Due to the graphic nature of this killer's crimes, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of murder, suicide, pedophilia, and rape

that some people may find offensive. We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

The first thing Arthur Shawcross noticed about eight-year-old Karen Hill was her honey-blond

hair. As the sun might reflect it off of her golden head like a halo, his eyes were drawn

to her. He'd always liked that color. It was an autumn day in 1972,

and Arthur stood at his usual fishing spot on the bank at the Black River.

But now, watching Karen cross the bridge above him, he formed other plans.

The 27-year-old called out to the girl. Arthur had a way with kids,

and he coaxed Karen into fishing with him, goading and teasing until she agreed.

She climbed over the fence and down the hill.

Arthur started like he usually did, playfully poking the young girl. But his nudges turned to

pushes, then shoves. Sometimes it was enough for Arthur to see them cry, but not this time.

He pushed Karen down, shoving mud and dirt into her mouth to keep her quiet.

As Karen struggled helplessly, Arthur tugged her shorts off and raped her.

Once he had enough, he took a string dangling from her shirt and wrapped it around her throat,

pulling hard until Karen went limp.

Afterwards, Arthur stashed the body under some discarded cement slabs and climbed up the hill

back to the bridge. Now he thought it was time for some ice cream.

Hi, I'm Greg Poulson. This is Serial Killers, a Spotify original from podcast.

Every episode we dive into the minds and madness of Serial Killers.

Today we'll take a look at Arthur Shaw Cross, otherwise known as

...