Murder, Mystery & Makeup

Episode: When a Superfan Goes Too Far for His "Art" - The Wannabe Dexter Killer
Host: Bailey Sarian
Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Murder, Mystery & Makeup, Bailey Sarian delves into the chilling case of Mark Twitchell, infamously known as the "Dexter Killer." Blending her passion for true crime with her love for makeup artistry, Bailey guides listeners through Twitchell's descent from a film enthusiast to a convicted murderer, highlighting the dark intersections between obsession and reality.

Mark Twitchell: A Passionate Beginnings

Mark Twitchell was born on July 4, 1979, in Edmonton, Canada. From a young age, Mark exhibited a profound obsession with movies, fueling his dream of making it big in the cinematic world. He pursued this passion at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, participating in the school's radio and television arts program.

After graduating, Mark married Megan in 2001, relocating to Illinois. However, the marriage dissolved after three years, leading Mark back to Canada. Seeking companionship, he joined a dating website, Plenty of Fish, where he met Jess in 2005. By 2007, Mark had channeled his cinematic interests into creating his own projects, including a Star Wars fan film titled Secrets of the Rebellion. His dedication to prop and costume design earned him accolades, winning costume contests such as the Bears Hole Halloween Howler and Sonic's Monster Mash Halloween Bash in 2007.

The Descent into Darkness

Despite his creative endeavors, Mark's personal life began to unravel. By fall 2008, his marriage to Jess was deteriorating. Jess discovered that Mark had been lying about his employment, pretending to work as a salesman for a security company without actually holding a job. She recounted, “On the days where he was committing his crimes, there was a note on the family kitchen calendar that said Mark was at his psychiatrist appointment” (24:15).

Mark's dark inclinations became apparent when he began crafting a short crime film, House of Cards, portraying a killer who lured victims through online dating platforms. This project eerily mirrored his future actions.

The First Attack: Gilles

On October 3, 2008, Mark targeted Gilles Altinger, a computer contractor seeking love on Plenty of Fish. Gilles met Sheena (Mark's alias) following unconventional directions that led him to a secluded garage. Upon arrival, Mark, dressed in a hockey mask, attacked Gilles with a stun baton and a gun. In a harrowing account, Gilles described, “I grabbed his jaw with my gloved hand and moved it while making a funny voice to make it look like it was talking, and chuckled to myself at the total silliness of it all” (42:30).

Despite surviving the attack, Gilles chose not to report the incident immediately due to embarrassment, a decision that would haunt him until he eventually came forward.

The Murder of Johnny Altinger

Three days after the initial attack, on October 10, 2008, Mark escalated his violence by murdering Johnny Altinger, Gilles' brother. Using a similar ruse on Plenty of Fish, Mark lured Johnny to the same garage, where he attacked him with a lead pipe and stabbed him to death. In a macabre reflection of his film House of Cards, Mark attempted to dismember Johnny's body and dispose of the remains in storm sewers.

Investigation and Capture

As days passed without contact from Johnny, his friends and family grew concerned. On October 13, 2008, inconsistencies arose when Johnny's email announced a spontaneous trip to Costa Rica, and his boss received an unreturned resignation letter. Suspicions led Johnny’s acquaintances to break into his condo, finding no signs of departure.

Armed with the location details Mark had shared for Johnny's date, police conducted a search of the garage, uncovering blood spatter inconsistent with Mark's claims of fake movie blood. A luminol test confirmed the presence of real human blood. Consequently, on October 31, 2008, Mark Twitchell was arrested and charged with first-degree murder (68:50).

Trial and Conviction

During the trial, Mark admitted to Johnny's murder, maintaining it was an act of self-defense. He also confessed to writing a document titled "SK Confessions," outlining his progression into becoming a serial killer. The prosecution emphasized Mark's obsession with the TV show Dexter, portraying him as someone who blurred the lines between fiction and reality to justify his crimes.

Notable Testimonies:

• Gilles Altinger: Described his near-fatal encounter and labeled himself "the One who Got Away" (55:20).
• Renee: A friend who testified about Mark's discussions on lethal methods via Facebook (62:45).

On April 12, 2011, after five hours of deliberation, Mark was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years. His appeal, filed in May 2011, was dismissed in February 2012, solidifying his conviction.

Post-Conviction Developments

While incarcerated, Mark continued his obsession with Dexter, even acquiring a flat-screen TV to watch the series. He attempted to revive his film career by requesting access to his confiscated hard drives, asserting that the unreleased footage was "sheer gold." However, authorities refused, stating, "why would we give anything back to a convicted murderer?" (102:10).

Conclusion

Mark Twitchell's case serves as a stark reminder of how deep-seated obsessions can lead to unimaginable consequences. Bailey Sarian poignantly reflects on the importance of victims like Gilles speaking out, urging listeners to ensure their safety and trust their instincts in potentially dangerous situations. The episode underscores the tragic loss of life and the enduring impact on victims and their families.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vigilance in Relationships: Ensure transparency in personal relationships; be aware of red flags such as deceit about employment.
2. Reporting Assaults: Overcome the stigma of embarrassment to report violent encounters promptly.
3. Public Safety in Dating: When meeting someone new, share your location and remain cautious, especially with online interactions.

Bailey concludes with heartfelt empathy for the victims and emphasizes the necessity of community support in preventing and addressing such violent crimes.

Notable Quotes:

• "Jess would later tell the court that on the days where he was committing his crimes, there was a note on the family kitchen calendar that said Mark was at his psychiatrist appointment." – Bailey Sarian (24:15)

• "After curiously shoving aside my human sensibilities, I dealt with his remains in a disrespectful manner that traumatized me forever." – Excerpt from Mark's "SK Confessions" (86:40)

• "It is what it is, and I am what I am." – Mark Twitchell, in a letter to journalist Steve (95:50)

• "Why would we give anything back to a convicted murderer?" – Edmonton Homicide Unit Staff Sergeant (102:10)

This detailed recounting by Bailey Sarian not only narrates the tragic events surrounding Mark Twitchell but also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked obsession and deceit.