The Worst™

In 1971, Richard Caputo was found incompetent to stand trial after he stabbed his girlfriend, Natalie Brown, to death. He was committed to a psychiatric hospital and while there, he reportedly started a relationship with one of the psychologists who had treated him, Judith Becker. Caputo was transferred to a minimum security psychiatric hospital and was eventually given day release due to good behavior.

In October 1974, Caputo went to the home of Judith and strangled her. He fled to San Francisco and laid low and kept out of trouble until 1975, when he met Barbara Ann Taylor and the two began to date. They only dated for a brief period before he beat her to death and fled to Mexico. While in Mexico, Caputo killed his fourth victim, Laura Gomez, whom he was sharing an apartment with. Over the next 20 years, Caputo managed to avoid apprehension and kept travelling back and forth from Mexico to USA.

27th December 1978: Hope And Anchor, London.

Find Karen Grajeda;

RIP Amber Dubois;

In October 2006, Juan Ignacio González, 12, nicknamed "Ramoncito", was killed in a Kimbanda ritual (an Afro-Brazilian rite).

It happened in the town of Mercedes, 230 kilometers from the capital of Corrientes, Argentina. "Ramoncito" was raped, slaughtered and dismembered in a ritual crime, the blood of his mutilated body had been collected in a black bowl, offered as a sacrament. Before dying, he was tortured between prayers, his body was burned with cigarettes while practitioners in the devilish rite howled and danced during the child's suffering. His body had also been marked with stigmas according to instructions in a black magic book.

The testimony of a girl who was forced to watch the ritual, was key for the prosecutors that finally charged nine people for the crime of homicide commited with malice, sexual abuse and deprivation of liberty.

The murderers were Yolanda Martina Ventura (49), Esteban Iván Escalante (29), Jorge Carlos Alegre (40), César Carlos Alberto Beguiristain (28), Claudio Nicolás González (26), aka “El Porteño” or "El Brujo", Osmar Aranda (60), Ana María Sánchez (56) and Daniel Alegre (31), who had been a fugitive from March 2007 to May 2011.

The eight defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment on September 23, 2011 by the Superior Court of Justice of the province. A year later, one of them evaded Justice, Mabel Patricia López, a nurse, now 48 years old. In May 2012, the Oral Court of the 3rd Correntine Circumscription requested her capture, which gave her time to flee. Patricia had been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Find Dennis Martin;

One October morning in 1933, 21 year old Victor Licata retrieved an axe and fatally hacked his mother, father, sister and two brothers to death in their Florida home. It was also reported that he had attacked the family dog which had attempted to protect the family from Licata’s rampage. However, this was later argued to be a completely fabricated claim as friends and other relatives acknowledged the family did not own a pet.

When police arrived at the scene, they passed the family’s lifeless bodies before discovering Victor Licata cowering in the bathroom alongside a bloodied axe. At this point, it was recognised that his skin was drenched with the blood of his victims yet he had changed into clean clothes. While being questioned by police, Victor denied consciously killing his close relatives and instead confided that they had tried to cut off his arms and replace his limbs with fake ones. Therefore, in an act of self-defence, he had taken the ‘rubber axe’ from the porch and struck them with it.

Investigators found Licata so convinced and adamant of his version of events that they believed he had committed the crimes whilst in a totally unaware dream state. However, Victor’s divulsion that he had frequently enjoyed the consumption of moonshine and marijuana for 6 months up until the killing steered authorities down a different path, especially after he spoke of how he had been smoking weed with friends the night before the murders. Subsequently, the state of Licata’s mental health came into question.

‪Whether we realize it or not, the depravity of man is highly unpredictable. With the immense overload of gun violence, serial murderers, mass murders, and the crazed waiting to sink their teeth into the next innocent bystander(s), it would be irrational to believe that we will always be safe inside our own homes. However, as grotesque this world can be with violent offenders living amongst us each day, would you believe that there are people that are sexually and emotionally attracted to this?‬

‪The official term for this certain arousal is called Hybristophilia. Hybristophilia is a paraphilia in which an individual receives sexual arousal over someone else committing outrageous or violent acts. A paraphilia is “‬a pattern of recurring sexually arousing mental imagery or behavior that involves unusual and especially socially unacceptable sexual practices.” Some of the most common of paraphilias we see are things like pedophilia, zoophilia, and objectophilia. In popular culture, Hybristophilia is also known as the “Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome”, rooted directly from the infamous American couple Bonnie Elizabeth Parker and Clyde Chestnut Barrow, notoriously known for committing bank robberies and killing 13 people before their deaths in 1934.

‪In comparison with other paraphilic behaviors, Hybristophilia is commonly discovered amongst females than in males unlike most of the other paraphilias. It also alternates in both psychological nature and environmental influence, and according to studies, psychologists believe that mental illness can play a key role in individuals who possess this particularly warped attraction. Hybristophilia is also validated as potentially lethal, falling in line with a few different potentially lethal paraphilias such as:‬

• Autassassinophilia - sexually aroused by the risk of being killed

• Biastophilia - sexually aroused by rape (Raptophilia: sexual aroused by raping)

• Chremastistophilia - sexually aroused by being robbed, held up or charged for sexual services (Kleptolagnia - sexual aroused by stealing, theft, breaking and entering)

‪ ‪A vast number of high-profile murderers, particularly those who have committed the most heinous of criminal acts, receive sexual or amorous fan-mail from their admirers; presumably as a result of this psychological and emotional phenomenon. A prime example of this phenomenon would be Ted Bundy, who utilized his intelligence, superficial charm, grandiosity, charisma, and extreme manipulation to escape the clutches of law enforcement, despite being guilty of raping and murdering 30+ young women and girls in seven different states.‬

There are two types of hybristophiles: Passive Hybristophiliacs and Aggressive Hybristophiliacs.

Passive Hybristophilia constitutes those individuals who hold zero desire for participating in criminal activity themselves but remain sexually fixated by extremely violent offenders. Sometimes, these individuals will go through nearly great lengths in attempts to gain the attention of a particular violent offender by sending them fan-mail and creating a web pages solely dedicated to idolize them. ‪Passive Hybristophiles are typically delusional, as they will concoct any form of excuses for an offender’s actions, regardless of how vile and evil their crimes may be. They also tend to place themselves in a vulnerable state to be seduced, manipulated, lied to, or in worst cases murdered by their lover.

‪On the opposite ground of this spectrum, Aggressive Hybristophilia constitutes those individuals who actively aid the offender in order to carry out violent crimes. They will go through great lengths to help their lover by hiding bodies, luring victims, become a sacrificial lamb, or will even go as far as to willingly engage in assaulting or murdering victims alongside them (Serial murderers Myra Hindley and Ian Brady, for example).‬ Aggressive Hybristophiles are infatuated with their lover because of their violent or homicidal nature. They immensely desire to receive the same love back, yet are incompetent to acknowledge that they are being groomed and manipulated into being an accomplice to these particularly violent crimes.

A few vital speculations have been proposed as to the causes of Hybristophilia. Katherine Ramsland, who is a professor of Forensic Psychology at DeSales University described that few women in particular who have had sexual or marital relationships with serial murderers have offered these following justifications:

• "Some believe they can change a man as cruel and powerful as a serial killer."

• "Others 'see' the little boy that the killer once was and seek to nurture him."

• "A few hoped to share in the media spotlight or get a book or movie deal."

• "Then there's the notion of the 'perfect boyfriend'. She knows where he is at all times and she knows he's thinking about her. While she can claim that someone loves her, she does not have to endure the day-to-day issues involved in most relationships. There’s no laundry to do, no cooking for him, and no accountability to him. She can keep the fantasy charged up for a long time."

However, others presented reasons along the lines of:

• "Some mental health experts have compared infatuation with killers to extreme forms of fanaticism. They view such women as insecure females who cannot find love in normal ways or as 'love-avoidant' females who seek romantic relationships that cannot be consummated."

