Midtown Slasher

Morbid Instinct

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the fourth episode of the docu-series 'Homicide New York' titled 'Midtown Slasher.' They explore the case of Howard Pilmer, an office manager who was stabbed to death in his office. The hosts discuss the investigation, the suspects, and the motives behind the crime. They also touch on the topic of gender bias in criminal investigations and the changing perception of women as perpetrators of violent crimes. The conversation highlights the importance of surveillance and DNA evidence in solving crimes and the challenges faced by serial killers in the modern era. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the suspicious behavior of the wife and brother in the Howard Pilmer murder case. They highlight the quick actions taken by the wife, such as selling the company and cashing in on life insurance, as well as the unusual behavior of the wife on the day of the murder. They also express sympathy for Howard Pilmer's father, who lost both his son and grandson. The hosts discuss the manipulation and lack of remorse shown by the wife and brother, and the importance of rational thought and accountability in such cases.

Takeaways

• The case of Howard Pilmer highlights the importance of surveillance and DNA evidence in solving crimes.
• Gender bias can influence criminal investigations, with women often being overlooked as suspects.
• Serial killers face significant challenges in the modern era due to increased surveillance and technological advancements.
• The hosts discuss the changing perception of women as perpetrators of violent crimes.
• The hosts emphasize the need to avoid glorifying criminals and focus on the victims and their families. The wife's quick actions, such as selling the company and cashing in on life insurance, were suspicious and indicated a lack of remorse.
• The wife's unusual behavior on the day of the murder raised further suspicions.
• Sympathy is expressed for Howard Pilmer's father, who lost both his son and grandson.
• Manipulation and lack of remorse were evident in the wife and brother's actions.
• Rational thought and accountability are important factors to consider in such cases.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:22 The Case of Howard Pilmer: A Stabbing in the Office

03:15 The Personal Nature of the Crime

06:44 Gender Bias in Criminal Investigations

09:15 Manipulation and Female Perpetrators

11:03 The Wife as a Suspect

13:46 The Challenges Faced by Serial Killers in the Modern Era

16:33 The Importance of Surveillance and DNA Evidence

19:25 Unusual Behavior on the Day of the Murder

23:02 Sympathy for Howard Pilmer's Father

26:14 Manipulation and Lack of Remorse

29:46 The Importance of Rational Thought and Accountability