Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The Chicago Rippers, they hold no such distinction in even local history. Yes, Chicago doesn't want to claim him." — Marcus Parks
"This is where you're really important here. I'm bringing the levity. You're bringing the levity." — Henry Zebrowski
"It's a, it's a thing where if you are, because that is such a thing of taking a six-year-old, you're watching three-year-old. That's double it. You're figuring it out." — Ed Larson
This episode of "Last Podcast on the Left" delves into the disturbing origins of the Chicago Rippers, a notorious group responsible for a series of brutal murders. The narrative begins by establishing Robin Gecht, the group's leader, and his difficult childhood marked by neglect and a lack of affection. The hosts highlight how early experiences, including the accidental death of his younger brother and the burden of caring for siblings, may have contributed to his sociopathic tendencies. The episode then traces Gecht's early adult life, his marriages, and the gradual escalation of his violent behavior, including severe domestic abuse against his wife, Rosemary. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Gecht's increasingly disturbing obsessions, particularly with female breasts, which would become a horrifying hallmark of the Ripper Crew's crimes.
The formation of the "Ripper Crew" is detailed, introducing Gecht's accomplices: Eddie Spitzer and the Coca-Rellis brothers, Andy and Tom. The podcast explores how these individuals, often described as suggestible and lacking in intelligence, fell under Gecht's influence. The episode touches upon the unusual intersection of Gecht's life with that of John Wayne Gacy, noting that they were contemporaries in Chicago and that Gecht was even considered as a witness in Gacy's trial, though no direct collaboration in murders is evident. The hosts emphasize Gecht's bullying and manipulative nature as key to recruiting his crew, painting a picture of a group whose members were, at best, easily led and, at worst, equally disturbed.
The episode culminates in the detailing of the Ripper Crew's first known murder of Linda Sutton in May 1981. The account describes the horrific details of the crime, including sexual assault and extreme mutilation, particularly focusing on the removal of the victim's breast. The hosts underscore the limited media coverage of these crimes, attributing it partly to the victims' backgrounds and the graphic nature of the violence. The episode sets the stage for future installments by hinting at the continued escalation of the Ripper Crew's depravity, including cannibalism and an even higher body count, while also touching on the police's initial struggles to connect the dots in their investigation.