The Twin Cities Weepy Killer /// Part 2 /// 772
2Digest
This episode of True Crime Garage delves into the case of the Weepy Voiced Killer, Paul Stefani. The episode begins by discussing the initial investigation into the murder of Kimberly Compton, which involved multiple phone calls from the attacker. The police released recordings of these calls to the public, hoping someone would recognize the voice. The investigation took a turn when Alan Lopez, a man who had killed his parents and sister, confessed to Compton's murder but then took his own life while in jail. However, the investigation reopened when Barbara Simons was found murdered in a similar manner to Compton, and the Weepy Voiced Killer called police again, confessing to both murders. This led to the identification of Paul Stefani, who was eventually convicted of Simons' murder and the attempted murder of Denise Williams, who fought back against him. Stefani later confessed to all three murders, as well as the attempted murder of Karen Potack and the murder of Kathy Greening, before dying of cancer in 1988. The episode concludes with a recommendation for the book "Winnie Killer Calls" by John Douglas, which explores the case of serial killer Larry Jean Bell, who also made phone calls to police after his crimes.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and the host, Nick, and his co-host, who is known for his love of Taco Bell. They also mention the beer they are drinking, Founders' Mortal Bloom, and give a shout-out to their listeners who have contributed to the Beer Fun for the Beer Run.
The Weepy Voiced Killer
This Chapter dives into the case of the Weepy Voiced Killer, starting with the attack on Karen Potack, who survived, and the subsequent murder of Kimberly Compton. The episode discusses the phone calls made by the killer, the police investigation, and the confession of Alan Lopez, who later died in jail. The chapter also explores the murder of Barbara Simons and the subsequent confession by the Weepy Voiced Killer, leading to the identification of Paul Stefani.
Paul Stefani's Crimes
This Chapter focuses on the crimes committed by Paul Stefani, including the attempted murder of Denise Williams, who fought back against him. The chapter details the events leading up to the attack, Williams' street smarts, and the intervention of a good Samaritan, Douglas Panning. It also discusses Stefani's subsequent arrest and the evidence that connected him to the murders of Barbara Simons and Kimberly Compton.
Paul Stefani's Trial and Confession
This Chapter covers Paul Stefani's trial and conviction for the murder of Barbara Simons and the attempted murder of Denise Williams. The chapter also discusses the testimony of Stefani's ex-wife, sister, and a woman who lived with him, who all identified his voice as the Weepy Voiced Killer. The chapter concludes with Stefani's confession to the murders of Kimberly Compton and Kathy Greening, as well as the attempted murder of Karen Potack, before his death from cancer in 1988.
The Psychology of the Weepy Voiced Killer
This Chapter explores the psychology of the Weepy Voiced Killer, focusing on his choice to use pay phones to call police after his crimes. The chapter compares his actions to those of the Zodiac Killer, who also used pay phones to taunt police. The episode suggests that Stefani's use of pay phones may have been a way to ensure that police were aware of his crimes and to experience a sense of control over the situation.
Recommended Reading
This Chapter concludes the episode with a recommendation for the book "Winnie Killer Calls" by John Douglas, which explores the case of serial killer Larry Jean Bell, who also made phone calls to police after his crimes. The episode highlights the similarities between Bell's case and Stefani's, and encourages listeners to check out their previous coverage of the case in a three-part series.
Keywords
Weepy Voiced Killer
The Weepy Voiced Killer is the nickname given to Paul Stefani, a serial killer who operated in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in the early 1980s. He was known for making phone calls to police after his crimes, often confessing to the murders and expressing remorse. His voice was described as high-pitched and weepy, hence the nickname.
Paul Stefani
Paul Stefani was a serial killer who operated in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in the early 1980s. He was convicted of the murder of Barbara Simons and the attempted murder of Denise Williams, and later confessed to the murders of Kimberly Compton and Kathy Greening, as well as the attempted murder of Karen Potack. He died of cancer in 1988.
Kimberly Compton
Kimberly Compton was an 18-year-old woman who was murdered in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1981. She was stabbed 61 times with an ice pick and strangled with her own shoelace. Her murder was one of the crimes committed by the Weepy Voiced Killer, Paul Stefani.
Barbara Simons
Barbara Simons was a 40-year-old woman who was murdered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1982. She was stabbed to death after accepting a ride home from Paul Stefani, the Weepy Voiced Killer. Her murder was the second known crime committed by Stefani.
Denise Williams
Denise Williams was a 19-year-old sex worker who was the victim of an attempted murder by Paul Stefani, the Weepy Voiced Killer, in 1982. She fought back against Stefani, hitting him over the head with a glass bottle, and survived the attack. Her testimony helped to convict Stefani.
Karen Potack
Karen Potack was the first known victim of the Weepy Voiced Killer, Paul Stefani. She survived an attack in 1980, but was unable to provide a description of her attacker. Stefani later confessed to the attempted murder of Potack.
