More Frightening Than Fiction: The Last Call Killer

“Stonewall Inn, New York, USA (April 2018)” by OzMark17 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

 

 

By Vivica Vial

From 1991 to 1993, a serial killer stalked New York’s gay community. The dismembered bodies of four men were found, dumped along roadsides in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For 10 years, he preyed on vulnerable men from the shadows, a real-life boogeyman who wouldn’t be caught and convicted until 2001. The press dubbed him the “Last Call” killer because all of his victims were last seen alive at a bar.

The Last Call killer was active for 10 years before being apprehended. Most sources point out that homophobia in the media and law enforcement affected how the victims’ cases were investigated. There is truth to this, as evidenced in past true-crime cases in which the victims are members of any minority community. In high-profile serial killer cases such as John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer, there were instances where homophobia and racism in law enforcement, the judicial system, and the media hindered the investigation, allowing a killer to continue to roam free.

More Frightening Than Fiction: Ted Bundy

“CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS / @CSI：cafe” by [puamelia] is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

By Merrick Mysteria

Welcome to my library of true crime files. Normally, I concern myself with fantasy or fiction, or speculative subjects such as the paranormal. But, I must admit, tales of true horror capture my attention as well. Thursdays are reserved for surreal journeys at Misty Oracle Grove. While steeped in reality, true crime does border on the surreal.

True crime has become popular in recent years—especially the stories of serial killers. They prey upon those who have no true connection to them allowing them to escape the authorities. Serial killers are known for their calling cards, unusual rituals, and habits.  I wondered about where to start so, I decided to tell the tale of Ted Bundy. He’s extremely well known in the annals of true crime history. We discussed vampires all last week. Ted Bundy, much like contemporary depictions of Count Dracula, exuded a charming and elegant demeanor. Outwardly, he appeared to be a clean-cut, above-average individual. He played the man next door while a monster lurked within. Without further ado, let us dive into the story of Theodore Robert Bundy.