs."

Despite outward appearances, the family's dynamics were strained. Herbert's intelligence led him to question his rigid religious upbringing, resulting in frequent punishments from his mother for perceived blasphemy.

Onset of Mental Illness

Herbert’s mental health began to deteriorate during his adolescence, particularly after the tragic death of his best friend, Dean Richardson, in 1965. Dean’s sudden death from a motorcycle accident left Herbert grappling with profound grief.

Alayna [23:32]: "He had only demonstrated some quirky tendencies and occasional challenges before Dean's death. But after Dean died, his grief and inability to manage his emotions became very apparent."

This loss exacerbated his existing paranoid and conspiratorial thinking. Herbert believed that his parents were sabotaging his social life and that they were part of a conspiracy to alienate him.

Alayna [20:33]: "He believed his parents were sabotaging his attempts at making friends. He even believed his parents were going door to door in the neighborhood, asking people to ignore him."

Struggling to process his grief, Herbert turned away from Catholicism, seeking solace in Eastern religions and New Age spiritual practices. Lacking parental support, he began experimenting with psychedelic drugs like LSD, which further destabilized his mental state.

Hospitalizations and Treatment

By 1969, Herbert's behavior had become increasingly erratic. His inappropriate actions, including attempting to engage in sexual relationships with his older sister, led to heightened concerns among his family.

Alayna [30:27]: "Herbert would brazenly proposition his older sister for sex, and she would inform her parents each time. Jean and Martin refused to believe their daughter."

Only after four years of escalating behavior did the family take action. In 1969, they sought psychiatric help for Herbert, leading to his first hospitalization at Mendocino State Hospital. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Mullin underwent multiple hospitalizations between 1969 and 1972, being committed to five different facilities during this period.

Alayna [40:08]: "He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and committed to five different hospitals between 1969 and 1972."

Despite these interventions, treatment during this era was limited. The lack of comprehensive mental health care meant that Herbert's condition remained largely unmanaged, allowing his paranoia and delusions to fester.

Motivations and Beliefs

Herbert Mullin's actions were driven by a complex web of delusions and a perceived mission to save humanity from impending disasters. Central to his belief system was the idea that mass sacrifices were necessary to prevent catastrophic earthquakes and environmental destruction.

Alayna [43:37]: "He believed that the war in Vietnam had resulted in so much death and destruction that he thought sacrifices were appeasing the gods to prevent natural disasters."

Herbert's fixation on his birthdate tied to the San Francisco earthquake fueled his conviction that he alone could avert future tragedies through his actions.

Alayna [44:23]: "From a very early age, Herbert was struck by the fact that he had been born exactly 41 years after the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, which became warped into his delusion that it was his responsibility to prevent earthquakes."

The Crimes Begin

Herbert Mullin's murder spree began in Santa Cruz County, a region that had previously been tranquil but was plagued by other notorious serial killers during the same period. His first confirmed murder occurred on October 13, 1972, when he killed Lawrence White, a 55-year-old man struggling with personal issues.

Alayna [49:44]: "Herbert struck him with the bat in the back of the head as hard as he could, knocking him to the ground. The blows shattered the back of his skull and pushed shards of bone into his brain, killing him instantly."

Herbert believed that each murder was a necessary sacrifice to prevent greater disasters. His approach was methodical yet deeply influenced by his distorted beliefs.

On October 24, 1972, Herbert murdered Mary Guilfoyle, a 24-year-old woman who took his offer for a ride. He used a hunting knife to brutally kill her, further cementing his intent to carry out his perceived mission.

Alayna [54:44]: "He plunged a hunting knife into her chest and hit her heart, killing her instantly. He continued driving, stabbed her twice in the back, and laid her body in the woods."

Attempted Murder at St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Herbert Mullin’s crimes culminated in a disturbingly religious setting when, on November 2, 1972, he attempted to murder Father Henry Thome at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Los Gatos. Armed with a hunting knife, he entered the confessional booth intending to commit another act he believed would save humanity.

Alayna [58:23]: "When he walked inside, he went through the Catholic routine he'd learned as a child... After finishing this whole routine, he noticed a light above the confessional booth and approached it."

In a violent confrontation, Herbert stabbed Father Thome multiple times, resulting in the priest's death. This act not only highlighted Herbert's deep-seated delusions but also connected his actions to his corrupted religious beliefs.

Alayna [60:09]: "Herbert tried to push the man's leg into the booth to cover up his crime. As he was struggling, he thought he heard a scream. He wiped the blood from his knife, ran out of the church, and drove back home."

A witness, Margaret Reed, saw Herbert during the attack, but the brutality and randomness of the act baffled investigators, complicating the case.

Investigation and Public Reaction

The murders of Lawrence White, Mary Guilfoyle, and Father Henry Thome shocked the Santa Cruz community. Despite thorough investigations, the randomness of the killings, especially the attempted murder at the church, made it difficult for police to identify a clear motive or suspect initially.

Alayna [63:27]: "Detective Sergeant Jim Shea told reporters that so far, there does not appear to be any motive at all for this killing."

Mary Guilfoyle's disappearance went largely unnoticed by the public, with authorities mistakenly assuming she had run away. In contrast, the murder of Father Thome brought significant attention due to the randomness and brutality of the crime.

Throughout the investigation, Herbert Mullin managed to evade immediate suspicion, allowing his killing spree to continue.

Conclusion of Part 1

As the episode concludes, Herbert Mullin grapples with the aftermath of his crimes. Despite believing he had fulfilled his mission, he remained uncertain and driven by his delusions to continue his murderous path.

Alayna [65:28]: "He still felt a sense of unease and dread that he couldn't shake. He realized that one sacrifice wasn't enough to prevent the disasters he envisioned."

The episode sets the stage for Part 2, where listeners can expect an exploration of Herbert Mullin's further descent into madness, additional crimes, and the eventual culmination of his killing spree.

Alayna [66:02]: "We will get to that in part two."

Notable Quotes

• Alayna [15:20]:
  "The most remarkable thing about his birth was that it occurred exactly 41 years to the day after the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. But it comes into play in a big, very big way in his behavior later."

• Alayna [20:33]:
  "He believed his parents were sabotaging his attempts at making friends. He even believed his parents were going door to door in the neighborhood, asking people to ignore him."

• Alayna [43:37]:
  "He believed that the war in Vietnam had resulted in so much death and destruction that he thought sacrifices were appeasing the gods to prevent natural disasters."

• Alayna [54:44]:
  "He plunged a hunting knife into her chest and hit her heart, killing her instantly. He continued driving, stabbed her twice in the back, and laid her body in the woods."

• Alayna [65:28]:
  "He still felt a sense of unease and dread that he couldn't shake. He realized that one sacrifice wasn't enough to prevent the disasters he envisioned."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Morbid masterfully unpacks the tragic and horrifying story of Herbert Mullin, a man who spiraled into madness amidst personal grief and societal turmoil. The hosts provide a comprehensive look into how unresolved mental health issues, compounded by lack of support and understanding, can lead to devastating consequences. As listeners prepare for Part 2, the episode leaves them pondering the complexities of mental illness and the societal failings that allow such darkness to fester.

For those who have not listened to the episode, this summary provides an in-depth look into the life and crimes of Herbert Mullin, capturing the essential points, discussions, and conclusions drawn by the hosts.