The Ultimate Mindhunter Compilation: Unveiling the Unsung Serial Killers That Will Leave You Spellbound

Summary

Mindhunter introduces viewers to some of America's most infamous serial killers, allowing for a fascinating yet repulsive exploration of their crimes.

Regrettably, Mindhunter's cancellation implies that the show missed the opportunity to explore various captivating and well-known murderers. Although some serial killers depicted in the show closely mirrored actual cases, there were those like Monte Rissell whose limited information prompted the writers to reconstruct their narratives.

Netflix's streaming service offers a vast selection of true-crime documentaries and docuseries. One standout is the Netflix original Mindhunter, which brings to life the chilling stories of past serial killers, focusing on the formation of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit. Those familiar with the hit show Criminal Minds will recognize these agents, as they are based on the same organization depicted in Mindhunter. The series centers around FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, along with Dr. Wendy Carr, as they conduct interviews with some of America's most infamous serial killers. Their goal is to gain insight into the killers' methods, helping them apprehend similar criminals before more lives are lost.

Mindhunter portrays fictionalized versions of these notorious serial killers, offering a gripping blend of repulsion and fascination. Despite fans' hopes for a third season, director David Fincher announced earlier in 2023 that Mindhunter would not return due to financial concerns. This unexpected end to the series means that many of America's most intriguing and well-known serial murderers were never showcased, leaving some unrealized potential in exploring their stories within this format.

The Most Interesting Serial Killers On Mindhunter

William Pierce Jr.

In Mindhunter season 2, viewers are introduced to William Pierce Jr., whose case stands out due to his unconventional path to becoming a serial killer. While Pierce had already been imprisoned for various offenses such as arson and burglary, it wasn't until he was released on parole that he proceeded to carry out the nine murders he was ultimately convicted for. What makes Pierce's case intriguing in Mindhunter lore is his distinct persona as "Junior" and his relentless pursuit to deceive the highly skilled agents with his feeble yet passionately believed web of falsehoods.

William Henry Hance

The FBI agents in Mindhunter captured an image of Pierce, the serial killer, while he was surrounded by junk food. This photograph is a recreation of an actual photo taken at the Appling County Jail in Georgia. To portray the Mindhunter character accurately, actor Michael Filipowich's face was digitally superimposed over Pierce's head, using the original picture as reference. Thus, the show successfully presented a realistic depiction of the Mindhunter serial killer.

William Henry Hance, another Mindhunter serial killer, fancied himself wiser than the authorities, despite Agents Holden and Barney promptly exposing his subpar intelligence during their interrogation. Hance, formerly a soldier, was convicted of murdering three women but is suspected of having claimed four lives. He targeted victims around his military base and mailed incriminating letters to the police fictitiously representing an organization that threatened to slay women (his victims) as a form of protest against their unsuccessful hunt for another notorious serial killer, the Stocking Strangler.

Paul Bateson

In this particular instance, the interviews conducted with the serial killers featured on Mindhunter were substantiated by Hance's actual account. Throughout the duration leading up to his execution, which occurred two decades later, Hance steadfastly maintained his innocence. Remarkably, the statements he made during his interviews on Mindhunter align perfectly with the details he shared about his life, all the way until his appeal reached the Supreme Court and was ultimately dismissed.

Paul Bateson made an appearance during season 2 of Mindhunter, and despite being solely accused of the murder of an entertainment reporter for Variety, he is widely regarded as a serial killer within the show. This perception stems from the belief that he may have committed several unprosecuted murders in Manhattan, which led to his eventual release on parole for time served before he vanished entirely. Bateson not only had a short cameo in The Exorcist in 1973, but he also served as the inspiration behind director William Friedkin's 1980 film Cruising.

Herbert Mullin

Although Herbert Mullin's case was mentioned by Agent Ford as one of the earliest serial killers, they ultimately decided not to visit him during their study. Mullin went on a violent killing spree in the early 1970s, taking the lives of 13 individuals of different ages. His actions were driven by voices in his head, warning him of an impending catastrophic earthquake that could only be prevented through human sacrifices. Fortunately, he was apprehended shortly after committing his last murder and is currently serving a prison sentence. It is worth noting that Mullin was not among the serial killers interviewed on Mindhunter.

The Boston Strangler

Monte Ralph Rissell

Although mentioned briefly in Mindhunter, Albert DeSalvo, also known as The Boston Strangler, is a captivating figure in the realm of serial killers. The string of strangulation murders that plagued Boston in the early sixties, attributed to DeSalvo, holds an intriguing narrative that surpasses the limited attention it received in the show. Despite DeSalvo's self-proclaimed guilt, doubts linger regarding his actual involvement in these heinous acts. Even his untimely demise in prison, just before being interviewed by his lawyer, further fuels the ongoing fascination surrounding this case. As previously stated, the portrayal of DeSalvo's name and his crimes in Mindhunter closely align with the real-life events.

