In this episode of Crime Time, Inc., we delve into the harrowing year of 1978, a period marked by a dramatic surge in serial killer activity and other violent crimes. The discussion highlights the staggering statistics from Radford University, which show that the number of active serial killers skyrocketed from 100 in the 1940s to 765 in the 1970s. The hosts examine notable cases, including the capture of Ted Bundy and the horrifying crimes of Carlton Gary, John Wayne Gacy, and the Hillside Stranglers. The episode also touches on the international crimes of Andrei Chikatilo and Dennis Nilsen, as well as the lesser-known but equally disturbing stories of Gerald Parker and Philip Carl Jablonski. The show explores potential factors contributing to this spike in violence, such as the impact of war trauma, the development of the interstate highway system, and the role of media and pop culture. Other significant events of 1978, like Ted Kaczynski's bombing campaign and the Jonestown Massacre, are also discussed. The episode questions the societal, psychological, and environmental influences that may have created a perfect storm for such a dark chapter in criminal history, offering insights that remain relevant for understanding and preventing future tragedies.
00:00 Introduction to 1978: A Year of Infamy
00:23 The Rise of Serial Killers: Shocking Statistics
00:56 Notorious Names: Ted Bundy and More
02:08 Global Terror: Serial Killers Beyond the U.S.
03:25 Other Forms of Violence: Bombings and Massacres
03:47 Theories Behind the Surge: War, Media, and More
04:16 The Highway System: Aiding Drifter Killers
04:41 Media Influence: The Role of True Crime Fascination
05:39 Societal Changes: Divorce Rates and Family Instability
05:57 Environmental Factors: The Lead Theory
06:27 The Complex Web: Interconnected Factors
08:11 Law Enforcement Challenges: Adapting to New Realities
11:50 The Human Cost: Impact on Investigators
13:37 Conclusion: Learning from the Past
About Crime Time Inc.
Crime Time Inc. is hosted by Tom and Simon—two ex-cops with decades of frontline experience and zero tolerance for fluff. Tom, a by-the-book former Deputy Chief Constable from Edinburgh, and Simon, a rule-bending ex-undercover cop from Glasgow, bring sharp insight, dark humour, and plenty of East vs. West banter to every episode.
Whether they’re revisiting cases they worked on, grilling fellow former officers, or picking apart narrated true crime stories, Tom and Simon don’t just talk about crime—they’ve lived it. Real cases. Real cops. Real talk.
Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/
If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us.
Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey.
http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
