Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"From the very beginning, the LIPD knew that they were dealing with two perpetrators. The first victim, Yalanda Washington, had marks on her arms and legs that indicated that two men had moved her from the crime scene itself to a second location. Furthermore, two different types of semen were found with one type belonging to a man known as a non-secreater." — Marcus Parks
"When the ligature marks around the neck and the handcuff wounds around the ankles and wrists were found, Salerno knew that he had a serial killer on his hands. But unlike a lot of other serial cases, the LAPD they really did try their best on this one." — Holden McNeely
"Because the prostitutes weren't giving them the same thrill that they had experienced in the beginning. They needed to feel more power. They needed to feel more control. They needed to up the Annie. So they started killing what they call, quote unquote, 'respectable girl.'" — Ben Kissel
This episode of "Last Podcast on the Left" continues the deep dive into the Hillside Strangler case, focusing on the partnership of Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Bono. The hosts explore their early crimes, beginning with the murder of Yalanda Washington, noting the presence of two distinct types of semen, indicating multiple perpetrators. They discuss the psychological profiles of serial killers, touching upon early theories and potential motivations, including how external factors and personal histories might contribute to their development. The narrative highlights the investigative challenges faced by the LAPD, particularly Detective Frank Salerno, in piecing together the initial fragmented clues.
The episode details the pair's escalation in violence, moving from targeting sex workers to what they perceived as "respectable girls" to increase their sense of power and control. The hosts describe the methods used, such as impersonating authority figures to abduct victims, and the meticulous efforts of Bono and Bianchi to conceal evidence. The discussion touches upon the personal lives of the killers, particularly Bianchi's strained relationship with his pregnant girlfriend, Kelly Boyd, and his elaborate deceptions, including faking a cancer diagnosis, to manipulate her and avoid responsibility.
The latter half of the episode covers the growing public awareness of the "Hillside Strangler" and the increasing media attention. The hosts detail the discovery of multiple victims in short periods and the eventual breakdown of the partnership between Bianchi and Bono following the murder of Cindy Hutsmith. This conflict led to the cessation of their killing spree, leaving authorities with a complex case that would take time to fully unravel. The episode concludes by briefly mentioning the eventual capture and the lingering questions surrounding the full scope of their crimes.