Kathy Greening
Kathy Greening was a woman who was murdered in 1982. Her death was initially ruled an accident, but Paul Stefani later confessed to her murder. He had never been a suspect in her case before his confession.
Alan Lopez
Alan Lopez was a man who confessed to the murder of Kimberly Compton in 1981. However, he was later found to have killed his parents and sister, and took his own life while in jail. His confession to Compton's murder was initially believed to be true, but was later proven to be false.
John Douglas
John Douglas is a former FBI criminal profiler who is known for his work on the case of the Weepy Voiced Killer, Paul Stefani. He is also the author of the best-selling book "Mind Hunter," which explores the psychology of serial killers. Douglas is a frequent guest on True Crime Garage and has provided insights into the case of Stefani.
Larry Jean Bell
Larry Jean Bell was a serial killer who operated in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for making phone calls to police after his crimes, often confessing to the murders and expressing remorse. His case is explored in the book "Winnie Killer Calls" by John Douglas, which is recommended by the hosts of True Crime Garage.
Q&A
What was the Weepy Voiced Killer's real name?
The Weepy Voiced Killer's real name was Paul Stefani.
What crimes was Paul Stefani convicted of?
Paul Stefani was convicted of the murder of Barbara Simons and the attempted murder of Denise Williams.
Why did Paul Stefani confess to his crimes before he died?
Paul Stefani confessed to his crimes before he died because he was diagnosed with skin cancer and had less than a year to live. He may have felt remorse for his actions and wanted to seek forgiveness before he died.
What was unusual about the way the Weepy Voiced Killer contacted police after his crimes?
The Weepy Voiced Killer often called police from pay phones near the crime scenes, sometimes confessing to the murders and expressing remorse. This unusual behavior suggests that he may have wanted to be caught or to experience a sense of control over the situation.
What is the book "Winnie Killer Calls" about?
The book "Winnie Killer Calls" by John Douglas explores the case of serial killer Larry Jean Bell, who also made phone calls to police after his crimes. The book provides insights into the psychology of serial killers and the challenges of investigating their crimes.
What was the connection between Paul Stefani and the manufacturing company where Karen Potack was found?
Paul Stefani had worked as a janitor at the manufacturing company where Karen Potack was found, several years before she was attacked. This connection was discovered during the investigation into Stefani's crimes.
How did Denise Williams survive her attack by Paul Stefani?
Denise Williams survived her attack by Paul Stefani because she was street smart and had already planned her escape. She fought back against him, hitting him over the head with a glass bottle, and her screams attracted the attention of a good Samaritan who intervened.
What was the role of Alan Lopez in the case of the Weepy Voiced Killer?
Alan Lopez was a man who confessed to the murder of Kimberly Compton, but was later found to have killed his parents and sister. His confession was initially believed to be true, but was later proven to be false. His case was a major distraction in the investigation into the Weepy Voiced Killer.
What was the significance of the phone calls made by the Weepy Voiced Killer?
The phone calls made by the Weepy Voiced Killer were significant because they provided valuable evidence in the investigation. They helped to identify Stefani as the killer, and they also provided insights into his psychology and motivations.
What was the outcome of the investigation into the Weepy Voiced Killer?
The investigation into the Weepy Voiced Killer resulted in the conviction of Paul Stefani for the murder of Barbara Simons and the attempted murder of Denise Williams. He later confessed to the murders of Kimberly Compton and Kathy Greening, as well as the attempted murder of Karen Potack. Stefani died of cancer in 1988.
Show Notes
The Twin Cities Weepy Killer /// Part 2 /// 772
Part 2 of 2
In the early 1980s a deadly man was stalking the women of the Twin Cities. He used different weapons and methods to kill his victims. Often after a kill, the act was followed by a phone call claiming responsibility for the murder. Why were these calls seemingly part of the killer’s M.O.? What purpose did they serve? Was it an act of remorse or just to taunt the protectors of these cities? A man known as the “Weepy Voiced Killer” successfully killed women and left them on the side streets and back alleys of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and he got away with it for two years.
Beer of the Week - Mortal Bloom, Hazy IPA by Founder’s Brewing Company
Garage Grade - 4 and a quarter bottle caps out of 5
More True Crime Garage can be found on Patreon and Apple subscriptions with our show - Off The Record. Catch dozens of episodes of Off The Record plus a couple of Bonus episodes and our first 50 when you sign up today.
True Crime Garage merchandise is available on our website’s store page. Plus get True Crime Garage Pod art that you can post on your socials on our Media page.
Follow the show on X and Insta @TrueCrimeGarage / Follow Nic on X @TCGNIC / Follow The Captain on X @TCGCaptain
Thanks for listening and thanks for telling a friend. Be good, be kind, and don’t litter!
Table of contents
United States
I think it more likely that the weeping stuff is mockery and end zone dancing.