My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark Episode: Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 23: Making A Twenty Thirderer Release Date: December 11, 2024

Introduction to Rewind and Episode 23

In this special episode of My Favorite Murder (MFM), hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark delve into a retrospective look at Episode 23 from June 29, 2016. This episode, titled "Making A Twenty Thirderer," marks a significant moment in MFM lore, introducing beloved phrases and characters that have since become staples of the show.

Notable Quote:

• Georgia Hardstark [02:31]: "Yes, this is our Wednesday episode where we recap an old episode of My Favorite Murder. We give you case updates if we have any, apologies if they're necessary, and probably throw in a couple tangents."

Introducing the Chessboard Killer: Alexander Pichushkin

The focal point of Episode 23 is the chilling story of Alexander Pichushkin, known as the Chessboard Killer. Pichushkin, a Russian serial killer, meticulously planned his murders, aiming to kill one person for each square on a chessboard, totaling 64 victims. His monikers also include the Bitsa Park Maniac, referencing the area in southwest Moscow where many of his crimes took place.

Notable Quotes:

• Elvis [30:02]: "Yeah, the Chessboard Killer. He's called that because he was methodically hunting people and sought to kill one person for every space on the chessboard."
• Karen Kilgariff [30:35]: "Moving on."

Survivor Story: Maria Veracheva

A harrowing survivor story featured in this episode revolves around Maria Veracheva, a 19-year-old who was three months pregnant at the time of her attack. In February 2002, Maria found herself confronted by Pichushkin near a metro station after a heated argument with her boyfriend. Under the guise of showing her contraband cameras stored in a car, Pichushkin forcibly shoved Maria into a well.

Struggling to survive in the frigid, sewage-filled depths, Maria ingeniously removed her heavy clothing to prevent herself from being swept away by the rushing water. After a terrifying fall of approximately 30 feet, she narrowly avoided drowning by securing herself within the sewage pipe. Hours later, Maria discovered an iron ladder, allowing her to climb out. Her resilience and quick thinking saved her life, though she was forced to give up her child for adoption after recovering from her ordeal.

Notable Quotes:

• Elvis [41:06]: "She said, 'I realized that he would kill me like this, so I let go.' It's like, which side is better, up or down?"
• Sarah Brady [51:12]: "He did not need to search for anyone or prove anything. If only he had worked out properly, then the killer would have been detained."

Police Mishandling and Subsequent Murders

The investigation into Pichushkin's crimes was marred by significant police incompetence. The officer who first responded to Maria's report, Senior Investigator Andrey Supernenko, failed to pursue the case diligently. Believing he didn't need to search for anyone or prove anything, Supernenko neglected his duties, leading to the continuation of Pichushkin's murderous spree.

By the time Pichushkin was apprehended in June 2006, he had committed 49 murders with three additional attempted murders. He expressed a desire to be convicted for 60 murders, reflecting his twisted obsession with completing his "chessboard."

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Brady [51:11]: "He did not need to search for anyone or prove anything. If only he had worked out properly, then the killer would have been detained."
• Elvis [48:12]: "And he was arrested June 2006, convicted of 49 murders and three attempted murders. And it seems like he asked to be convicted for 60 murders."

Updates and Community Engagement

Since the original airing, MFM has provided updates on the case and the survivors. Maria Veracheva testified against Pichushkin, contributing to his conviction. As of 2017, Pichushkin has been serving his life sentence in a Russian correctional facility known as the Polar Owl, located beyond the Arctic Circle.

The episode also highlights community interactions, including listener mail and merchandise. A notable mention is Caroline Abernathy, a listener who sent the hosts custom merch featuring the show's catchphrase, "Stay Sexy, Don't Get Murdered."

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Hardstark [52:52]: "And we get our first listener mail, like, a package, because a listener named Carolyn Abernathy, who has an Etsy shop called Anime Gravy, of course, sent us that classic Elvis riding an owl image with 'Stay Sexy, Don't Get Murdered' on it."
• Elvis [15:32]: "Dear Karen and Georgia, I'm so happy that you like my drawing. Thanks for always making me laugh..."

The Term "Murderino" and Listener Contributions

A significant cultural touchstone introduced in Episode 23 is the term "Murderino," coined within the MFM community to describe fans who are obsessed with murder. This term has since been embraced by listeners, some even sporting it as tattoos.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Brady [79:35]: "So we had gotten that from a Facebook. Someone in the Facebook group coined the phrase murderino for somehow. And it just kind of stuck a little bit."
• Georgia Hardstark [79:46]: "It's so good. Maybe Kevin."

Additional Survivor Stories and Reflections

Beyond Pichushkin's case, the episode touches upon other survivor stories and personal anecdotes, enriching the narrative with diverse experiences of survival and resilience. For instance, Paula recounts a near-miss tragedy from 1990 involving a school bombing that was averted thanks to the heroic actions of a teacher.

Notable Quotes:

• Paula [73:54]: "While all of us were at church that morning, the school science teacher was turning the school into one giant bomb..."
• Karen Kilgariff [75:25]: "That was good. That was another survivor story."

Conclusion and Community Outreach

As the episode wraps up, Karen and Georgia encourage listeners to share their own stories and engage with the community through various channels, including email and social media. They also promote limited-edition merchandise, reinforcing the strong bond within the MFM community.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Brady [80:37]: "This Rewind merch pre order will close at midnight on Tuesday, December 17th. And you can go to exactlyrightstore.com and pre order that limited edition zip hoodie or t-shirt."
• Elvis [80:58]: "Stay sexy and don't get murdered."

Key Takeaways

• Deep Dive into Serial Killer Pichushkin: The episode provides an in-depth look at the Chessboard Killer, highlighting his methods, motivations, and the catastrophic impact of police negligence.

• Survivor Resilience: Maria Veracheva's story stands out as a testament to human resilience and quick thinking in the face of extreme danger.

• Community Building: The introduction and adoption of terms like "Murderino" exemplify the strong, engaged community that MFM fosters among its listeners.

• Ongoing Engagement: Through listener mail, merchandise, and shared stories, MFM continues to build a supportive and interactive environment for true crime enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 23: Making A Twenty Thirderer serves as a powerful reminder of the dark depths of human behavior and the importance of vigilance and competence in law enforcement. By revisiting past episodes and providing updates, MFM not only keeps its content relevant but also honors the stories of those who have survived unimaginable horrors.

Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered!