EPISODE 105 - Butcher Baker - The Story Of Robert Hansen

Robert Hansen, often referred to as the "Butcher Baker," was a notorious serial killer in Alaska who committed a series of gruesome crimes in the 1970s and 1980s. His chilling story revolves around his double life as a respected family man and a monstrous predator.

Hansen was a quiet man who owned a bakery in Anchorage, Alaska. Despite his mild-mannered exterior, he struggled with deep-seated insecurities stemming from childhood bullying due to a stutter and severe acne. These issues contributed to his resentment toward women, particularly those he perceived as attractive or unattainable.

Hansen's crimes followed a horrifying pattern. He would abduct young women, often prostitutes or exotic dancers, under false pretenses or by force. After assaulting them, he would take them to remote locations in the Alaskan wilderness, sometimes flying them in his private plane. There, he would release them and hunt them like wild animals, using a rifle or bow and arrow.

Over a decade, Hansen killed at least 17 women, though he is suspected of many more. He buried some of his victims' bodies in the wilderness, marking the locations on a personal map. This map later became crucial evidence in his capture.

Hansen's downfall began when one of his intended victims, a young woman named Cindy Paulson, managed to escape. She provided police with detailed descriptions of Hansen and his crimes. Despite her credible testimony, Hansen initially evaded justice due to his clean-cut reputation. However, investigators eventually connected him to the murders through forensic evidence, including items found at his home and his private plane.

Hansen was arrested in 1983 and confessed to his crimes as part of a plea bargain to avoid the death penalty. He provided authorities with information about the locations of his victims' graves. He was sentenced to 461 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

Robert Hansen's case remains one of the most chilling examples of a serial killer leading a double life. His story has been the subject of books, documentaries, and the 2013 film The Frozen Ground, starring Nicolas Cage and John Cusack. It highlights the importance of persistence in criminal investigations and the resilience of survivors like Cindy Paulson, whose bravery helped bring Hansen to justice.