In this Backstories episode, Handy and Maal tell the story of the Happy Land Social Club arson in the Bronx and Julio Gonzalez. A breakup and rejection turned into a fire that killed 87 people, including his ex girlfriend. We talk motives, lack of remorse, safety failures in public spaces, and how domestic violence can explode into mass tragedy.
Timestamps
00:00 introduction to arson and jealousy
01:55 the happy land social club tragedy
05:03 domestic violence and murder
05:57 reflections on violence and breakups
06:11 closing thoughts and call to action
