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[The Boston Strangler: Unraveling the Complexity of a Serial Killer]-[Episode 79: The Boston Strangler(s) Part 2]

Morbid · B2 · 2019-07-08

True crime
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📋 Summary

The Boston Strangler: A Deep Dive into Ritual and Deviance

This podcast episode serves as the second installment of a three-part series investigating the infamous Boston Strangler case. The hosts navigate the transition from the initial "elderly victims" profile to the later, more complex cases, while simultaneously providing an educational exploration into the physiology and psychology of strangulation.

The Physiology of Strangulation

To understand the brutality of these crimes, the hosts explain the mechanics behind fatal strangulation. They emphasize that death is caused by "cerebral hypoxia secondary to compression." The hosts detail the vulnerability of the human neck, noting that the "jugular veins" collapse under a mere 4.4 pounds of pressure, while the "carotid arteries" require between 5.5 to 22 pounds. They explain that the "sternocleidomastoid muscle" provides little protection for these vital vessels. Furthermore, they note that the "trachea" and "cricoid cartilage" are critical structures that, when crushed, lead to fatal outcomes. The hosts conclude this scientific segment by stressing how "complex" every system in the human body is, and how the destruction of these systems is "easily fatal."

The Psychology of the Predator

Shifting to the criminal profile, the discussion highlights that homicidal strangulation is frequently associated with "sexual and sadistic murders." The hosts note that in approximately 75% of cases, the victim is female, often because strangulation acts as a means to "stop them from moving" during a sexual assault. They argue that this method is fundamentally about "power and control," allowing the killer to maintain intimate, physical contact with the victim. Referencing the work of Grover Maurice Godwin, the hosts suggest that "ligature strangulation" represents the killer's "explosive rage" and a deeply personal focus on the victim.

Deviations in Victimology and Modus Operandi

As the investigation progresses, the hosts address significant deviations in the case. The murder of 21-year-old Sophie Clark marked a shift from the previous profile of elderly women living alone. Sophie was a young, African-American student, and her death scene included "semen," which was not present in the "perfect crime" scenes of the first seven victims. The hosts discuss the possibility of a "copycat" killer, noting that many people attempted to mimic the strangler by tying "bows" around victims' necks after learning about the ritualized behavior from media reports.

The Prime Suspect: Albert DeSalvo

Throughout the episode, the hosts scrutinize various individuals, including the "Measuring Man," a predator who used a fake modeling agency to gain entry into women’s homes. However, the narrative centers on the emergence of Albert DeSalvo as the primary suspect. Although initially discounted because he was incarcerated during the start of the killings, Detective Phil DiNatale discovered that DeSalvo was actually "paroled in April 1962," just months before the first murder. DiNatale’s investigation revealed that DeSalvo’s employment records showed he was frequently absent on the days of the murders, providing a compelling link that the hosts plan to dissect further in the final part of their series.

Conclusion

This episode paints a harrowing picture of a city living in terror, where "unsuspecting victims" like Sophie Clark and Patricia Bessette were targeted in their own homes. By blending forensic science with a critical analysis of the police investigation, the hosts set the stage for the final part of their series, promising to delve into DeSalvo’s eventual confession and the grim reality of the Boston Strangler's reign.

🎯Key Sentences

1
It's not quick in time, but it's such a like kind of foolproof if you do it right.
2
It's so interesting how fucking involved your body is.
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I love how complex... every system in the human body is and how everything relies on each other to get everything it's like one thing makes me want to be a better person
4
It's just a matter of physiology, basically.
5
You know what I mean? It's all very in someone's face.
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📝Key Phrases

1
kick back and relax
2
take up a lot of your time
3
stay tuned
4
start where we left off
5
chock full of
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📖 Transcript

Hey weirdos, Elena here. If you're looking to kick back and relax with Morbid, Wondery Plus is the way to go. it's like having a cozy seat in our haunted mansion no ads just you and early access to new episodes You can join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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