What is the episode about?
Dennis Nilsen, also known as 'The Kindly Killer', is the focus of this first part of an extensive series from the podcast a href='/profil/morbid'>Morbid /a>. Hosts Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley dive into the story of the Scottish serial killer who operated in the London neighborhoods of Muswell Hill and Cranley Gardens. The episode outlines Nilsen's early life and the first murders that began in 1978 with the killing of 14-year-old Steven Holmes. Through their characteristic blend of technical insight from an autopsy technician and deep research into the perpetrator's psychology, the hosts illuminate how Nilsen managed to remain undetected for five years while systematically luring vulnerable young men to his apartment.
The case behind the episode
The case of a href='/krimidex/dennis-nilsen'>Dennis Nilsen /a> truly began when he moved to Melrose Avenue and later Cranley Gardens. Nilsen exploited his position as an apparently harmless civil servant to build trust with his victims, who were often homeless or men he met at local pubs. After strangling his victims, Nilsen exhibited necrophilic tendencies and kept the bodies in his home for weeks before disposing of them. In this first part of the podcast, it is described how he hid body parts under floorboards until the smell and lack of space forced him to find more drastic methods. The case has many similarities with the American serial killer a href='/krimidex/jeffrey-dahmer'>Jeffrey Dahmer /a>, particularly regarding the victims' demographics and the macabre handling of the deceased. It was not until February 1983 that the truth came to light when a plumber was called to investigate a blockage in the property's drainage system and found human bones and tissue.
About the podcast
Morbid is one of the most popular true crime podcasts internationally, hosted by Alaina Urquhart, who works as an autopsy technician, and Ash Kelley, who is a hairstylist. Their dynamic combines scientific knowledge with a personal and often indignant approach to the cases they cover. The series on a href='/krimidex/dennis-nilsen'>Dennis Nilsen /a> is an example of their ability to delve into complex cases that span several decades. The podcast is known for giving a voice to the victims while analyzing the perpetrator's dark motives without glorifying the actions.