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His Name Was Ted Bundy

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Today Amazon released their docuseries Ted Bundy: Falling For a Killer. While Bundy has had a resurgence in the public eye during the past couple of years, this series has chosen to focus from a new lens. Now the women impacted by the serial killer are speaking out.

It has taken many of these women years, even decades to come forward with their experiences. They argue their stories are overlooked for the story of the “hero” of the narrative; they are tired of Ted Bundy being glorified.

Not many of Bundy’s victims escaped, but in their absence their families and friends are speaking for them, many for the first time. The docuseries sheds light on these women in ways that past documentaries, articles, and books have not. They are not just names or pictures. They are daughters, sisters, friends, classmates. These women are finally being given a voice in over four decades.

The 1970s for Women

The docuseries recalls how the early 1970s was a powder keg of sexual liberation and revolutionary changes for women. Women wanted equality of opportunity and to have control over their own bodies, sex, and fertility. No more did they want to settle with the idea of being seen as sexual objects; and ths made many men mad.

Not only was this seen on college campuses with newly established clubs, classes on women’s studies, and rallies, but in the media as well. Television shows as as Mary Tyler Moore and That Girl displayed independent women living independent lives.

Elizabeth and Molly Kendall

The two women who dominate the narration in part one are Elizabeth “Liz” Kendall and her daughter Molly. The mother and daughter had previously spent years eluding the circus following Ted Bundy, but no longer are keeping their silence.

Mother Liz Kendall and daughter Molly Kendall

Liz recalls first meeting the charming young man at a night club where he asked her to dance. Following conversation she asked for a ride home from the handsome stranger who said his name was Ted. She asked him to spend the night, but not in a sexual nature. The two spent the night asleep on her bed, clothed, on top of the sheets.

The next morning Kendall was surprised to awake and find Bundy had awoken early, roused her daughter from bed in the living room, and was in the kitchen making breakfast. This is the furthest image from the monster associated with the name. From that day forward Bundy had settled into their family of two.

The Kendalls and Ted

In part one of the docuseries the two describe their initial meeting with Bundy. They examine their initial impressions, experiences, and their first four years together. Liz moved to Seattle with the hopes of working for the University of Washington. She wanted to start a new life for both herself and 3 year old daughter with the eventual goal of meeting Mr. Right. Little did she know that who she met would be anything but that.

During those first years Liz and Molly account how the blue eyed boyfriend and aspiring step father intertwined himself into their family. Bundy would play with Molly and the neighborhood kids. The impromptu family of three would invite Bundy’s 12 year old brother on outings.

Bundy and the Kendalls

The first episode documents this with so many pictures of what displays happy times, colorful memories, and smiling faces that you forget you’re watching a show about a serial killer. It is an insight into Bundy’s life that is shockingly juxtaposed to the blood and carnage he is infamous for.

Tides Begin to Change

Kendall doted on the young Bundy and felt she was in a very loving relationship. However, as the years continued red flags slowly began to become apparent. Around two and a half years into the relationship, roughly a year and a half before the reported first murder, one of the first flags went up. Bundy would brag to Liz about stealing.

It is a well known fact Bundy was a kleptomaniac. Many of the personal objects Bundy acquired throughout his life were stolen, and he enjoyed telling her about these accomplishments. Not just proud, but brazenly bragged.

At the time Bundy also worked for a Republican party. One of his tasks was to tail the opponent in different disguises and gather information. He would take pride in being anonymous and never recognized. This is when Bundy realized the value and power of being a chameleon, which he used later during his life of murder.

The Murders Begin

According to most accounts, on January 4, 1974 Bundy committed his first murder in the University District. Karen Epley never met Bundy before he broke into her room and brutally assaulted her. Her graphic injuries resulted in a torn bladder, brain damage, as well as both hearing and vision loss.

Survivor Karen Epley

While recounting her experience, Epley explains this is the first time she has ever spoken of the event. She wanted to have privacy and to move on in life. However, she also admitted there was an air of keeping the secrets of perpetrators and their crimes. This same sense of “protecting the perpetrator” is still alive today, which is why many sexual assault victims still do not step forward to report crimes.

4 weeks later

Just a month later on January 31, Bundy struck again. This crime had many similarities to the attack on Epley, but victim Linda Healy did not survive. Healy’s account is told by her roommates and family who carry on her voice and story.

Healy was living in a house of girls when her room was broken into and she was beaten and abducted from her room. It was not made clear if she was deceased or not when she was removed from her residence. However, it was explained that Bundy made up her bed to cover the blood on the mattress, removed her bloody nightgown to store in the closet, and dressed her in clean clothes before taking her from the home.

Changes in Bundy

At this time it was apparent to Kendall there were more changes occurring in Ted. One of the more noticeable differences was that Bundy would disappear for days at a time. They also engaged in more verbal fights, which he remained disturbingly calm during.

Daughter Molly also remembers these times. She recalls not seeing Bundy around as much, as well as less family related activities between the three. Liz took this personally and began to drink. Little did she know that his personality changes, physical absence from her life, and erratic mood swings had noting to do with her. This was the beginning of Bundy’s era of killing.

