Slaycation: How Often Do Murders Take Place on Vacation?
Jan 08, 2024, 10:00 PM
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When you think about going on vacation, does the thought of murder ever cross your mind? For most, it's a distant, if not improbable, concern. However, the recent episode of "Hidden Killers" with Tony Brueski featuring Jerry Kolber, host of the podcast "Slaycation", sheds light on the chilling reality of homicides occurring in popular holiday destinations.
Tony Brueski, known for his insightful and often haunting narratives, opens the discussion with a personal anecdote. He recalls a family trip to Hawaii, where he points out a beach notorious for its connection to the infamous Chad and Lori Daybell wedding. This dark tourism intrigue, as Brueski describes, isn't as uncommon as one might think.
Kolber, with a history of producing educational television shows, explains the origin of "Slaycation." The idea took root while working on the Discovery ID show "Homicide Hunter." He and his partner, Adam Davis, noticed an alarming trend of vacation-related murders. "It's incredible how many people this happens to," Kolber remarks, highlighting the diverse scenarios in which these tragedies unfold, from cruises to outdoor adventures.
The conversation delves into the psychology behind these crimes. Kolber poses a haunting question: What drives someone to plan a murder during what is supposed to be a relaxing escape? He notes the often close relationships between the victim and perpetrator, adding a disturbing layer to these already tragic tales.
One chilling example discussed is the case of a newlywed couple on a honeymoon hike, where the wife tragically falls off a cliff. Initially deemed an accident, further investigation reveals a sinister plot by the husband, who had a history of suspicious deaths in his past. This case, like many others, Kolber explains, involves intricate planning, often masked as tragic accidents.
Brueski and Kolber also touch on the role of location in these crimes. Certain vacation styles, particularly those involving outdoor activities, present more opportunities for disguising murder as an accident. They discuss various cases, from hunting accidents to drowning incidents, where the holiday setting played a crucial role in the crime.
The discussion shifts to geographical hotspots for such crimes, with Mexico being a focal point. Kolber clarifies a common misconception: while the number of cases in Mexico is notable due to its proximity as a popular vacation spot for Americans, the risk of violent crime for tourists is actually higher in the United States.
One poignant aspect of the conversation is the acknowledgment of the victims and the red flags in these tragic stories. "We focus a lot more than other true crime shows do on the victims," Kolber states, emphasizing the importance of understanding and recognizing signs of potentially abusive relationships.
As the podcast delves into the complexities of these cases, the hosts grapple with the challenges law enforcement faces in solving vacation-related murders. The lack of routine, unfamiliar locations, and transient interactions all contribute to the difficulty of piecing together these puzzles. However, Kolber notes, in heavily touristed areas, especially in the U.S., the abundance of surveillance aids significantly in investigations.
The conversation closes with a sobering reflection on the nature of these crimes. Despite the disturbing content, the purpose of "Slaycation" isn’t to discourage travel but to shed light on these hidden killers lurking in popular holiday spots. It's a reminder to stay vigilant, even in moments of leisure and relaxation.
As you plan your next vacation, consider this: are you aware of the hidden histories of your chosen destination? How much do we really know about the places we escape to for peace and relaxation?
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Tony Brueski, known for his insightful and often haunting narratives, opens the discussion with a personal anecdote. He recalls a family trip to Hawaii, where he points out a beach notorious for its connection to the infamous Chad and Lori Daybell wedding. This dark tourism intrigue, as Brueski describes, isn't as uncommon as one might think.
Kolber, with a history of producing educational television shows, explains the origin of "Slaycation." The idea took root while working on the Discovery ID show "Homicide Hunter." He and his partner, Adam Davis, noticed an alarming trend of vacation-related murders. "It's incredible how many people this happens to," Kolber remarks, highlighting the diverse scenarios in which these tragedies unfold, from cruises to outdoor adventures.
The conversation delves into the psychology behind these crimes. Kolber poses a haunting question: What drives someone to plan a murder during what is supposed to be a relaxing escape? He notes the often close relationships between the victim and perpetrator, adding a disturbing layer to these already tragic tales.
One chilling example discussed is the case of a newlywed couple on a honeymoon hike, where the wife tragically falls off a cliff. Initially deemed an accident, further investigation reveals a sinister plot by the husband, who had a history of suspicious deaths in his past. This case, like many others, Kolber explains, involves intricate planning, often masked as tragic accidents.
Brueski and Kolber also touch on the role of location in these crimes. Certain vacation styles, particularly those involving outdoor activities, present more opportunities for disguising murder as an accident. They discuss various cases, from hunting accidents to drowning incidents, where the holiday setting played a crucial role in the crime.
The discussion shifts to geographical hotspots for such crimes, with Mexico being a focal point. Kolber clarifies a common misconception: while the number of cases in Mexico is notable due to its proximity as a popular vacation spot for Americans, the risk of violent crime for tourists is actually higher in the United States.
One poignant aspect of the conversation is the acknowledgment of the victims and the red flags in these tragic stories. "We focus a lot more than other true crime shows do on the victims," Kolber states, emphasizing the importance of understanding and recognizing signs of potentially abusive relationships.
As the podcast delves into the complexities of these cases, the hosts grapple with the challenges law enforcement faces in solving vacation-related murders. The lack of routine, unfamiliar locations, and transient interactions all contribute to the difficulty of piecing together these puzzles. However, Kolber notes, in heavily touristed areas, especially in the U.S., the abundance of surveillance aids significantly in investigations.
The conversation closes with a sobering reflection on the nature of these crimes. Despite the disturbing content, the purpose of "Slaycation" isn’t to discourage travel but to shed light on these hidden killers lurking in popular holiday spots. It's a reminder to stay vigilant, even in moments of leisure and relaxation.
As you plan your next vacation, consider this: are you aware of the hidden histories of your chosen destination? How much do we really know about the places we escape to for peace and relaxation?
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com