EP. 242 - ARIZONA: Three Serial Killers, One City: Phoenix’s Summers of Terror Part 2 (The Baseline Killer & Serial Shooters)

In the final episode of 'The Summers of Terror' series, Murder in America delves into the harrowing reign of three serial killers terrorizing Phoenix, Arizona, from 2005 to 2006. The Baseline Killer, Mark Goudot, emerged as a brutal predator who raped and murdered at least nine women and girls, often targeting vulnerable individuals and leaving victims with their pants pulled down but not sexually assaulted—evidence of a pattern of violence and control. Simultaneously, the serial shooters Dale Hausner and Sam Dietman, fueled by methamphetamine, drove around Phoenix in a silver Toyota Camry, randomly shooting people and animals. Their crimes escalated rapidly in 2006, culminating in the arrest of both men after a tip from Ron Horton, who had once known Sam and had heard him boast about killings. The investigation into Goudot was finally cracked when survivor Darlene Fernandez recognized his composite sketch, leading to DNA evidence linking him to multiple victims, including the 2005 assault of the Lara sisters. Despite a controversial trial and claims of a wrongful conviction, Goudot was sentenced to death for nine murders and 1,200 years for other charges. Hausner and Dietman were also convicted, with Hausner receiving six death sentences and Dietman sentenced to life without parole after pleading guilty. The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the lasting trauma inflicted on victims’ families and the city, while honoring the victims through a donation to Victims for Justice.