Morbid Podcast

Episode: Richard Speck: The Student Nurse Murders (Part 2)

Hosts: Ash Kelley & Alaina Urquhart
Date: November 10, 2025

Overview

In this intense continuation of one of Chicago’s most notorious true crime cases, Ash and Alaina walk listeners through the aftermath of the Richard Speck student nurse murders, detailing the relentless police investigation, Speck’s eventual capture, the dramatic trial, and the unfathomable lack of motive behind his crimes. The episode is anchored by the hosts' trademark blend of deeply researched true crime storytelling and darkly comedic rapport, but remains profoundly respectful to the senseless tragedy and the bravery of the victims, especially the lone survivor, Cora Amurao.

Key Discussion Points & Timeline

1. Picking Up from Part 1: Recap & Context

[05:01-07:13]

• The hosts revisit the brutality of Speck’s crimes, emphasizing the youth and promise of his victims and reflecting on the cruelty of their deaths.
• Notable quote:
  • “...some of them had escaped very dangerous situations in different countries to come here. To be safe. And then they meet this nasty little goblin, Richard Speck.” – Alaina [05:31]

2. The Break in the Case: Investigation & Identification

[07:13-15:36]

• The Chicago PD cobbled information together, with help from unorthodox sources like the robbery squad and a union office, tracking Speck through discarded paperwork.
• Innovative police work and a bit of luck connected Speck to the crime, finally matching fingerprints despite bureaucratic obstacles (e.g., airline strike delaying the prints).
• Almost comical near-misses: Speck slips through police hands at a hotel due to lack of information coordination.
• Speck is ultimately identified through his distinctive “Born to Raise Hell” tattoo, leading to his capture after a suicide attempt.
• Notable quote:
  • “Dr. Smith called for hospital security, who kept an eye on Speck until homicide detectives were able to get to the hospital. And they placed him under arrest for murder.” – Ash [15:27]
• Timestamps:
  • [11:30] Speck evades police due to a failed trap
  • [15:13] Dr. Smith recognizes Speck in the hospital

3. The Relief of Capture & Positive Identification

[16:01-17:32]

• The city breathes easier, but especially survivor Cora Amurao, who positively IDs Speck in a powerful and brave moment.
• Notable quote:
  • “Cora was brought to the hospital where she viewed Speck through a two way mirror and she confirmed that he was the killer. Telling detectives, ‘this is the man.’ What a brave fucking girl. What a badass. Truly.” – Alaina & Ash [16:26]
• Investigation is meticulous to avoid technicalities that could get Speck released.

4. The Legal Proceedings: Building an Airtight Case

[17:32-21:24]

• Caution is paramount due to recent Miranda v. Arizona ruling; Prosecutors are wary of any missteps.
• Evidence includes Cora’s testimony, fingerprint evidence, and a knife Speck sold after the murders for only a dollar.
• Indictment on eight counts of first-degree murder [18:33], lengthy psychiatric evaluation while in custody.

5. Psychological Analyses & Question of Insanity

[24:21-31:07]

• Speck undergoes sessions with Dr. Marvin Zaporin, who later writes a book about the case, sparking debate about criminal confidentiality.
• The hosts discuss the background of Speck’s abusive childhood and alleged head injury, questioning if these excuses are credible or convenient.
• Notable Exchange:
  • “He broke it up, okay. Cracked my head with his club till he knocked me out clean. So since then, Richard claimed he had been experiencing headaches, migraines... and he said he often blacked out and would awaken hours later with no memory.”
  • Ash: “So, yeah, here's the thing. Did that happen? Or did he look at the social climate and say, hey, I've been affected by big old policeman, too? ...It's a little too convenient.”
    – [27:22-28:02]

6. The Trial: Testimonies, Defense, and Cora’s Heroism

[31:07-41:00]

• The prosecution lays out a devastatingly clear case; the defense wavers between insanity and complete denial (“my man didn’t do it” defense).
• Cora’s in-person identification of Speck in court is described as one of the most unforgettable moments of the trial.
• Notable Moments:
  • “Cora rose from the witness stand, walked over to the defense's table... pointed directly in Speck’s face... loud enough for the whole court to hear, ‘This is the man.’" – Alaina [38:06]
  • Hosts repeatedly comment on the sheer courage required for Cora to testify and face her attacker.
• The jury deliberates just 45 minutes before convicting Speck on all counts; he’s sentenced to death (later commuted to life when the death penalty is abolished).

7. The Unanswered “Why”: Searching for Motive

[47:30-52:38]

• The hosts reflect on the public’s hunger for motive, noting that mass murder “for no reason” shook Americans’ sense of safety and marked "the end of an age of innocence."
• “People just couldn't understand murder simply for the sake of murder.” – Ash [48:51]
• Speck never expresses remorse and provides no satisfactory rationale.

8. Chilling Postscript – The Prison Tape

[53:04-62:53]

• In 1996, post-mortem, a prison tape surfaces: Speck is seen in a deeply disturbing setting, admitting the murders casually (“It just wasn't their night”), displaying zero remorse, and describing in detail his methods.
• Quote:
  • “He says, ‘sure, I did.’ And when he's asked why he did it, which is the question... He does not hesitate even a little. And he says, ‘it just wasn't their night.’” – Alaina [57:16]
• The tape is a stark demonstration that Speck was neither insane nor remorseful – he simply did not care.

9. The Legacy: Trauma, Survival, and Humanity

[62:53-End]

• The episode closes on the notion that some people lack the core human capacities for empathy or remorse, and that Cora’s courage ensured at least some justice was done.
• Notable quote:
  • “Only thanks to the bravery of Korra Amurao that Speck was held accountable at all... she’s the hero here.” – Alaina [61:01]
• The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on survival, resilience, and the importance of confronting the darkest corners of humanity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He’s a sad, pathetic person. Also evil and dastardly and irredeemable.” – Ash [03:41]
• “That man broke into her house... and she walks up to the table, nearly touch the tip of that little nose and go, ‘that's the man.’” – Alaina [39:53]
• “This was one of the gnarliest, but also at the same time, most fascinating cases I think you've ever told.” – Ash [63:01]
• “I need to go cut off the top of my head, take out my brain and wash it... and then I'll see you later.” – Ash, with dark humor, after the bleak ending [64:01]

Tone & Style

Ash and Alaina deliver the episode with sensitivity, outrage, and the occasional irreverent joke to break the tension, always deferring to the bravery of the victims and the gravity of the story. Their banter keeps the episode engaging even as the content remains deeply disturbing.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |----------------------------------|----------------| | Recap / Case Background | 05:01–07:13 | | Investigation & Identification | 07:13–15:36 | | Speck’s Capture & Cora’s ID | 15:36–17:32 | | Legal Proceedings | 17:32–21:24 | | Psychological Analysis | 24:21–31:07 | | The Trial & Cora’s Testimony | 31:07–41:00 | | Search for Motive | 47:30–52:38 | | The Prison Tape & Aftermath | 53:04–62:53 | | Reflections & Farewell | 62:53–End |

Summary

This episode is a masterclass in true crime podcasting: thoroughly researched, emotionally deep, and expertly paced. The horror of Richard Speck’s crimes is balanced by the shining resilience of survivor Cora Amurao, whose testimony and bravery are credited throughout. The chilling postscript of the prison tape underscores the senselessness at the heart of the violence, leaving listeners shaken but illuminated.

Essential Takeaway:
If you listen to one thing: it’s the power and dignity of the survivor, Cora, who against all odds brought a monster to justice – and the terrifying truth that sometimes, the only explanation is the absence of humanity itself.