What makes a killer contains graphic details of sexual assault and violence and is not intended for all audiences.

Listener discretion is strongly advised.

March 10, 1993, in London, England.

A man calls a national newspaper to declare that he had just killed somebody.

The victim, 45-year-old Peter Walker, had been suffocated to death with a plastic bag during a sadomasochistic sex session.

He's not just killed his victim, he's humiliated him as well.

The killer was 38-year-old Colin Ireland, a man with a singular obsession.

He gives himself a New Year's resolution in January 1993 that he will become a serial killer.

Determined to get credit for his cold-blooded crimes, Ireland would call and taunt the police.

By June 12, four more men would be found dead across London.

Each of three men in a week, you know, that's just unbelievable. It just hasn't happened in my experience.

This is what makes a killer, a series that chronicles the lives and crimes of the world's most notorious killers.

I'm your host, Jennifer Natoso.

In every episode, we'll trace a killer's origins, examine their behavior, and follow their path to bloodshed.

In this episode, we'll discuss Colin Ireland.

This killer's story begins more than 60 years ago. Colin Ireland was born in Dartford Kent on March 16, 1954. His mother was just 17 years old.

Author and journalist Jeffrey Wonsel describes Ireland's family life.

His parents were unmarried teenagers. His father disappeared. His mother struggled to call it dysfunctional would be to compliment it.

Ireland's upbringing was horrible. There is no other word to use.

Ireland's mother struggled to settle down. And by the time he was 10, Colin had changed schools six times.

They had also changed homes nine times, including a short spell and a homeless shelter for women and children.

Forensic psychologist Rex Bieber and criminologist Dr. Elizabeth Yardley pieced together where Ireland's life likely started unraveling.

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