‪Psychologist Leon F. Seltzer has given a few explanations for this strange occurrence of male serial murderers attracting female admirers based on ‘evolutionary psychology’, which examines the psychological structure from a modern evolutionary perspective. In Dr. Seltzer’s view, serial killers are strong cases of alpha males that naturally attract women. The cause of this phenomenon is because such males are considered to be efficient at protecting women and their offspring and it has been proven in our history of evolution. Despite women who may realize that dating a serial killer is not safe by any means, they are nevertheless attracted.‬ In addition, Dr. Seltzer also notes “as a therapist I've encountered many women who bemoaned their vulnerability toward dominant men who, consciously, they recognized were all wrong for them.”

In conclusion to this in-depth analysis, I further examine this particular paraphilia by having the opportunity to briefly interview two self-proclaimed Hybristophiles that contacted me after uploading a posting stating that I was interested in conducting interviews with individuals who fall in line with this category of paraphilia. These two interviewees consented in participating as long as I kept their real identities confidential, so I will be using the aliases they provided me with.

Interviewee #1: Hailey

lethalvanity: When did you discover this particular paraphilia and your attraction to murderers and violent offenders?

Hailey: Well at first I had no idea that it had a name, I just thought that I was weird, and only found out that hybristophilia is a thing about a year ago. And it started when I first started watching true crime documentaries when I was like 13.

lethalvanity: So what is it about the wicked acts of murderers or others with the capability of violence that attracts you?

Hailey: That's kind of a hard question.. because I’m not myself sure why I feel like this...whenever I hear about a murderer and what they did a small part of my brain is like "Yo that's fucked up" but a bigger part goes "What the hell I already love that person so much I want them NOW" so I don't even really know myself. Whenever I even think about a certain murderer I get all flustered...

lethalvanity: Do you feel that your infatuation is blinding you from the reality that these are dangerous people, and that maybe one day you do fall for the wrong person, and you could potentially be hurt or...even worse?

Hailey: I mean I know 100% that they're all dangerous people and would probably kill me on sight, but I really don't care... it's kinda hard to explain but I guess it wouldn't really matter if they'd kill me. We all die anyway, at least I wouldn't die of something boring like oldness.

Interviewee #2: Doll

lethalvanity: When did you discover this particular paraphilia and how did you end up being attracted to it?

Doll: For me I'm not sure exactly how it started, but I do remember being interested in (specifically) serial killers pretty early, mainly with Ted Bundy. At first it was more of a challenge and still largely is to examine the psychology of it all. I found out about the paraphilia because of research into psychology relating to crime. The attraction I think has been related to growing up with violence and whatnot being a consistent display, so violence = love and attraction to an extent in my brain.

lethalvanity: Interesting. I believe there’s a slight difference between yourself and your average “True Crime Groupie.” Have you ever had a sexual or relationship partner that was capable of such violence?

Doll: Yeah I totally agree. Also yeah, when I was about 12-14.

lethalvanity: So what is it about the wicked acts of murderers or others with the capability of violence that attracts you?

Doll: I think a large part of it is the association that violence = love from my childhood, but in less of an analytical way the idea that someone can contain that much power is very attractive. Especially if I were to be an exception to someone's rage in that way, the idea that I'm special enough to be spared

lethalvanity: So correct me if I’m wrong, but in your mind as a result of your childhood, an individual who possess the capability of extreme violence and to commit murder holds something far more greater than the average functional individual in society?

Doll: In a sense yeah. Like realistically it's a need for power that drives them to do it, but the fact that they cancan do those things and prove it is an attractive quality. To an extent of course. I've never found myself attracted to people who murder children, for example.

lethalvanity: Oh I see. So is it accurate to say that it comes in different levels for you? Like maybe you’re not attracted to murderers who kill children, but you’re more likely to be attracted to a murderous vigilante?

