The true nature of criminals and the workings of their mind have always been a topic of intrigue and concern. The podcast "Hidden Killers" with Tony Brueski and former prosecutor Laurie Gilbertson shed light on such heinous criminals, their behaviors, and the systems that deal with them. A recent episode discusses Rex Heuermann, who was meeting with a clergyman once a week while in jail. Gilbertson and Brueski debate whether this is a genuine act of seeking redemption or a strategy advised by an attorney to evoke pity. Gilbertson admits, “I have no idea what it means, and honestly, does it really matter? Maybe he needs someone to talk to. Maybe he has found God, maybe it is just a way of trying to get some sympathy.”

 

 The podcast delves deeper into the mind of criminals like Heuermann, questioning how such individuals are created. Gilbertson recalls a case from her time in the Appeals Bureau, involving a psychopathic killer whose cruelty started with animals in his childhood. She draws a parallel with Heuermann, who targeted and tortured vulnerable individuals for his satisfaction. Gilbertson explains, “someone like Rex Heuermann took the weakest people that he could find and pretty much tortured them… obviously he got a lot out of it.” She further asserts that such tendencies do not suddenly develop in adulthood but are likely exhibited from childhood.

 

 The conversation takes a darker turn as Brueski and Gilbertson discuss whether serial killers ever stop on their own or only halt due to external factors like death or incarceration. Gilbertson believes that being caught is the usual end for serial killers as the act of committing crimes and getting away with them is too enticing. She notes that Heuermann, despite being a successful architect with a family, continued his criminal activities because he was getting away with it every day. This constant pushing of boundaries and evasion of capture is a common pattern observed in serial killers. Gilbertson concludes, “It is rare that you see serial killers just decide to retire.”

 

 This insightful discussion underscores the complexity of criminal minds and the challenges faced by the criminal justice system. It also highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior and its origins to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.

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