The Freeway Killer: Lost Murder Tapes is a gripping true crime series from discovery+ that explores the horrific crimes of William Bonin, one of America's most prolific serial killers. The show is packed with never-before-seen footage and interviews and uses advanced forensic techniques to provide viewers with a more comprehensive understanding of Bonin's darkness.
The Freeway Killer: Lost Murder Tapes tells the story of William Bonin, who was convicted of killing at least 21 young men and boys in Southern California in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bonin's spree of rape, torture, and murder terrorized the region and earned him the nickname "the Freeway Killer" because of where he dumped many of his victims.
Through interviews with law enforcement officials who worked on the case, as well as relatives of the victims and survivors of Bonin's attacks, the show explores how the killer was captured and brought to justice. Much of the footage is drawn from police interviews and interrogation tapes, which were lost for decades before being rediscovered by the producers of the show.
The interviews offer a chilling insight into the mind of a serial killer. Bonin himself is heard in recordings admitting to some of his crimes and attempting to explain his motivations. The show also unveils details about the victims and their families, further humanizing the tragedy.
The story is also a reminder of how law enforcement has evolved over the years. When Bonin was active, there was no national DNA database, and forensic technology was not as advanced as it is today. The Freeway Killer: Lost Murder Tapes shows how investigators pieced together evidence, often relying on eyewitness accounts and physical evidence, to link Bonin to his crimes.
The show balances the gruesome details of the murders with the emotional impact that they had on the families of the victims. Many of them speak openly for the first time about their experiences, and the show presents their stories with empathy and sensitivity.
The Freeway Killer: Lost Murder Tapes is a compelling addition to the true crime genre, offering a comprehensive look at one of America's most notorious serial killers. It is not for the faint of heart, but those who enjoy true crime shows will find plenty to satisfy their curiosity here. The production values are top-notch, and the filmmakers have done an excellent job of bringing together the police footage and interviews with commentary and analysis from experts.
Overall, The Freeway Killer: Lost Murder Tapes is a haunting, unforgettable exploration of one of America's darkest true crime stories. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre and for anyone interested in understanding how a killer like William Bonin could have operated undetected for so long.
The Freeway Killer: Lost Murder Tapes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between October 24, 2022 and on discovery+
