Very Scary People Season 2, Episode 2: Call 911 Release Date: October 23, 2023 Host: Donnie Wahlberg

Introduction

In Season 2 of Very Scary People, host Donnie Wahlberg delves deeper into the harrowing story of Christine Belford’s intense custody battle, highlighting the sinister actions of Paul Bernardo and his family. Episode 2, titled "Call 911", explores the tragic events surrounding Tammy Homolka’s sudden death and the subsequent unraveling of the seemingly perfect couple behind the Ken and Barbie Killers moniker.

Background of the Ken and Barbie Killers

The episode begins by revisiting the horrifying crimes of Paul Bernardo and Carla Homolka, a couple from Toronto who appeared to embody the ideal suburban family. Their story is one of deceit, obsession, and brutality, challenging the perception of outward appearances.

Donnie Wahlberg [05:10]: "If you just saw Paul Bernardo in the late 80s or met Paul Bernardo, you would just think he was a fairly handsome young man. Blond hair, blue eyes, looked pretty average. Not someone who would be stalking women, attacking women, brutally assaulting them."

Carla Homolka’s Background and Relationship with Paul Bernardo

Carla Homolka, raised with dreams of a fairy-tale wedding, met Paul Bernardo in 1987 under seemingly ordinary circumstances. Their relationship quickly intensified, leading to their engagement just two years later.

Donnie Wahlberg [07:50]: "When Carla met Paul Bernardo, she thought her fairytale was finally coming true."

Their relationship was characterized by frequent commutes, intense affection, and a shared desire for a conventional family life. The couple’s integration into the Homolka family was seamless, further masking their dark intentions.

The Tragic Night: Tammy Homolka’s Death

The pivotal moment of the episode centers around the Christmas Eve party hosted by the Homolka family. Amidst the festivities, Carla’s younger sister, Tammy, indulges in alcohol and subsequently passes out. Tragically, Tammy never wakes up.

Marc Maron [16:49]: "Tammy has a lot to drink and it's not straight booze, it's mixed drinks and things."

Paramedics arrived too late to save Tammy, who died the next day in the hospital. The initial response from Paul and Carla appeared emotionally overwhelming, but certain behaviors raised suspicions.

Kathy Kanzura [20:04]: "What was suspicious was she had like, burn marks all around her mouth. I know I'm talking to one of the officers and he said that just, it just bothered him."

Despite evidence suggesting foul play, the police initially ruled Tammy’s death as accidental, dismissing it as the result of excessive alcohol consumption.

Aftermath and Wedding Plans

In the wake of Tammy’s death, instead of mourning, Carla and Paul shifted their focus back to their wedding plans. This decision caused friction within the Homolka family, especially as they were still grieving Tammy’s loss.

Donnie Wahlberg [23:18]: "Carla had wrote to a friend that was basically complaining that some of the money that was being put aside for her wedding was no longer there because it was used for the funeral."

The couple’s insistence on proceeding with an extravagant wedding, despite the tragedy, highlighted their disturbing detachment from genuine grief and raised further questions about their true nature.

Public Perception and Growing Suspicion

As Carla and Paul moved forward with their lives, maintaining the facade of a perfect couple became increasingly difficult. Observers and family members began to notice inconsistencies and odd behaviors, hinting at a darker reality beneath the surface.

Megan Sachs [27:34]: "You could tell that she had issues, but her friends at the time just didn't quite see it. Although they knew something was wrong, but they just couldn't put their finger on, you know, what exactly it was."

Criminology experts and friends recognized the importance the couple placed on maintaining their image, further obscuring the truth of their heinous actions.

Conclusion

Episode 2 of Very Scary People meticulously unpacks the complexities of Paul Bernardo and Carla Homolka’s relationship, the mysterious circumstances surrounding Tammy Homolka’s death, and the chilling realization that evil can often lurk behind the most benign exteriors. Through exclusive interviews and compelling narrative, Donnie Wahlberg paints a vivid picture of how the facade of perfection can mask unspeakable horrors.

Notable Quotes

• Donnie Wahlberg [05:10]: "If you just saw Paul Bernardo in the late 80s or met Paul Bernardo, you would just think he was a fairly handsome young man. Blond hair, blue eyes, looked pretty average. Not someone who would be stalking women, attacking women, brutally assaulting them."

• Donnie Wahlberg [07:50]: "When Carla met Paul Bernardo, she thought her fairytale was finally coming true."

• Marc Maron [16:49]: "Tammy has a lot to drink and it's not straight booze, it's mixed drinks and things."

• Kathy Kanzura [20:04]: "What was suspicious was she had like, burn marks all around her mouth. I know I'm talking to one of the officers and he said that just, it just bothered him."

• Donnie Wahlberg [23:18]: "Carla had wrote to a friend that was basically complaining that some of the money that was being put aside for her wedding was no longer there because it was used for the funeral."

• Megan Sachs [27:34]: "You could tell that she had issues, but her friends at the time just didn't quite see it. Although they knew something was wrong, but they just couldn't put their finger on, you know, what exactly it was."

Very Scary People continues to unravel the dark and twisted journey of a family’s obsession, providing listeners with an in-depth and chilling exploration of true crime that goes far beyond the headlines.