Last week, I told you about the abduction and murder of seven-year-old Joan D’Alessandro. On April 19, 1973, Joan was delivering Girl Scout cookies when her neighbor, Joseph McGowan, a high school science teacher, lured her into his basement, sexually assaulted her, and brutally beat and strangled the helpless little girl. McGowan pleaded guilty to felony murder and was sentenced to life in the New Jersey prison system with the possibility of parole after 14 years.

In this episode, I’ll dig deep into McGowan’s various psychological evaluations and his interview with famed FBI profiler John Douglas, trying to reconcile the mild-mannered man McGowan appeared to be with the heinous rapist and murderer he became on Holy Thursday, 1973. Also in this episode, you’ll hear my conversation with Joan’s mother, Rosemarie D’Alessandro, who has spent decades advocating for children and victims’ families in her beloved daughter’s name.

This is part 2 of the horrifying but incredibly inspiring story of Joan D’Alessandro.

Thanks to Magic Mind for sponsoring the show! Use my promo code (STLC20) for the next 10 days only to save up to 50% off your first subscription to Magic Mind or up to 20% off your first one-time order. https://www.magicmind.com/stlc

Email Rosemarie D’Alessandro about purchasing a signed copy of her book or learning more about the Joan’s Roy Relaxation & Kindness Program: [email protected]

Joan’s Joy website: https://joansjoy.org

Rosemarie D’Alessandro’s book, The Message of Light Amid Letters of Darkness: https://www.amazon.com/Message-Light-Amid-Letters-Darkness-ebook/dp/B0CQRNWHXV/

Joan’s Joy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/joansjoypage/

The Killer Across the Table by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker: https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Across-Table-Unlocking-Mindhunter-ebook/dp/B07G76Q6BG/

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This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.

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