Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Jack Unterveger was a shark in the Austrian cultural scene. His madness is like the AIDS virus, an agent of destruction that threatens all of society. No one is safe from him." — Sonia Eisenstein (paraphrased)
"Culture is worth a little risk." — Norman Mailer (on the release of Jack Abbott, used as an analogy)
"He wanted to be pointed about the fact that it was never about robbery ever. He returned to the car, splattered with blood, 15 minutes after he'd left, and tossed the steel rod, slick with blood and hair over to Barbara. He then mumbled something about how Margaret couldn't betray them anymore. And they simply drove back to town." — Summary of Unterweger's actions after a murder.
This episode delves into the life and crimes of Jack Unterweger, an Austrian serial killer who achieved significant fame as a writer. The narrative begins by establishing Unterweger's notoriety and his unique ability to present himself as a reformed individual, despite a history of violent offenses. His early life, as he presented it, was one of hardship and abandonment, a narrative that later proved to be largely fabricated to elicit sympathy. The hosts highlight how Unterweger's charm and his literary talent allowed him to captivate the public and the media, creating a persona that overshadowed his brutal acts. The episode contrasts the public's perception of him as a talented writer with the reality of his violent tendencies, particularly his pattern of murdering sex workers.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Unterweger's first murder conviction and subsequent release. The hosts explain the Austrian justice system's approach to rehabilitation, which Unterweger skillfully exploited. His bestselling autobiographical book, "Purgatory," was instrumental in his parole, as it painted him as a contemplative individual seeking redemption. The episode scrutinizes the validity of this self-portrayal, presenting evidence that suggests his childhood narrative and his literary accounts were carefully constructed fabrications designed to manipulate. This section underscores the danger of public opinion and intellectual advocacy overriding critical judgment when assessing the threat posed by individuals with a history of severe violence.
The latter half of the episode details Unterweger's post-release activities, which quickly devolved back into murder. It explores his international travel and his continued killing spree, emphasizing his prolific writing and media appearances as a stark contrast to his violent lifestyle. The hosts also touch upon the case of Jack Abbott as a parallel, illustrating how a compelling authorial voice can influence perceptions and lead to premature release. The discussion concludes by highlighting Unterweger's ability to maintain his deceptive facade, even as more victims emerged, underscoring his profound psychopathy and his skill in playing the system.