Rotten Mango Podcast Episode #409: "I Received A Message From A Serial Killer’s Wife Asking For Help…"

Introduction

In episode #409 of Rotten Mango, hosts Stephanie Soo and Ramble delve into a harrowing tale that intertwines true crime, personal anguish, and the dark complexities of human relationships. Skipping over advertisements and non-content segments, the episode primarily focuses on three chilling case studies: a Reddit user's unsettling discovery about his girlfriend, the infamous Green River Killer's unsuspecting wife, and the latest serial killer terrorizing Cairo, known as the Butcher of Egypt.

1. The Reddit Revelation: Discovering a Serial Killer’s Dark Correspondence

Timestamp: [01:34] - [06:51]

The episode opens with a gripping narrative from a 29-year-old man who shared his distressing experience on the Reddit subreddit Relationship Advice. He recounts finding envelopes addressed to his 28-year-old girlfriend, J, originating from a prison in another state. Upon closer inspection, he realizes these letters are from Chris Watts, the convicted murderer who brutally killed his pregnant wife and two young daughters in 2018.

Notable Quote:

"Knowing what he did and finding out that my girlfriend, who I adore and love so deeply, actually talks to him in this way is really fucking with my head."
[02:45]

The man describes his emotional turmoil upon discovering that J had been exchanging affectionate letters with Watts, despite her previously transparent and honest nature. This revelation leads to a flood of reactions from online commenters, many expressing concern over the girlfriend's judgment and the man's distress over potentially being "emotionally cheated" by associating with a notorious killer.

Notable Discussion: The hosts explore the unsettling idea that someone might seek a connection with a serial killer, debating whether it's a desire for understanding extreme human behavior or simply a search for adrenaline. They ponder the implications of such relationships and the red flags that might precede such dark associations.

2. Judith and Gary: The Green River Killer's Unwitting Wife

Timestamp: [06:51] - [12:05]

Transitioning from online relationships to marital affairs intertwined with crime, the podcast examines the case of Gary Ridgway, infamously known as the Green River Killer, and his wife, Judith. For 13 years, Judith believed she was married to a gentle, old-school gentleman. It wasn’t until a swarm of Seattle police officers arrived at her doorstep that the horrifying truth was unveiled: Gary was responsible for up to 71 murders.

Notable Quote:

"She had the perfect life, and he was the perfect serial killer."
[09:55]

The hosts discuss Judith’s realization of her husband's gruesome actions, highlighting the psychological manipulation and compartmentalization often employed by serial killers to maintain a facade of normalcy. They also touch upon societal perceptions, noting how communities react with disbelief and sometimes aggressively accuse victims’ spouses of being complicit or aware of the crimes.

Notable Insight:

"So how do you know who you're dating? It's a question that resonates deeply in cases where the closest people to you harbor the darkest secrets."
[11:39]

3. The Butcher of Egypt: Karim Saleem’s Reign of Terror

Timestamp: [12:05] - [47:19]

The episode’s centerpiece is the harrowing account of Karim Saleem, dubbed the Butcher of Egypt. Karim, an English teacher and TikTok personality with 660,000 followers, was arrested in 2024 for the gruesome murders of at least six women. His crimes involved drugging, torturing, strangling, and engaging in necrophilia with his victims, often keeping parts of their bodies as macabre souvenirs.

Notable Description:

"He forces the woman to strip while he takes pictures. All whilst, you know, threatening to take their lives if they don't comply."
[19:45]

The hosts detail Karim’s methodical approach to luring victims, often using his role as an educator and his online presence to gain trust. His arrest revealed chilling evidence, including videos of his tortures, linking him directly to the murders.

Notable Quote:

"She thought the police have the wrong guy until he confesses. That's when things slowly start clicking for her."
[09:55]

Karim’s wife, Lubna, emerges as a tragic figure in this narrative. Having fled an abusive relationship characterized by Karim’s jealousy and violence, Lubna is now desperately seeking her missing son, Zayn, who remains with Karim’s family amidst Karim’s incarceration. Despite having full legal custody, Lubna faces immense challenges in reclaiming her son due to Karim’s manipulative claims and threats.

Notable Emotional Appeal:

"I’m never going to stop looking for you until the day that I die. Until my very last breath."
[43:55]

The hosts delve into Lubna’s plight, highlighting her struggles against Karim’s continued threats and the difficulty of navigating international custody amidst public fear and legal obstacles. They emphasize the broader implications of such cases, where the victims' families are left to grapple with the aftermath of unimaginable crimes.

Notable Reflection:

"What do you do if you wake up and your husband is a serial killer, your wife is a serial killer?"
[06:54]

Conclusion and Reflections

Rotten Mango Episode #409 serves as a profound exploration of the intersections between personal relationships and extreme criminal behavior. Through the stories of the Reddit user, Judith Ridgway, and Karim Saleem, Stephanie Soo and Ramble underscore the multifaceted impacts of serial crimes—not just on victims, but on their families and loved ones who are often left in limbo.

The episode concludes with a poignant message of empathy towards those caught in the shadows of their partners' atrocities and a call to listeners to remain vigilant and supportive in the face of such dark revelations.

Final Notable Quote:

"Please stay safe everyone and I will see you in the next one."
[47:05]

Key Takeaways

• Hidden Agendas: Serial killers often maintain a facade of normalcy, making it challenging for loved ones to discern their true nature until devastating truths emerge.

• Impact on Families: The families of both victims and perpetrators suffer profound psychological and emotional trauma, often grappling with betrayal, confusion, and the struggle for justice or closure.

• The Role of Social Media: Karim Saleem’s case illustrates how digital personas can mask sinister realities, complicating investigations and public perceptions.

Rotten Mango successfully brings to light these intricate and disturbing dynamics, offering listeners an unflinching look into the darkest corners of human behavior.

Supporting Organizations and Further Information

The episode also acknowledges the support of organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and GoFundMe initiatives aiding individuals like Lubna in their quest for justice and reclamation of their lives.

For more detailed show notes and additional resources, listeners are encouraged to visit Rotten Mango Podcast.