Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"He's absolutely wrong. Yes, he hasn't killed in 40-50 years, and no one has died in a cataclysmic earthquake yet." — Marcus Parks
"I tell you what, the only way to prevent earthquakes in my house is when I make sure I wear a bra." — Henry Zebrowski
"You see, the thing is, people get together safe in the White House. People like to sing the die song, you know, people like to sing the die song." — Herbert Mullin
This episode delves into the disturbing case of Herbert Mullin, a serial killer whose actions were driven by a profound delusion that his murders were necessary to prevent catastrophic natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. The narrative traces Mullin's life, highlighting his struggles with schizophrenia and his development of a complex belief system where he interpreted external events and voices as divine commands to kill. The podcast meticulously details several of his murders, including those of Father Henri Tomé, the G&Nera family, the Francis family, and four teenage campers, illustrating both the brutal nature of his crimes and the conflicting accounts of how they unfolded. It also touches upon his attempts to join the Coast Guard and Marines, underscoring the disconnect between his internal world and societal expectations.
The investigation into Mullin's crimes is presented as a significant challenge for law enforcement. His lack of discernible criminal history, no clear connections to victims, and the absence of witnesses initially made him difficult to apprehend. The episode contrasts differing accounts of the murders, particularly those of Father Tomé and the Francis family, between two sources: "The Die Song" (likely based on Mullin's own account) and "Deadly Voices" (reconstructed using forensic evidence). This highlights the complexities of reconstructing events when the perpetrator's mental state is severely compromised. The podcast also explores the dynamics between Mullin and fellow inmate Ed Kemper, illustrating how even within a prison environment, disturbed individuals can exhibit manipulative and controlling behaviors.
Ultimately, Mullin was found legally sane for some murders, demonstrating a degree of premeditation and an understanding of his actions' wrongfulness, while others were deemed the result of psychotic rage. Despite his eventual conviction, Mullin's internal narrative remained consistent, viewing his actions as necessary sacrifices to appease a higher power and prevent widespread destruction. The episode concludes with a discussion of Mullin's current status and his evolving statements about his crimes, leaving listeners with a chilling portrait of a mind deeply detached from reality, yet capable of causing immense harm.