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

This episode includes discussions of rape, violence, mutilation, and murder.

We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

Deputy Sheriff Gerard John Schaefer spent a summer morning in 1972 speeding down a floor at a road.

He grinned as he heard his passengers, teenagers, Nancy Trotter, and Sue Wells laughing in the back seat.

They giggle as he turned onto a dirt path and plunged into the woods, hitting every bump along the way.

But Nancy and Sue's excitement turned to confusion when 26-year-old Gerard screeched to a halt.

They were in the heart of Hutchinson Island, a stretch of wilderness with just a few residents.

This confusion only grew as they followed him out of the car and threw some underbrush.

Gerard had bragged to them about a cool secret fort,

but now they wondered if they'd been oversold.

This whole place seemed dirty and creepy.

When Gerard finally pointed to the destination, Nancy and Sue's disappointment was confirmed.

The so-called fort was just an old rotting shed.

Still, the teens nodded politely while Gerard ranted about the supposed history of the structure.

However, as soon as one of them made a comment about leaving for the beach,

Gerard's mood changed dramatically.

Dropping his friendly demeanor, the deputy sheriff fired off questions about drug use,

as though he was interrogating them.

Thinking he was joking, Nancy and Sue laughed.

But Gerard was serious. He barked at them to stand still. They were under arrest.

Gerard could barely contain his excitement as the scared teens willingly held out their

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