The Co-Ed Killer: Mind of a Monster
Updated: Nov 23, 2022
(available on Discovery + and free on various YouTube channels)
Extra Warning: Detailed descriptions of extreme violent acts
FTC Rating: 4 out of 5
As a fan of the crime thriller television series “Mindhunter”, I applaud actor Cameron Britton’s masterful portrayal of serial killer, Edmond Kemper. His performance sent chills down my spine, piquing my desire to unpack fact from fiction. To date, “The Co-Ed Killer: Mind of a Monster” is the most comprehensive accounting of Kemper’s life and crimes I’ve encountered. Despite its short runtime of 2:14:28, the three-part docuseries successfully provides an overview of the case, without bring overly sensational which is challenging given the outrageous nature of Kemper’s crimes.
Strengths:
- Perspective provided by Luita Spangler, student as UCSC in the 70s
- The psychologist tapes are revealing, especially those of Ed Kemper’s younger sister
- Discusses Kemper’s background/family life
- Includes analyses of Kemper’s motivations and personality by Dr. Katherine Ramsland, Professor of
Forensic Psychology at DeSales University
- Friends and loved ones speaking for the victims
- The interviews with the retired officers on the case
Weakness:
- Does not include interrogation footage
Final thought:
- After serving time in a youth detention center for the murder of his grandparents, Kemper’s juvenile records were sealed. Despite this, the “sealed” records placed Kemper on the police’s radar when he legally purchasing a unique gun. It begs the question, should the records of youth offenders who commit violent remain accessible to the public?
Picture Source: imdb.com
