Episode 9: DON'T GET IN THE CAR
- Mar 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 11
Inside the Mind of a Monster
The fourth episode of "Catching Evil" delves into the twisted world of Christopher Wilder, one of history's most notorious serial killers. Our expert panel features Dr. Eric Hickey, Dr. Nelson Andreu, and crime writer Michael Robotham—each offering unique insights into Wilder's dark psyche.
Dr. Eric Hickey, a renowned forensic psychologist who consults for the FBI, US military and numerous law enforcement agencies, provides a chilling look into Wilder's manipulative nature. Hickey explains that Wilder was a true psychopath, living a double life fueled by power and control. His charm and charisma masked a deep-seated need to dominate and degrade his victims.
" Don't get in a car with anyone, no matter what they promise. He pulls out a gun and points it at you. You don't get in the car. Never get in the car. If you get in the car, you're dead."
Dr. Nelson Andreu, a former Miami homicide detective and Chief of Police for West Miami, reveals how Wilder meticulously selected his victims—pretty young women, models, and beauty queens. Wilder’s tactics, from posing as a photographer to using his race car driver persona, were designed to lure women into his trap, exploiting their dreams of fame and success. Andreu highlights Wilder's ability to project sophistication and allure, making him a master manipulator.
"Those first murders left him with a thrill that he could never, ever let go. He may relive his actions over and over in his mind, thus receiving again that gratification obtained during the actual murder,"
Michael Robotham, a best-selling crime author, encountered Wilder as a young journalist. He recalls Wilder's unnerving confidence in court, a chilling reminder of his belief in his own invincibility. Robotham’s experience highlights Wilder's skill in deceiving and manipulating those around him, maintaining an air of quiet confidence despite the serious charges he faced.
"Strangling someone and watching them die, that's what he was getting his kicks out of. I mean, the actual killing is what excited him ."
The experts also discuss Wilder's troubled childhood, which included trauma and early deviant behaviours such as being a peeping Tom. These elements, they suggest, were critical in shaping his sadistic tendencies and escalating his criminal activities.
This episode explores how Wilder’s early traumas and manipulative charm combined to create a dangerous predator, offering a stark reminder of the hidden monsters behind seemingly charming facades.
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5 TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE
Victim Selection: Christopher Wilder was known for his meticulous targeting of young, attractive women, particularly models and beauty queens. He exploited his persona as a race car driver and photographer to gain their trust, offering them dreams of fame and success. This calculated approach allowed him to lure victims into dangerous situations, showcasing his cunning and predatory nature.
Psychopathic Traits: Wilder exhibited classic traits of a psychopath, including manipulation, a lack of empathy, and a compulsive need for control and domination over his victims. These traits enabled him to charm and deceive people around him, hiding his dark intentions beneath a veneer of charisma and sophistication.
Early Warning Signs: Wilder's troubled childhood was marked by early deviant behaviours, such as being a peeping Tom, which hinted at his future as a serial killer. These behaviours are often seen as red flags, indicating a potential escalation into more serious criminal activities. Understanding these signs is crucial in identifying and intervening with potential offenders.
Unnerving Confidence: Despite facing serious charges, Wilder maintained an air of confidence that was both unsettling and revealing of his manipulative abilities. His demeanour in court and interactions with others demonstrated his belief in his own invincibility, allowing him to continue his criminal activities without suspicion.
Trauma Influence: Childhood trauma played a significant role in shaping Wilder's sadistic tendencies and criminal behaviour. These early experiences contributed to his development into a violent predator, highlighting the importance of addressing trauma to prevent future violence. His story underscores the complex interplay between past trauma and the emergence of dangerous behaviours.
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Catching Evil is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by violent crime, particularly in light of the chilling legacy of serial killer Christopher Wilder, who left behind a still-growing number of victims. In our pledge to honour these individuals and support their families, we donate to not-for-profit groups in both America and Australia.
Survivors of Homicide Inc, based in Connecticut, provides help to anyone who has lost a loved one to violent crime.
All services are offered to members free of charge, including one-on-one counselling, support groups, court support throughout the judicial process and personal advocacy in working with law enforcement and other community agencies.
It was founded in 1983, just before Christopher Wilder went on his rampage, by a group of families trying to cope with the murder of a loved one that shattered their lives.
When you donate to Yesterday Today Tomorrow Women, you are investing in the empowerment of women across generations. This Florida-based not-for-profit was founded by Kris Conyers, who was abducted off the street at gunpoint by Christopher Wilder with her sister when she was 11 years old.
YTT Women is dedicated to advancing women’s mental health and social wellbeing. Contributions directly support community-based initiatives that raise awareness, provide resources, and foster safe, supportive spaces for women to grow and heal.
Mary’s House Services was founded in 2015 by a dedicated group of concerned citizens from Sydney’s northern suburbs, close to where Christopher Wilder was born and lived wth his family. Members of the local clergy, health authorities, philanthropists and community and business leaders came together to help provide safety for women and their children, victim-survivors of violence and abuse.
Mary’s House refuge was established to address the significant gap in government-funded services and to save lives by providing critical support and a safe space for people to cope with their trauma and begin to rebuild their lives.
How to donate: https://mhs-summer-appeal-2025.raiselysite.com/#donate
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