Morbid Episode 661: Herbert Mullin: The Killer Hippie (Part 2)

Release Date: April 7, 2025
Length: 55 minutes

Introduction

In Episode 661 of Morbid, hosts Ash and Elena delve deeper into the chilling case of Herbert Mullin, known as "The Killer Hippie." This episode continues the exploration of Mullin's tragic and violent spree, providing detailed insights into his motives, actions, and the subsequent investigation that led to his capture.

Background on Herbert Mullin

Herbert Mullin was an autopsy technician whose descent into violence was marked by mental instability and obsessive delusions. Despite his outward appearance of normalcy—being described as bright, popular, and an excellent student during his high school years—Mullin struggled with profound mental health issues exacerbated by drug use and delusional beliefs.

[07:50] Ash: "Yes, he's mentally ill, obviously."

[07:54] Elena: "He is not insane. He knows what he's doing."

The Murders

Jim and Joan Gianera and Kathy Francis

Mullin's killing spree intensified when he targeted friends and acquaintances, beginning with Jill Gianera and her husband Jim. On January 25, 1972, Mullin visited the Gianera household under the guise of seeking Jim, who had provided him with his first joint in high school. The interaction quickly escalated when Mullin felt wronged and frustrated, leading him to open fire.

Jim Gianera was shot multiple times, sustaining severe injuries before attempting to shield himself and his wife, Joan, who was subsequently gunned down. The brutality of these murders showcased Mullin's lack of restraint and his delusional mission to "sacrifice" individuals to prevent an impending disaster he believed was imminent.

[08:34] Ash: "Yeah, that's quite a time to ponder that."

[08:35] Elena: "He's wondering if he's, you know, if this is the mission he's supposed to be taking."

The Francis Family

Shortly after the Gianera murders, Mullin's violence extended to the Francis family. On January 25th, while Kathy Francis was attending to her children, Mullin attacked her without warning, killing her instantly and subsequently murdering her two young children, David (9) and Damon (4). This heinous act further solidified Mullin's reputation as a remorseless killer driven by twisted beliefs.

[20:54] Ash: "Yeah. Absolutely not crazy."

[20:57] Elena: "He killed children because he didn't. He knew they could."

The Four Teenagers in the Woods

Mullin's spree continued when he encountered four teenagers camping in Henry Cowell State Park. Agitated by their perceived irresponsibility—leaving trash around—which he equated to polluting the planet, Mullin approached them under the false pretense of being a park ranger. The confrontation turned lethal as he systematically shot each teenager, leaving their bodies in the tent amidst scattered feathers and debris.

[34:12] Ash: "Oh, my God."

[34:13] Elena: "They all crumpled to the ground in a literal pile of bloody bodies."

Fred Perez

The final known victim was Fred Perez, a 72-year-old retired prizefighter and businessman. On February 10, 1972, while Perez was peacefully standing on the sidewalk, Mullin shot him directly in the heart with a .22 caliber revolver. This murder occurred in Perez's own neighborhood, highlighting Mullin's capacity for randomness and disregard for human life.

[36:35] Elena: "He hit Fred Perez directly in the heart with a shot and killed him instantly."

[37:41] Ash: "But this is totally about sacrifice."

Investigation and Patterns

Following the murders, law enforcement began to notice patterns linking the victims. The sparse evidence at the scenes suggested a meticulous yet frenzied approach by Mullin. Notably, the presence of shell casings and the use of similar firearms across multiple murder sites indicated a serial pattern. Despite the randomness of some killings, the connections to previous victims like the Gianeras and the Francises pointed toward a common perpetrator.

[24:24] Ash: "That's literally exactly what it is, sir."

[24:29] Elena: "So since the murders of the Ota family two years earlier...and the recent disappearances of local college girls, investigators began to piece together the pattern."

Arrest and Evidence Linking

Mullin's arrest on February 13, 1972, stemmed from the eyewitness account of Fred Perez's murder. Neighbors witnessed Mullin's suspicious vehicle and his actions during the shooting, leading to his swift apprehension. Further forensic evidence, including fingerprint matches and ballistic analyses, tied Mullin to nine murder victims, solidifying his status as the primary suspect in the spate of killings.

[38:40] Ash: "We got neighborhood watch going on."

[39:09] Ash: "Yeah."
[39:10] Elena: "In the days that followed, that pistol would be a match for the slugs found in nine murder victims."

Trial and Defense

During the trial, Mullin entered a plea of innocent by reason of insanity. His defense hinged on his mental state, arguing that his actions were the result of uncontrollable delusions and voices he believed compelled him to act. Dr. Charles Morris, Mullin's psychiatrist, contended that while Mullin was mentally ill, he was not legally insane and understood the wrongfulness of his actions.

Mullin took the stand to testify, presenting a contradictory narrative. He claimed moral reservations about killing and recounted seeking strength from a church to desist, despite his continued violent behavior. His testimony was marked by inconsistency and attempts to align his actions with perceived higher purposes, undermining the insanity defense.

[46:43] Ash: "Told reporters that Herbert Mullin was extremely bright and very popular in high school."

[47:10] Elena: "When asked if he had anything to say, he said, in accordance with the fifth Amendment, I will make no statement."

Verdict and Aftermath

On August 19th, after brief jury deliberation, Mullin was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and eight counts of second-degree murder. The jury dismissed the insanity plea, concluding that Mullin was aware of the moral and legal implications of his actions. This decision was met with outrage from the jury foreman, Ken Springer, who blamed systemic failures in mental health care for the loss of 13 lives.

Mullin was sentenced to life in prison at Mule Creek State Prison. Despite multiple attempts to attain parole, he remained incarcerated until his death from natural causes in 2022 at the age of 75.

[50:25] Ash: "Yeah. Like, he literally walked around a couple of scenes and picked up shell casings."

[51:54] Ash: "That's the thing. Like, the defense attorney there wants to point to the jury as having it be their fault. It's like, no, it's actually a system failure. Like, it is most of the time."

Conclusions and Reflections

Herbert Mullin's case underscores the tragic intersection of mental illness and societal failures. Despite his intelligence and initial maneuvering to appear rehabilitated, Mullin's inability to receive consistent mental health treatment culminated in a devastating murder spree. The episode highlights the importance of effective mental health interventions and systemic support to prevent such tragedies.

[52:22] Elena: "He wrote in the letter...Herbert Mullen could and did respond favorably to treatment of his mental illness."

[54:06] Elena: "But putting out a personal ad, like really, we're trying to do that. Like, come on."

Notable Quotes

• Elena: "So he was convinced that this was okay." ([33:34])
• Ash: "You never have to take responsibility for your actions." ([32:39])
• Elena: "The jury appears to have recognized that he definitely struggled with mental illness." ([50:25])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Morbid paints a comprehensive portrait of Herbert Mullin, exploring the depths of his disturbed psyche and the catastrophic impacts of inadequate mental health support. Ash and Elena provide a nuanced analysis, interweaving factual recounting with critical reflections on the broader implications of Mullin's actions.

Stay tuned for more gripping true crime stories on Morbid. Remember to join Wondery Plus for early access and ad-free episodes.