When it comes to American serial killers, there are numerous notorious individuals whose crimes, or at the very least their names, will be familiar to the public. However, the Netflix series Mindhunter delves into the captivating cases of lesser-known serial killers that have likely eluded the average person's awareness. One such intriguing case is that of Monte Rissell. Within a remarkably short period of less than a year, he brutally ended the lives of five women while also subjecting twelve others to unspeakable acts of violence. What is even more astounding and chilling is that he committed these heinous acts and was convicted before he even reached the age of eighteen.

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.

This is a scenario in which the portrayal of the Mindhunter serial killers may deviate from the actual events. The limited information available on Rissell, apart from a 1997 Washington Post article, results in the majority of his depiction in Mindhunter being a reconstruction by the writers using sources beyond the usual public knowledge.

But Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. deviates from the typical profile of a serial killer. What sets Henley apart is that he didn't possess an innate propensity for murder. Rather, he fortuitously crossed paths with an active serial killer who exploited Henley's presence to recruit additional victims. Eventually, Henley himself became complicit in the killings. While Mindhunter presents a diverse array of murderers across its two seasons, it is uncommon to encounter a serial killer introduced to such heinous acts by another individual.

As depicted in his portrayal in Mindhunter, this particular serial killer was convicted for multiple murders in the infamous "Houston Mass Murders." However, despite being found guilty for a multitude of killings, his interview on Mindhunter revealed that he only took the life of Dean A. Corll, whom he claimed was the true serial killer. He committed this act in order to liberate himself and prevent further harm to other children.

Tex Watson

The existence of individuals like Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. or Charles "Tex" Watson confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: many people are capable of unimaginably brutal and repeated acts of violence. Tex, a member of Charles Manson's infamous "Manson Family," played a horrifyingly prominent role in the notorious Manson murders. Watson committed some of the most heinous killings in American history, driven solely by Charles Manson's commands. This chilling reality, depicted in Mindhunter, is truly unsettling.

When it came to the examination of the Mindhunter serial killers, Tex Watson proved to be the most willing to disclose his thoughts. In the television series, he revealed his discovery of religion while incarcerated and provided a detailed account of how Charles Manson had exploited his devout followers to carry out heinous acts. This portrayal accurately reflects reality, as Tex himself embraced Christianity in 1975 and subsequently obtained ordination as a minister in 1981, all while serving his lifelong prison sentence.

Charles Manson

Within the fictionalized world of Mindhunter, an in-person interview with Charles Manson is the ultimate aspiration for agent Holden Ford and the entire Behavioral Sciences Unit of the FBI. And it's easy to understand why. Although Manson is known for his deceitfulness and the information he imparts to Holden and Tench during their interview appears to be of little value, Manson accomplished something that most would deem unimaginable. He managed to manipulate multiple individuals into carrying out acts of murder on his behalf, without even needing to be present to ensure their compliance. The level of loyalty displayed by those around him was truly astounding.

David Berkowitz

Among all the serial killers featured on Mindhunter, Charles Manson was the most well-known figure. Unlike other serial killers, Manson himself did not commit the murders but instead possessed the ability to manipulate others into carrying out his lethal intentions. This is possibly why the Mindhunter storyline regarding Manson's interview was more condensed, merely highlighting the fact that Manson sought out individuals who were predisposed to become killers, rather than actively creating his own serial killers.

When it comes to violent and gruesome acts, David Berkowitz, famously known as the Son of Sam, is actually a relatively less violent and pathological offender compared to the individuals Holden and Tench interview for their studies. Berkowitz unleashed a shooting spree that instilled fear and paralyzed New York City. However, upon capture, he concocted a ludicrous tale about a possessed dog commanding him to commit the murders. Despite this, he confessed his guilt and opted for a guilty plea rather than pleading insanity. Ultimately, he came clean and admitted that his entire narrative about his mental illness was a complete fabrication.

Jerry Brudos

In regard to Mindhunter's portrayal of serial killers, the show accurately depicted the story of David Berkowitz. In reality, Berkowitz admitted to fabricating his dog story during conversations with John Douglas, who inspired the character of Ford in the show. Furthermore, the legal conflict between Berkowitz and his attorney, as portrayed in Mindhunter, was based on the Son of Sam legislation, which prohibits criminals from profiting from their crimes. However, it should be noted that the show's portrayal of Berkowitz assisting in the investigation of the B.T.K. killer was purely fictional.

Mindhunter truly captures the chilling essence of serial killer Jerry Brudos, who stands out as one of the most abhorrent individuals. The show accurately depicts Brudos' sinister choices and preferences regarding his victims. What makes his crimes even more unsettling is the fact that he was only convicted of a few murders, despite possessing a disturbing collection of photographs featuring numerous unidentified women, none of whom he was ever found guilty of killing.

Richard Speck

In Mindhunter, the Behavioral Science Unit distinguishes between organized and disorganized killers. Richard Speck, a mass murderer, serves as an example of a disorganized and impulsive killer. Unlike most serial killers who accumulate victims over time, Speck was convicted of eight murders committed in a single night. Surprisingly, Speck claims he had no intentions of committing these crimes; he broke into a dormitory randomly and proceeded to kill eight out of nine women one by one.

