Killer Psyche - podcast cover

Killer Psyche

Wondery | Treefort Mediawondery.com

When a shocking crime occurs, people ask “Why?” Was it about power, ego, or revenge? On Killer Psyche, retired FBI agent Candice DeLong draws on her decades of experience to reveal why these murderers and criminals committed these heinous acts. She will reveal fascinating new details about what drove these people, including cases she was close to. Candice will share specific psychological methods and profiling techniques that experts use to understand the deepest part of the most complex, fascinating, and twisted minds, from the Unabomber to Alex Murdaugh to Mary Bell.


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Episodes

Judy Buenoano: The Black Widow of Florida

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the chilling case of Judy Buenoano, a woman who earned the nickname “The Black Widow of Florida” after a string of suspicious deaths in her life. Over nearly a decade, Judy concealed her crimes behind a mask of composure and caregiving, using poison, drowning, and even car bombs to eliminate those closest to her. But when Judy’s overconfidence led authorities straight to her, her elaborate web of lies began to unravel – leading to...

Jun 10, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 40

Michael Peterson & the Staircase Murder

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the puzzling and polarizing case of Michael Peterson, the novelist accused of murdering his wife, Kathleen, after she was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in their home in 2001. What at first appeared to be a tragic fall quickly unraveled into a complex investigation filled with secrets, lies, and stunning revelations about Peterson’s past – and his double life. Candice investigates how Peterson’s narcissistic need for admira...

Jun 03, 202546 minSeason 4Ep. 39

Wondery Presents: How to Survive Against the Odds

Inspired by Wondery’s hit podcast Against the Odds —learn how to survive whatever nature can throw at you through gut-twisting true stories of survival on the brink How to Survive Against the Odds places you at the center of fifteen real life-or-death scenarios. Each story explores the physiological responses of the human body under unbearable conditions, how to counteract them, and strategies for survival from doctors and psychologists. Through these tales, we see the grit, willpower, and know-...

Jun 02, 20256 min

Donato Bilancia: The Monster of the Riviera

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the chilling case of Donato Bilancia, dubbed “The Monster of the Riviera.” Over a span of just seven months, Bilancia went on a shocking killing spree across northern Italy, claiming the lives of 17 victims – both men and women, strangers and acquaintances alike. But what drove a compulsive gambler and seemingly unremarkable man to become one of Italy’s most prolific serial killers? Candice delves into the psychological torment be...

May 27, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 38

Christopher Dorner: The Mind Behind the Manhunt

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the chilling case of Christopher Dorner, a decorated Navy veteran and former LAPD officer who waged a deadly campaign against the very department he once served. In 2013, Dorner launched a series of targeted attacks on law enforcement officers and their families, leaving Southern California on edge for nearly two weeks – and causing the LAPD to launch their largest manhunt to date. Candice explores how Dorner became entrenched in ...

May 20, 202551 minSeason 4Ep. 37

Candy Montgomery: A Sudden Snap or a Calculated Act?

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the controversial case of Candy Montgomery. In 1980, Candy was accused of committing the brutal axe slaying of her close friend, Betty Gore, following an affair she had with Betty’s husband. She confessed to the crime…so why was she ultimately found not guilty? Candice explores how an unconventional psychological assessment became the hallmark of Candy’s defense, and what kind of social and psychological factors may have contribut...

May 13, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 36

Goidsargi Estibaliz Carranza Zabala: The Ice Cream Killer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of Goidsargi Estibaliz Carranza Zabala, also known as the “Ice Cream Killer.” To the outside world, she was just a friendly ice cream shop owner in Vienna. But behind the counter, Carranza was living a lie. Between 2008 and 2010, she murdered both her ex-husband and her boyfriend, hiding their remains in the basement freezer beneath the shop. Candice explores the psychological unraveling that led to these calculated killing...

May 06, 202543 minSeason 4Ep. 35

Luigi Mangione: Discussing the Latest with Law & Crime's Jesse Weber

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong speaks with Law & Crime host and NewsNation legal contributor Jesse Weber to discuss the headline-dominating case of Luigi Mangione – the focus of Law & Crime’s gripping new podcast LUIGI, hosted by Jesse. Together, they unpack how a young man’s outward charm allegedly masked a much darker truth. Candice and Jesse discuss exclusive insights from his deep dive into Mangione’s story, unpack the head-scratching response to Mangione’s al...

Apr 29, 202540 minSeason 4Ep. 34

Phil Spector: Music, Madness, and Murder

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong delves into the case of Phil Spector. Once a legendary music producer known for his unique use of sound, Spector slowly became a figure of mystery – and controversy. Years of erratic behavior and isolation culminated into Spector’s undoing one morning in February of 2003, when actress Lana Clarkson was found shot to death in his mansion. Candice explores how a dangerous mix of mental illness, substance abuse, and a combination of fears led o...

