Today is Monday, October 19, 2020.

On this day in 2000, serial killer Robert Lee Yates, Jr., pled guilty to 13 murders.

It marked an end to Yates nearly 25-year murder spree and all but ensured that he would spend

the rest of his life in prison or face the death penalty.

Welcome to Today in True Crime, a Spotify original from Parkast.

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

Extreme caution is advised for listeners under 13.

Today we're covering the trial of serial killer Robert Lee Yates, Jr.

Let's travel back to Spokane, Washington on October 19, 2000.

48-year-old Robert Lee Yates, Jr. shuffled into a Spokane County Superior courtroom.

With a receding hairline, comb over and glasses, he looked more like an insurance actuary

than a cold-blooded killer.

But the courthouse was packed with friends and families of his victims.

In all Spokane County detectives and prosecutors, linked Yates, a military veteran and family

man, to 13 murders.

And they suspected Yates had committed more.

Yates face remained expressionless as the courtroom erupted into jeers.

The families could barely contain their disdain for the confessed murderer.

The judge tried to bring the crowd to order.

He smashed his gavel onto the wooden dais.

After a few moments, the spectators hushed.

Then the judge read a list of charges against Yates, 13 counts of first-degree murder and

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