The interview with Speck in Mindhunter accurately portrayed his mindset, relying on an authentic recording of his conversation with fellow inmates later in his prison life. Speck's reasoning for the murders was summarized by the precise quote, "it just wasn't their night."

Wayne Williams

Regrettably, the aspect that renders Wayne Bertram Williams' case one of the most intriguing in Mindhunter is also its most tragic. Despite being the primary suspect in nearly twenty child homicides, Williams has never been convicted for these heinous acts. Although he is presently serving a life sentence for two murders of adult men, Williams has essentially evaded accountability for the suspected murders of approximately 23 to 30 children in Atlanta.

The representation of this serial killer in Mindhunter aligns fairly closely with reality. Williams assumes the role of the main antagonist in the show's second season, and due to insufficient evidence, the authorities were unable to connect him to the children's murders. However, the television series also explores the possibility of Williams not being responsible for all the child victims' deaths, thus suggesting the existence of another unidentified serial killer who remains at large. In real life, the case was reopened in 2019, but the mystery remains unsolved.

Dennis Rader

The decision to include Dennis Rader, also known as the B.T.K. killer, in Mindhunter is an intriguing one by the show's writers. Although Rader was actively committing murders during this time, he wasn't apprehended and convicted until several years later. Despite the FBI's relentless efforts to find him, Rader enjoyed toying with the media and law enforcement, believing he was outsmarting them all. However, it wasn't until 2005, when he resumed contact with the police and media, that he was finally caught.

The addition of the B.T.K. killer in Mindhunter likely serves to depict the one serial killer the FBI couldn't apprehend and the reason why the BSU needed constant improvement. His murders and taunts forced the need for interviews with other serial killers. However, even if Mindhunter season 3 had been released, Rader would not have been arrested as both Tench and Ford would have already retired by 2005.

Edmund Kemper

Mindhunter has effectively portrayed several terrifying real-life murderers in its storylines, but the standout serial killer on the show is unquestionably Edmund Kemper. Known as Ed Kemper, this character closely resembles the real-life serial killer. Those who had interactions with Kemper describe him as intelligent, polite, honest, and surprisingly open, which contrasts with the heinous crimes he committed.

In Mindhunter, Kemper is the first serial killer interviewed by Special Agent Holden, and his interview is a faithful recreation of the original recordings. Every word spoken in this interview accurately portrays the true story of this serial killer.

Who They Should Have Had On The Show

Ted Bundy

Ted Bundy had a moment of popularity on Netflix, thanks to the docuseries Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes and the dramatized movie Extremely Wicked; Shockingly Evil and Vile, both released in 2019. However, surprisingly, the widely-known serial killer never appeared on Mindhunter. Despite the show's focus on lesser-known murderers, it's a disappointment that the series didn't survive long enough to showcase this highly conversational killer.

John Wayne Gacy

Most horror fans would like to believe that killer clowns are just a fantasy designed to make horror movies more interesting. However, John Wayne Gacy shattered this illusion as a real-life clown who committed heinous crimes. This notorious individual, known for his clown persona, murdered over 30 people. Shockingly, his victims were mostly teenage boys or men in their early 20s. Even more unsettling is the fact that Gacy accomplished these terrifying acts within a mere six-year period. Adding to the horror, he would deceive his victims by offering to demonstrate a "magic trick" and then proceed to restrain them with handcuffs, ensuring their helplessness.

Angelo Buono Jr. & Kenneth Bianchi

The case of Angelo Buono Jr. and Kenneth Bianchi presented a unique twist on the concept of duo killers. Unlike many others in their category, they were originally referred to as "The Hillside Strangler," as investigators initially believed that a lone individual was responsible for a series of brutal murders in Los Angeles. Adding to the disturbing nature of their crimes, it was later discovered that Buono and Bianchi were actually cousins who would impersonate undercover police officers in order to convince their victims, young girls and women, to accompany them.

Henry Lee Lucas & Ottis Toole

This story has already been loosely adapted into the horror classic Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, but it would have been intriguing to witness the portrayal of these two murderers on Mindhunter as well. Both individuals confessed to an astonishing number of murders they did not actually commit, although they were accountable for numerous other victims. Notably, despite never being convicted for the crime, it is believed that Toole was responsible for the killing of Adam Walsh (son of America's Most Wanted host John Walsh, who was motivated to become a victim's advocate due to Adam's tragic murder).

Richard Ramirez

Undoubtedly, Richard Ramirez was one of the most infamous murderers of the 1980s. Therefore, if Mindhunter had extended beyond season 2, he would have presented an extraordinary opportunity for Holt and Tench to delve into a captivating case study.

Ramirez, commonly known as "The Night Stalker," was an individual who had committed heinous crimes, including murder and sexual offenses. Additionally, he demonstrated a deep devotion to Satan, even going so far as to showcase pentacles drawn on his palm throughout his trial. In a strange turn of events, he was apprehended in Los Angeles when he unknowingly became a familiar face in every newspaper, leading numerous onlookers to identify him and pursue him relentlessly.