Apr 22, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 33

Samuel Little: America's Most Prolific Serial Killer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the chilling case of Samuel Little, the most prolific serial killer in United States history. For nearly four decades, Little preyed on the society’s most vulnerable, evading justice as he carried out a staggering number of murders. Despite multiple arrests, he avoided serious punishment – until a DNA match finally exposed his crimes. Candice unpacks the psychopathy and paraphilias that fueled his crimes, how he was able to kill und...

Apr 15, 202548 minSeason 4Ep. 32

Leonarda Cianciulli: The Soap-Maker of Correggio

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the case of Leonarda Cianciulli, “The Soap-Maker of Correggio.” Between 1939 and 1940, Leonarda – a popular store owner in the Italian town of Correggio — lured three women to their deaths before turning their remains into tea cakes and soap. Her motive? To save her son from dying in World War II. Candice analyzes how years of tragedy and a series of unfavorable fortune readings led Leonarda to developing a dangerous delusion that...

Apr 08, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 31

Christopher Wilder: The Beauty Queen Killer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the case of Christopher Wilder. In 1984, Wilder went on a terrifying cross-country rampage that lasted 47 days and claimed the lives of at least eight young women, who believed that Wilder would help them achieve their modeling dreams. Known as the “Beauty Queen Killer,” he used his charm and wealth to manipulate and control his victims before subjecting them to horrific violence. Candice examines how Wilder’s deeply rooted fantas...

Apr 01, 202550 minSeason 4Ep. 30

Pedro Alonso López: "The Monster of the Andes"

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of Pedro Alonso López. In the late 1970s, López terrorized young girls across Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, amassing a suspected victim count of more than 300. López was dubbed “The Monster of the Andes” due to the sheer horror and depravity of his crimes – and his own admission of enjoying the suffering of his vulnerable victims. Candice examines how López’s troubled and tragic upbringing initially led him into a life of cr...

Mar 25, 202544 minSeason 4Ep. 29

Barbara & Antony Baekeland: How a Mother Made a Murderer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the case of mother-son duo Barbara and Antony Baekeland. Behind the facade of a beautiful socialite and doting mother, Barbara Baekeland was not as charming as she seemed. She harbored a dark and twisted obsession with her son – an obsession that would lead him to kill his own mother in cold blood. Candice unravels the shocking relationship between them, exploring how Barbara’s overbearing need for control ended in her downfall. B...

Mar 18, 202551 minSeason 4Ep. 28

Albert Fish, The Real-Life Boogeyman: A Conversation with True Crime Author Harold Schechter

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the case of Albert Fish. Though he appeared harmless, Fish was anything but; his crimes were fueled by a disturbing blend of sadism, cruelty, and unimaginable depravity. Candice unpacks the disturbing psychology behind his crimes and the twisted fantasies that fueled his brutality. Then, she sits down with legendary true crime author Harold Schechter, who wrote Deranged: The Shocking True Story of America’s Most Fiendish Killer!, to...

Mar 11, 202547 minSeason 4Ep. 27

Aaron Hernandez: From NFL Superstar to Cold Blooded Killer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the case of Aaron Hernandez. Once a rising NFL star at the top of his game, Hernandez’s legacy took a dark turn when his past caught up with him, resulting in a murder conviction – and, eventually, his own death. Candice discusses how a devastating combination of a troubled upbringing and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) could have played a role in his deadly actions. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curat...

Mar 04, 202551 minSeason 4Ep. 26

Shelly Knotek: Mother, Manipulator, Murderer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong delves into the chilling case of Shelly Knotek, a woman who hid monstrous cruelty behind a facade of kindness. For years, Shelly inflicted years of abuse, control, and torture on her own family and friends – completely undetected. Candice unpacks the psychological tactics Shelly used to break her victims, the horrifying extent of her abuse, and how the shocking truth finally came to light, ending years of unchecked brutality. Be the first to...

Feb 25, 202552 minSeason 4Ep. 25

John Wilkes Booth: The Assassin of President Abraham Lincoln

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the infamous case of John Wilkes Booth. Once recognized for his charm, good looks, and talent, Booth cemented himself in history when he shot and killed Abraham Lincoln in 1865 – becoming the first person to ever assassinate an American president. Candice examines how a promising actor became a cold blooded killer, and explains how radicalization and a thirst for fame played a role in his deadly actions. Be the first to know about...

Feb 18, 202542 minSeason 4Ep. 24

Andrew Cunanan: The Versace Killer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the case of Andrew Cunanan. In 1997, Cunanan infamously murdered iconic fashion designer Gianni Versace at his Florida mansion. But months before the crime shocked the world, Cunanan had killed at least four men across the country – landing him on the radar of the FBI. Candice explores how Cunanan’s pursuit of wealth and flair for the dramatic spiraled into instability, and discusses how he used murder to make a mark on the world. B...

Feb 11, 202553 minSeason 4Ep. 23

Linda Hazzard: The "Starvation Doctor"

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the case of Linda Hazzard, also known as the “Starvation Doctor.” Deluded by her belief that fasting cures all diseases, Hazzard killed at least 14 people in the 20th century by subjecting them to fatally restrictive diets. And when her patients were on the wealthier side, she used their physical weakness to her financial advantage. Candice explores how a childhood sickness might have contributed to Hazzard’s harmful health belief...

