Due to the graphic nature of this killer's crimes,

listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of murder, rape, and assault

that some people may find offensive.

We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

Christmas cheer permeated the shook family residents.

The family of five had just put down

roots in the small town of Hamilton, Montana,

and they were eager to make this holiday season special.

As Mike played Christmas music softly on the stereo,

his wife Teresa baked cookies with their four-year-old son, Luke.

Luke was especially excited about this year's festivities.

Not only was the sweet smell of sugar cookies

wafting throughout the house,

a tree stood proudly in the living room,

waiting to be decorated.

Now all he needed was Santa to arrive and deliver the presents.

When a knot came at the front door,

little Luke scrambled to open it.

But instead of jolly old St. Nick,

a man with bright red hair and glasses stood on the front stoop.

There was a knife in his belt and a gun in his hand.

...