In the quiet suburbs of Long Island, an unassuming man drove a pickup truck that hid a horrifying secret. Joel Rifkin, once a landscaper and neighbor, became one of America’s most notorious serial killers, responsible for the deaths of nineteen women. How did a seemingly ordinary man carry out such chilling crimes in plain sight? In this episode, we trace Rifkin’s life from his troubled upbringing to his calculated murders, explore the methods he used to evade capture, and uncover the shocking investigation that finally brought him to justice. Join us as we dive deep into the mind of a predator and the dark corners of suburban America.

Sources for Joel Rifkin Episode

1. Mladinich, Robert. From the Mouth of the Monster: The Joel Rifkin Story. Pocket Books, 2002.

• Based on interviews with Rifkin and his mother, providing deep insight into his early life, mindset, and crimes.

2. Pulitzer, Lisa Beth & Swirsky, Joan. Crossing the Line: The True Story of Long Island Serial Killer Joel Rifkin. Berkley Books, 1994.

• Covers Rifkin’s crime spree, investigation, and media coverage; helpful for timeline and escalation details.

3. Eftimiades, Maria. Garden of Graves: The Shocking True Story of Long Island Serial Killer Joel Rifkin. St. Martin’s Press, 1993.

• A contemporaneous account of the murders and public reaction; great for victim impact and media context.

4. Lo, Rebecca & Rosewood, Jack. Joel Rifkin: The Horrifying & True Story of Joel the Ripper. Rosewood/Jack & Lo, 2018.

• Modern overview of Rifkin’s life and crimes; useful for updated perspectives and narrative framing.

5. Martell, Joseph L. “Psychological Profile Assessment of Serial Killer Joel Rifkin.” Capella University, 2021.

• Academic paper analyzing Rifkin’s behavior, psychology, and developmental background.

6. Alvarado, Francisco. “Did Joel Rifkin’s Childhood Turn Him Into a Serial Killer?” A&E Crime + Investigation, July 25, 2023.

• Journalistic piece connecting Rifkin’s upbringing and early trauma to his later crimes.

7. Allely, Clare S., Minnis, Helen, Thompson, Lucy, Wilson, Philip M.J. “Neurodevelopmental and psychosocial risk factors in serial killers and mass murderers.” Aggression and Violent Behavior, 19(3), 2014.

• Academic research on risk factors for serial murderers; provides context for Rifkin’s psychological profile.

8. Brown, Heather. “The Role of Child and Adult Sexual Fantasies and Criminal Paraphilia Involving Serial Sexual Murderers.” Walden University, 2022.

• Dissertation examining sexual paraphilia and fantasy; useful for understanding Rifkin’s victim selection and MO.

9. PsychologyWriting.com. “How Joel Rifkin’s Behavior Can Be Explained Using Psychodynamic Theory.”

• Essay applying psychodynamic theory to Rifkin’s actions; helpful for psychological analysis in the episode.

10. Archival News Reports: e.g., New York Times and Newsday coverage of Rifkin’s arrest and trial, 1993–1994.

• Provides original reporting on his capture, trial, and public reaction; valuable for historical context and accuracy.