Feb 04, 202550 minSeason 4Ep. 22

Robert Durst: From Millionaire to Murderer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of Robert Durst, the infamous New York real estate heir turned convicted killer. From the disappearance of his wife to the gruesome murder of one of his neighbors, mystery and death seemed to follow Durst wherever he went – and somehow, he always managed to keep suspicion at bay. But that all changed when Durst himself decided to tell his own story in the HBO show The Jinx, unknowingly bringing his dark secrets into the spo...

Jan 28, 202552 minSeason 4Ep. 21

Harvey Glatman: The Glamour Girl Slayer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the case of Harvey Glatman, also known as the “Glamour Girl Slayer.” In the late 1950s, Glatman lured aspiring models to him by posing as a true detective magazine photographer. But Glatman was no photographer – he was a dangerous predator who lied and manipulated his way into killing three women. Candice explores how Glatman’s early deviant behaviors escalated over time, and how his sadistic crimes became some of the most infamous ...

Jan 21, 202552 minSeason 4Ep. 20

Nancy Kissel: The Milkshake Murderer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the case of Nancy Kissel, also known as the “Milkshake Murderer.” In 2003, Nancy brutally murdered her wealthy banker husband, Robert, after having her own daughter give him a sedative-laced milkshake. What followed next was a web of lies and a botched cover-up of the crime that shocked friends, family and the expat community of Hong Kong that Nancy and Robert had been a part of for several years. Candice examines how greed, infid...

Jan 14, 202554 minSeason 4Ep. 19

Charles Manson: His Mind and Motivations

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the case of Charles Manson. In 1969, Manson orchestrated the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders in Los Angeles, California – using his influence over young, vulnerable followers to commit horrific crimes on his behalf. Fueled by his outlandish beliefs and behavior, he became one of the most frightening figures in true crime. But what was really going on in the mind of Manson? Candice explores how constant rejection in Manson’s life coul...

Jan 07, 202550 minSeason 4Ep. 18

ENCORE: The Rescue

Former FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong digs deeper into the case of the Anthrax Murders and the involvement of suspect Dr. Bruce Ivins, a microbiologist for the Army’s biodefense laboratory. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Need more Killer Psyche? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive episodes, early access to new ones, and they’re always ad-free. Start your free trial in the Wond...

Dec 31, 202444 minSeason 4Ep. 17

Luigi Mangione: Unraveling the Alleged United Healthcare CEO Assassin

In this special episode, retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong digs into the case of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brain Thompson. Candice breaks down what we know so far – from the morning of the deadly shooting to the moment of Mangione’s arrest – and gives her analysis of what could have caused a wealthy Ivy league grad to eventually become an alleged killer. Also, listen as Candice explores the psychology behind the viral reacti...

Dec 24, 202455 minSeason 4Ep. 16

Beyond Lady In The Lake: A Conversation With Author Laura Lippman

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong speaks with award-winning novelist Laura Lippman, author of the bestselling novel Lady in the Lake and the Tess Monaghan detective series, to discuss her career as a crime fiction writer. Pulling from her experience as a former journalist and Baltimore native, Laura has captivated audiences with stories of mystery, murder, and suspense. Candice and Laura discuss how she got her start in the world of crime fiction, how her real-world experien...

Dec 17, 202428 minSeason 4Ep. 15

John Cooper: The Bullseye Killer

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of John Cooper, also known as the “Bullseye Killer.” In the ‘80s, Cooper committed two double murders in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire in the UK. Throughout the following decade, Cooper would commit a series of other crimes, like burglary and sexual assault – but it would take nearly another decade for authorities to link him to the killings. Candice dives into the psyche of Cooper, exploring how his addiction to gambli...

Dec 10, 202441 minSeason 4Ep. 14

The Trial of Sarah Boone

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong speaks with attorney and former public defender Kate Hardie to discuss the trial of Sarah Boone. In 2020, Boone was charged with second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., after zipping him in a suitcase during a game of hide-and-seek and leaving him to suffocate. After years of delays, Boone went to trial – and was ultimately convicted. Candice and Kate discuss the role Boone’s own testimony played in her trial, h...

Dec 03, 202431 minSeason 4Ep. 13

The Story of "Lawyer X": A Conversation with Marcia Clark

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong speaks with famed attorney and legal analyst Marcia Clark to discuss the case of Nicola Gobbo, the subject of the new Wondery podcast Informants: Lawyer X. In the early 2000s, Gobbo served as a criminal defense attorney for some of Australia's biggest criminals – but when she began dishing out her clients’ secrets to the police, she sparked one of the most infamous legal scandals in Australian history. Candice and Marcia discuss how Gobbo be...

Nov 26, 202438 minSeason 4Ep. 12
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