Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"When he went out to murder, he only went to houses that were unlocked, not because it was easier, but because he thought that a locked house meant that he was not welcome, which plays on the belief that vampires can only enter one's home if the resident invites said vampire inside." — Henry Zebrowski
"The only organs he left unscathed were the kidneys." — Ben Kissel
"The FBI was not involved in this case in the least bit. This is Sacramento. But their ideas were and their ideas for long, their ideas, but the FBI takes credit for solving the Richard Chase case. They take credit for the collar. They take credit for the arrest. They did not arrest. They created a methodology that led to the arrest." — Ben Kissel
This episode continues the deep dive into the case of Richard Chase, "The Vampire of Sacramento," detailing his escalating violence and the subsequent investigation. The narrative highlights Chase's disturbing pattern of behavior, including the procurement of animals for consumption, his attempts to appear normal to his family while engaging in increasingly violent acts, and his vampiric-themed delusions. The episode meticulously recounts several of Chase's crimes, including the break-in at the Edwards' home, the brutal murder of Teresa Wallen, and the horrific spree at the Miroth residence, where multiple victims, including children, were killed and mutilated. The discussion emphasizes Chase's disorganized criminal methodology, his physical appearance, and the profound psychological distress evident in his actions.
The investigation is presented as a testament to the diligence of the Sacramento Police Department, particularly Detective Lieutenant Ray Beyondey. The episode contrasts the police department's boots-on-the-ground efforts and intuitive detective work with the FBI's later claims of credit for Chase's apprehension based on psychological profiling. The profile, developed by Beyondey using learned techniques, accurately predicted Chase's profile as a disorganized, white, schizophrenic, loner who had likely been recently released from a mental institution. The podcast acknowledges the effectiveness of the profiling but stresses that the local police department's relentless pursuit and eventual arrest were the primary drivers of bringing Chase to justice.
The episode concludes with the details of Chase's arrest, the discovery of his blood-stained apartment filled with disturbing evidence, and his eventual death by suicide on death row. The hosts reiterate the rarity of such extreme cases while reinforcing the importance of vigilance, such as locking doors, as a basic preventative measure. The graphic nature of Chase's crimes is presented with a focus on understanding his psychological state and the investigative process, while also acknowledging the profound impact on the victims and their families.