Originally billed as an education center for people with intellectual disabilities, the Fernald School exploited thousands of kids for free labor. The institution was rife with abuse even before it became a testing ground for radiation experiments in the 1940s and ‘50s.
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Jan 7
Sister Aimee's Kidnapping
In 1926, Aimee Semple McPherson vanished into the Pacific Ocean. It made national news; “Sister Aimee” was the founder of the Foursquare Church, with hundreds of thousands of members. After six weeks, Aimee returned, claiming she’d been kidnapped. But Los Angeles officials weren' ... Show More
51m 50s
Mar 2021
“The Kansas City Butcher” Robert Berdella Pt. 1
Inspired by a 1965 horror film called The Collector, Robert Berdella harbored dark fantasies about abuse and control. As a college student, he acted out his sadism on animals, and later, in the early ‘80s, on a teenager named Jerry Howell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ... Show More
39m 34s
May 2023
“The Jersey Shore Thrill Killer” Richard Biegenwald Pt. 1
Before he was even five years old, Richard Biegenwald was diagnosed with schizophrenia. After more than a decade in institutions and reform schools, he finally got the freedom he longed for. But once out in the world, he reverted to old habits and destructive behavior. Learn more ... Show More
34m 24s
Apr 2021
“The Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski Pt. 1
Spotting his genius at a young age, Ted Kaczynski’s parents pushed their son to academic excellence — but Ted never found a true home in the hallowed halls of academia. Instead, by 1969, he was a former math professor with a festering hatred for the modern world. Learn more about ... Show More
44m 51s
May 2019
“Candy Man” - Dean Arnold Corll
In 1962 he took over the family candy shop outside of Houston and was only too happy to give away treats to the children who would come 'round after school. Of course, nobody suspected that the local Candyman, Dean Arnold Corll, was also abducting said children, killing them, and ... Show More
49m 27s