Digest

This episode delves into the Clutter family murders, exploring the lives of the killers, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, their trial, and their ultimate fate, while also examining the impact of the crime on the small town of Holcomb, Kansas. The episode begins by introducing the two men, Hickock and Smith, and their troubled pasts. Hickock, a skilled marksman, suffered a near-fatal car accident that left him impulsive and irrational, leading him down a path of risky behavior and ultimately to prison. Smith, born into a violent and unstable family, endured a childhood of abuse and instability, culminating in a motorcycle accident that left him permanently disabled. The episode then recounts how the two men met in prison and how Hickock became obsessed with the Clutter family after hearing about them from his cellmate, Floyd Wells. Wells had worked for Herb Clutter and knew about the family's wealth and the safe Herb allegedly kept under his desk. Hickock, driven by greed and a desire for a big score, convinced Smith to join him in robbing the Clutters. The episode then details the events of the night of the murders, describing how Hickock and Smith entered the Clutter home, tied up the family, and ultimately killed them. The episode concludes with the trial of Hickock and Smith, their confessions, and their execution. The episode also explores the impact of the crime on the town of Holcomb, highlighting the fear and suspicion that gripped the community in the aftermath of the murders. The episode also discusses the role of Truman Capote, who wrote the book "In Cold Blood" about the Clutter murders, and his controversial relationship with the killers.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Clutter Family Murders: Part Two

This Chapter explores the lives of the killers, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, their troubled pasts, and how they came to be involved in the Clutter family murders. It also examines the impact of the crime on the small town of Holcomb, Kansas.

00:01:58

The Killers: Dick Hickock and Perry Smith

This Chapter delves into the backgrounds of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, exploring their troubled childhoods, their encounters with violence, and their eventual imprisonment. It also details how they met in prison and how Hickock became obsessed with the Clutter family.

00:10:24

The Investigation and Capture

This Chapter recounts the investigation into the Clutter family murders, focusing on the role of Floyd Wells, who provided information about the Clutters to Dick Hickock. It also describes the capture of Hickock and Smith in Las Vegas and their subsequent interrogation.

00:19:52

The Trial and Aftermath

This Chapter details the trial of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, their confessions, and their execution. It also explores the impact of the crime on the town of Holcomb and the role of Truman Capote, who wrote the book "In Cold Blood" about the murders.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the backgrounds of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith?

  Both men had troubled pasts. Hickock suffered a near-fatal car accident that left him impulsive and irrational, while Smith endured a childhood of violence and instability. Both men were prone to violence and had been in prison for various crimes.

• How did Hickock and Smith become involved in the Clutter family murders?

  Hickock became obsessed with the Clutter family after hearing about them from his cellmate, Floyd Wells, who had worked for Herb Clutter. Hickock, driven by greed and a desire for a big score, convinced Smith to join him in robbing the Clutters.

• What happened on the night of the murders?

  Hickock and Smith entered the Clutter home, tied up the family, and ultimately killed them. They were motivated by greed, but also by a desire to eliminate any witnesses.

• What was the impact of the crime on the town of Holcomb?

  The murders had a profound impact on the community, leaving residents feeling fearful and suspicious. The crime shattered the sense of safety and security that had previously existed in the town.

• What role did Truman Capote play in the Clutter family murders?

  Capote wrote the non-fiction novel "In Cold Blood" about the murders. He became deeply involved in the case, befriending the killers and gaining access to the investigation. His book is considered a classic of true crime literature.

Show Notes