On November 28, 1992, the skeletal remains of an adolescent were found near Interstate 95 (commonly referred to as I-95) in Newburyport, Massachusetts, just off of southbound Route 113 Exit. It is believed that he died anywhere from one and a half years to five years before his discovery, placing his death between 1987 and 1991. A forensic anthropologist determined that Newburyport John Doe was between 11-17 years old, as certain shafts in his teeth had not yet fused, which usually happens around age 20. John Doe had an impacted molar, which had grown sideways and out through his jaw, which the forensic anthropologist determined would have been very painful for him. No indications that John Doe had any sort of dental treatment were present. His cause of death has never been determined. He was estimated to have stood between 5′6″ and 5′10″ (167-177 cm). His weight was unable to be determined. He was found wearing a dark-colored polo shirt, size 11 Reebok high top sneakers, 32 -30 men's Levi jeans which had decomposed except for the pockets, an elastic waistband from cotton underwear, and socks.

Due to the fact that I-95 runs from Houlton, Maine to Miami, Florida, investigators believe that John Doe could have been from pretty much anywhere, including Canada. Some question whether John Doe could have been from Canada due to factors like his age, as it may have been difficult for him to cross the US Canada border, especially if he was alone. However, others say that it could be possible that he hitchhiked his way from Canada to the United States, or simply walked across the border without going through a port of entry from Canada to America. It is also believed that he was a runaway. However, many speculate as to why he may have run away and where he possibly ran away from. Theories ranging from foster homes to abusive homes and maybe just living in a poor family, nearly anything is possible. As of 2019, the two rule-outs for this John Doe are Kenneth Allan Daily of Washington and Joseph David Helt of New York. 

If you have any information regarding the identity of Newburyport John Doe, please contact the Massachusetts State Police at 978-745-8908.

A mother’s primary duty is to nurture her children and protect them from the dangers that lurk in the outer world. But what if they’re the ones purposely inviting danger inside their own home? Michelle Martens was a mother of two living inside an apartment in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sickening enough, she would seek out men online to engage in sexual acts with her two children, one of them being Victoria Martens, while she stood by and watched for her own pleasure. On August 23, 2016, Victoria turned 10-years-old. On that same day, her mother invited over Fabian Gonzales and his cousin, Jessica Kelley, to have sex with her daughter. Victoria was given alcohol and methamphetamine so that she would stay calm during the abuse. At about 4:30 AM the next day, neighbors heard screaming coming from Michelle’s apartment. Shortly after, Michelle and Fabian rushed to their neighbors to report that Jessica had tried attacking them with an iron. Police went over to the apartment to investigate and noted smoke streaming out from behind the closed bathroom door. None of them were prepared for what they were about to see once they opened that door. It was the dismembered remains of Victoria, partially wrapped in a burning blanket. The little girl had been sexually assaulted, stabbed, and strangled. She was then dismembered and her body was set on fire. After the murder, Michelle cooked for her daughter’s killers and they had sex. An autopsy revealed that Victoria had an STD at the time of her death.

Megan Meier was born on November 6, 1992, in O’Fallon, Missouri. Since the third grade she had been battling depression, ADD, and weight issues, for which she was under psychiatric care. Despite her troubles, Megan was a happy and bubbly girl. In 2006, Megan created a MySpace account. Not long after, she received a message from a 16-year-old boy named Josh Evans. He told her that he had just moved to a nearby city of O’Fallon and was homeschooled. Megan and Josh quickly struck up an online friendship. Megan found Josh attractive, and Josh sent her flattering messages every single day. Even her parents noticed a sudden uplift in Megan’s personality during this time. On October 16, 2006, after Megan got home from school, she excitedly signed into MySpace to see messages sent from Josh. Only now, the tone of the messages had abruptly changed. One of the messages he had sent was, “I don’t know if I want to be friends with you anymore because I’ve heard that you are not very nice to your friends.” Josh continued to send similar nasty messages and even posted degrading bulletins about her, calling her fat and a slut. Eventually, others joined in on the bullying, which greatly upset Megan. One of the last messages Josh sent her was, “Everybody in O'Fallon knows who you are. You are a bad person and everybody hates you. Have a shitty rest of your life. The world would be a better place without you.’’ Megan’s last response was, ‘’You’re the kind of boy a girl would kill herself over.’’ Shortly after, she hung herself with a belt in her bedroom closet. Megan was pronounced dead the following day; she was just three weeks shy of her 14th birthday.