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Trailers

Hulu Unveils Riveting Trailer for True Crime Series “Under the Bridge”

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Under the Bridge

Hulu has just released a gripping trailer for its latest true crime series, “Under the Bridge,” drawing viewers into a haunting narrative that promises to explore the dark corners of a real-life tragedy. The series, which premieres on April 17th with the first two of its eight episodes, is based on the best-selling book by the late Rebecca Godfrey, providing a detailed account of the 1997 murder of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk near Victoria, British Columbia.

Riley Keough (left) and Lily Gladstone in “Under the Bridge”. 

Starring Riley Keough, Lily Gladstone, and Vritika Gupta, “Under the Bridge” brings to life the chilling story of Virk, who disappeared after attending a party with friends, never to return home. Through the investigative lens of author Rebecca Godfrey, played by Keough, and a dedicated local police officer portrayed by Gladstone, the series delves into the hidden lives of the young girls accused of Virk’s murder, uncovering shocking revelations about the true perpetrator behind this heinous act. The trailer offers a first look at the series’ atmospheric tension, showcasing the exceptional performances of its cast. Watch the trailer below:

Under the Bridge Official Trailer

Rebecca Godfrey, who passed away in October 2022, is credited as an executive producer, having worked closely with Shephard for over two years to bring this complex story to television. Their partnership aimed to honor Virk’s memory by casting a light on the circumstances that led to her untimely death, offering insight into the societal and personal dynamics at play.

“Under the Bridge” looks to stand out as a compelling addition to the true crime genre with this gripping story. As Hulu prepares to release the series, audiences are invited to brace themselves for a deeply moving and thought-provoking journey into one of Canada’s most notorious crimes.

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True Crime

Real-Life Horror in Pennsylvania: ‘Scream’ Costume-Clad Killer Strikes in Lehighton

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true crime scream killer

In a horrifying echo of the chilling killers depicted in the ‘Scream’ movie series, a Pennsylvania community was rocked by a gruesome murder. The assailant, donning the franchise’s iconic mask and cloak, wielded a black Reapr fixed-blade knife. Zak Russel Moyer, 30, carried out a nightmarish attack on his neighbor, Edward Whitehead Jr., in the small Carbon County town of Lehighton. Moyer’s assault was particularly brutal, employing not only a knife but also a small chainsaw, ultimately resulting in Whitehead’s death.

Zak Russel Moyer

Armed with a small battery-powered chainsaw and a black Reapr fixed-blade knife, Moyer had initially gone to Whitehead’s house next-door ‘for the purpose of scaring him’. However, the situation escalated fatally when he inflicted a stab wound to Whitehead’s head. The incident prompted an immediate response from local law enforcement, aided by Pennsylvania State Police, following a distress call about an active assault in progress within the 200 block of Carbon Street.

Surveillance footage captured a male figure, later identified as Moyer, emerging from the rear of Whitehead’s home. The figure’s attire was notably consistent with the “Scream” movie character, adding a surreal layer to the already grim event. Whitehead was swiftly transported to St. Luke’s Hospital-Carbon Campus but was pronounced dead, having suffered multiple wounds including a significant head injury and cuts indicative of a desperate defense.

Location of attack

In the aftermath, police quickly zeroed in on Moyer, found in a residence nearby. His apprehension followed bizarre communications with the police, where he levied accusations against Whitehead. Previous statements to his sister revealed Moyer’s harbored intentions to kill Whitehead, shedding light on a premeditated malice.

As the community grapples with this real-life horror, authorities have secured the weapons and the “Scream” costume, underscoring the chilling premeditation of Moyer’s actions. He now faces homicide charges, with a preliminary hearing set to determine the progression of his trial.

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Movies

Netflix to Release Duplass Brothers’ True-Crime Doc ‘American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders’

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The Octopus Murder Documentary

A strange organization known as “The Octopus” is getting the Netflix true-crime treatment. The streaming service has ordered the documentary called American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders which explores this alleged real crime conglomerate.

Brothers Jay (left) and Mark Duplass have been making films together since they were kids.

Even more interesting is that Duplass Brothers Productions and Stardust Frames will be bankrolling the project. The Duplass Brothers consist of Mark and Jay and they have produced movies such as Bad Milo (2013), Tangerine (2015), and of course the cult horror favorite Creep (2015). Creep 2 (2017) was produced by Netflix and Blumhouse.

Danny Casolaro
Journalist Danny Casolaro

According to Deadline, American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders starts with the discovery of a dead journalist, Danny Casolaro (pictured above), from an apparent suicide. But his family isn’t convinced. They think it was a result of Casolaro’s investigative reporting on a secret crime organization known as “The Octopus.” He believed that they were behind multiple murders, high-tech spy software thievery, and political scandals.

Enter researcher Christian Hansen who is determined to get to the bottom of Casolaro’s death and expose “The Octopus” and its far-reaching arms.

“Six years ago we got to work side by side with the brilliant Way Brothers on Wild, Wild Country,” said Mark Duplass. “When we found out about the Octopus Conspiracy, and Zach and Christian’s unique perspective and unparalleled dedication to this story, we knew this was the project that would bring us back together.”

Maclain Way of Stardust Frames adds, “When Zach and Christian first told us about The Octopus Conspiracy— a story they had been investigating for years— we were enthralled by tales of stolen spy software, government cover-ups, and the parallels with a journalist who died under suspicious circumstances digging into this story.  With our partners Netflix and Duplass Brothers Productions, we can’t wait for audiences to submerge themselves into the mysterious world of The Octopus.”

This will be a four-part series scheduled to air on February 28.

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