Podcast Summary: "I Called the Police on My Serial Killer Dad"
Podcast Information:
- Title: What It Was Like
- Host: Julian Morgan (Superreal)
- Episode: "I Called the Police on My Serial Killer Dad"
- Release Date: August 1, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of What It Was Like, host Julian Morgan engages in a heart-wrenching and powerful conversation with April Belascu, the author of Raised by a Serial Killer. April shares her harrowing experiences growing up with a violent father who was later revealed to be a serial killer. This episode delves deep into themes of memory, identity, trauma, and the pursuit of justice.
April Belascu’s Early Life and Abusive Father
April begins by detailing her father's troubled upbringing and early life. Born out of wedlock, he faced significant trauma from a young age, including the suicide of his mother and abuse during his time in an orphanage. These early experiences contributed to his unruly and violent behavior.
Notable Quote:
"He was a very strong-willed child, got into mischief, very unruly." [05:52]
April recounts how her father, despite his violent tendencies, was initially a charismatic and fun presence in the family. However, the abuse towards her mother and siblings was severe and pervasive.
Notable Quote:
"I just don't have an answer for that... I love my dad, I love my mom." [09:22]
Frequent Moves and Family Instability
The family relocated frequently—every six months to a year—under the pretense of escaping dangerous people. Each move brought April to a new school and new communities, where she began noticing a pattern of missing or murdered couples and young people.
Notable Quote:
"Everyplace that we lived, there seemed to be couples or kids missing." [17:37]
Despite the instability, April chose to focus on the positive memories, masking the underlying fear and violence.
Realization and Investigation
In 1996, after the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Danny Boy, a young man living with her parents, April became convinced that her father was responsible. However, without concrete evidence, she struggled to prove her suspicions.
Notable Quote:
"It was more like, it makes sense... but I just don't know how to go about proving it." [21:03]
In 2009, motivated by fears for her own children and unresolved questions from her past, April began investigating cold cases related to areas her family had lived in. Her persistence led her to uncover the "Sweetheart Murders" in Watertown, Wisconsin, directly linking her father to these crimes.
Reaching Out to Law Enforcement
April's breakthrough came when she discovered that the authorities were reopening the Sweetheart Murders case due to advancements in DNA evidence. She contacted Detective Garcia, providing detailed and accurate information that corroborated her father's involvement in multiple murders.
Notable Quote:
"I have to live with my conscience. And I believe I did the right thing." [44:07]
Detective Garcia initially doubted her claims but was eventually convinced by the specificity and accuracy of her recollections.
Family Reactions and Aftermath
April's decision to report her father caused significant strain within her family. While some siblings understood and supported her, others, particularly her youngest brother, struggled to accept the truth about their father.
Notable Quote:
"I can only speculate... I have to live with my conscience." [24:46]
Despite the backlash, April remained resolute, believing she made the right choice to prevent further atrocities.
Father’s Final Days and Legacy
April's father was eventually charged with five murders. Before his execution, he died of natural causes, which brought a sense of relief to April, as it spared her family from the ordeal of his trial and execution.
Notable Quote:
"I was relieved because I was not looking forward to the media covering his execution." [50:05]
April reflects on her father's contradictory nature—his charisma and kindness contrasted sharply with his capacity for extreme violence and manipulation.
Personal Healing and Advocacy
April emphasizes the importance of counseling and self-belief in overcoming trauma. Her journey of healing involved writing her book and engaging with media to shed light on her story, while also advocating for others facing similar circumstances.
Notable Quote:
"Talking about it, having a good counselor, is so important." [69:41]
She advocates for breaking the silence around familial abuse and encourages others to seek help and speak their truth.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Julian commending April for her bravery and resilience. April's story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity and the importance of pursuing justice, even when it means confronting deep-seated family trauma.
Notable Quote:
"You’re talking to me. You’re talking to my experience." [72:13]
April leaves listeners with a message of hope and the necessity of believing in oneself to overcome past horrors.
Key Takeaways:
- Complexity of Human Behavior: April's father embodied a mix of charm and brutality, illustrating the intricate nature of human psychology.
- Impact of Trauma: Early childhood trauma can have profound and lasting effects on behavior and relationships.
- Courage to Confront: April's decision to report her father showcases immense personal courage and a commitment to justice.
- Healing Through Advocacy: Sharing her story has been instrumental in April's healing process and serves as inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
Additional Resources: