Gilles de Rais, a prominent figure in 15th-century France, remains a controversial figure in history. Celebrated as a brave military leader and companion of Joan of Arc, he was later convicted and executed for the horrific crimes.

Following his military career, extravagant spending and poor financial decisions led to a rapid decline in his wealth. This period coincided with a shift in behavior, marked by cruelty and a growing obsession with the occult. While many accept his guilt, questions remain about the validity of the evidence and the motivations behind his conviction. Ultimately, the story of Gilles de Rais serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for darkness to reside even within those who seem to embody heroism and virtue.

Peter Manuel's crimes were motivated by more than just the need for money. While material gain played a role in many of his offenses, the sources highlight additional driving forces behind his actions

From his early attacks on women in Mount Vernon to the murder of Anne Kneilands, Manuel's crimes frequently had a sexual element. Manuel seemed to derive excitement from the danger and risk associated with his crimes. This is evident in his assault on Mary McLachlan, where he was aroused by the thrill of almost being caught. It's also apparent in his enjoyment of taunting the police and his decision to represent himself in court.

His actions were frequently impulsive and difficult to rationalize, stemming from a combination of his troubled upbringing, lack of remorse, and inflated ego. While financial gain was a factor, it was often overshadowed by Manuel's darker impulses, making him a particularly chilling figure in the annals of criminal history.

Randy Steven Kraft, a seemingly ordinary computer programmer, was a sadistic predator who terrorized Southern California for over a decade. Kraft targeted young men, many of whom were hitchhikers or frequenters of gay bars. His crimes, marked by torture, mutilation, and sexual assault, earned him the moniker "Scorecard Killer" due to a chilling list found in his car that investigators believe documented his victims.

He swore to do no harm. Instead, he left a trail of bodies across two continents. Dr. Michael Swango, a seemingly charming and gifted physician, harbored a dark secret: a deadly obsession with toxins and a compulsion to kill. This podcast examines the chilling story of Swango's transformation from promising student to one of the most prolific serial killers in history.

Listen as we uncover the twisted psychology of a medical monster, tracing Swango's path of deception and murder. Hear firsthand accounts from survivors, investigators, and those who knew him best. Unravel the mystery of how Swango managed to operate within the medical system for so long, leaving a legacy of pain and unanswered questions.

In "The Butcher Baker," journey into the disturbing double life of Robert Hansen, a soft-spoken baker and family man in Anchorage, Alaska, who hid a terrifying secret. Known as "The Butcher Baker," Hansen’s mild-mannered appearance masked his darkest tendencies. Between 1972 and 1983, he abducted, tortured, and murdered at least 17 women, many of whom were sex workers. Hansen lured his victims to the remote Alaskan wilderness, where he unleashed his twisted fantasies by hunting them like prey, armed with his rifle.

This podcast dives into Hansen’s calculated methods, the breakthrough moments in the investigation, and the bravery of survivors who escaped his grasp, like Cindy Paulson, whose testimony proved instrumental in stopping his spree. Explore the role of FBI profiling in this unique case, the chilling evidence found at Hansen's home, and the impact his crimes left on Alaska and true crime history.

Unmask the shocking dual life of Keith Hunter Jesperson, the so-called "Happy Face Murderer," in this compelling true-crime podcast. Happy Face Murderer delves into the twisted story of Jesperson, a seemingly ordinary truck driver whose confessions of brutal killings were marked by chillingly cheerful letters signed with a smiley face.

Follow Jesperson's dark journey across America's highways as he committed a series of heinous murders, taunted law enforcement, and manipulated the media. Through riveting accounts, expert interviews, and disturbing details, we reveal the complex psychology of a man who hid his monstrous nature behind a mask of normalcy and examine how he evaded justice for years, leaving a trail of heartbreak and horror.

Explore the chilling and elusive mind of Tommy Lynn Sells, one of America's most notorious and unpredictable serial killers, in Cross Country Killer. In this gripping true-crime podcast, we dive into the life and crimes of Sells, who traversed the United States, leaving behind a trail of unspeakable horror.

His haunting encounters with law enforcement, and the tragic stories of his victims. Through interviews, expert analysis, and firsthand accounts, we uncover how Sells evaded capture for years and examine the lasting impact his crimes had on families and communities across the country.

In the summer of 1974, a handsome drifter named Paul John Knowles embarked on a killing spree across America that left at least 18 people dead. Knowles, a petty thief with a history of violence against women, had recently been paroled from prison and was on his way to California to marry his fiancée when she rejected him. Enraged and heartbroken, he escaped from jail after getting into a bar fight. That night, he began killing.

Knowles was not your typical serial killer. He had no real victim profile, killing men, women, and children of all ages. He was charming and charismatic, able to talk his way into people's homes and lives. And he was obsessed with fame, keeping a detailed diary of his crimes and giving interviews to the media after his capture.

This podcast examines the life and crimes of Paul John Knowles, the “Casanova Killer.” It will explore his turbulent childhood, the failed romance that turned him into a killer, and the four-month murder spree that terrorized the nation. Listeners will hear from Knowles himself, through his audiotaped confessions, as well as from the people who knew him, including the journalist who had a brief affair with him and the lawyer who represented him.