How a US high school class solved six murders and identified the "Bible Belt Strangler"
An over 40 year old cold case was solved after a group of US students and their Sociology teacher exposed the serial killer at the heart of the crime. Harriet Alexander, The Times's Senior US Features Reporter explains how they solved the case and went on to overturn a woman's conviction for the death of a child.
📻 Listen to Times Radio - www.thetimes.co.uk/radio
📍 Subscribe to our channel - / @listentotimesradio
🗞 Subscribe to The Times www.thetimes.co.uk/subscribe/...
📲 Get the free Times Radio app www.thetimes.co.uk/radio/how-...
Пікірлер: 492
So he would have gotten away with it if it wasnt for those meddling kids
@heatrayzvideo3007
17 күн бұрын
😅
@nifralo2752
17 күн бұрын
@@heatrayzvideo3007 how has no one else made that joke
@roibot1122
16 күн бұрын
lol pretty much sums it up
@sergioalcantar3290
15 күн бұрын
Closure... it's kinda of important.
@stellaarthur2739
15 күн бұрын
Scooby Snacks DO belong in high schools!!! Wow! 😧😮
This is what education should be like and about-learning and making a difference in the real world.
@amusedBYfools
11 күн бұрын
Life skills. They don't even teach how to balance a checkbook or address an envelope. Or how about teaching how to file a case in court?
@CharlieEarthRoast
11 күн бұрын
And it is. We did stuff like this in school all the time. Believe what the radical right says, and it's just indoctrination...
@CharlieEarthRoast
11 күн бұрын
@@amusedBYfools How long ago were you in school? That's not true at all. I learned those things in 3rd grade. Not appropriate in my opinion to learn to write checks or balance your check book, but I still learned it.
@Yosetime
11 күн бұрын
@@amusedBYfools Those are not relevant to today's life skills. Cheque books are rarely used anymore and envelope addressing is a pretty minor skill that can be learned by anyone in about 5 minutes. Why would anyone need to learn how to file a court case as a school lesson? You'd only need to do that in very specific situations. I hope that you're not assuming that every child is going to need to file a court case as an adult? I've never had to do that. Besides, that's what lawyers and police officers are for. Today's life skills are very, very different than even 20 years ago. It makes sense to update our education system to meet the current needs, not those of the past that are no longer relevant. Like it or not, crime is a very big part of every person's lives in today's society in the US, both directly and indirectly. It is worthwhile to teach about it in schools. Not just to teach about how to solve crime, but also how to prevent crime and be aware of the consequences should any of those students decide to become involved in criminal activities. Classes in Criminology and related studies should be an option at every high school in America. It's necessary. Not just because staying out of trouble is a life skill, but because we need more police officers and people working in the area of crime prevention, resolution, and justice. Those people are going to come from these classrooms in time. They really are. Could we just give them the tools and permission to survive in this fast-changing world?
@JeantheSecond-ip7qm
10 күн бұрын
@@amusedBYfoolsIn 6th grade, we did a day at this huge place set up like a small town. We all had jobs. I was a button presser. We got paid and cashed the check at the bank, got a checkbook, recorded how much money we had in the bank, bought lunch by writing checks out of our bank balance. All of the jobs at the bank and lunch place were done by kids in the class. This was in the 80s. I went to a highly rated public school. That’s what needs to change. All students in America should get an equally good education. BTW, you can look up the place. It was in Kansas City and was called Exchange City. Sadly, it’s gone now.
This is incredible. He has probably inspired future lawyers, police officers, FBI and true crime junkies. Great teacher.
@dmoriasi
11 күн бұрын
The thing is, a vast majority of people who want to be law enforcement officers choose the profession not to solve crimes or help people but are drawn to the power that comes with the profession. And those who join the profession for the right reasons are usually very quickly disenchanted by the job not because of the criminals they have to deal with but because of their coworkers.
@WildnUnruly
11 күн бұрын
Then they need to become non-sworn professionals. Criminologists working in Criminalistics. FORENSICS. Or working in Forensic Psychology.
@LOUD_NOVA
10 күн бұрын
@@dmoriasi Preach!
@LOUD_NOVA
9 күн бұрын
@@WildnUnruly Toxic workplaces exist in all career fields. Running from the problem won’t change the culture. If those in power truly cared the fish wouldn’t stink from the head down.
@sedg03
7 күн бұрын
@@WildnUnruly mmmm like the forensics pHd who lied?
Just shows students are interested in learning about our system. Just show them they'll make a difference.
@phoenixzappa7366
9 күн бұрын
Much better than the lazy racist, bullying cops
@Georgedunkin7473
8 күн бұрын
@@phoenixzappa7366don’t be a criminal then.
@rodniegsm1575
7 күн бұрын
And none of them would be exepted by the police because they are too smart.
@Cnichal
6 күн бұрын
@@Georgedunkin7473 lol, criminals don't get arrested. They become cops, or presidents.
@MieyaO
2 күн бұрын
Yasss! I came to say the same thing! 🙌🏾
One additional note: This class is part of the transformation of Elizabethtown HS into a Project Based Learning environment which is another great story. Yes, the education of our children evolves and has improvement over time. It would be neat if this reporter went into that story, too.
@el_chavez
11 күн бұрын
I’d love to hear more about that too.
@jannetteberends8730
10 күн бұрын
I’ve got my master at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The university also uses PBL. Learning becomes more efficient, and interesting that way.
@annehersey9895
10 күн бұрын
Unfortunately you will still get the dinosaurs who say you’ve got to go back to the basics! It was good for me and I want my kids taught the same way. I have ADHD and so do my daughters. High IQ but meh grades because we weren’t interested. This learning model would have made us straight A students. Luckily all 3 of us have high paying jobs that we love.
@dr.emilschaffhausen4683
9 күн бұрын
It has not improved for most of the country.
@dr.emilschaffhausen4683
9 күн бұрын
When kids graduate not knowing basics, perhaps running the other direction isn't the best course of action. Kids need to understand "the basics" and they need to learn how to use their own mind to solve problems. (I dont mean math problems.)
There are many schools who still care about educating children. Well done to this teacher
I could easily see a nationwide HS curriculum around this. What an engaging, needful, novel approach to research, debate, communication. AND a service to the community.
@dawnevans128
9 күн бұрын
I would have taken it, instead of typing lol
@lilmissjoodypoody
3 күн бұрын
It covers so many important academic and life skill areas - research, bio/chem/physics, anthropology, psychology, report writing, interviewing, rapport building, interpersonal communication (including the important practice of detecting deception), social justice, understanding the law of the land, advocacy… man, a simple idea that captures the imagination, gives kids a sense of purpose, gets them working together by drawing on each other’s strengths… and it’s free community service too. This should be done all over the world!
Tennessee (TBI) is known for being totally uncooperative and not at all helpful to families of the missing, so I can imagine what epic jerks they would be to a teacher doing true crime investigations with his classes. I live in Tennessee and find it telling how many cases go unsolved by TBI. Outside help comes into TN to search and refuse to give up. TBI regularly disregards information from these outside helpers. It is ridiculous. Good for the teacher and his students and for the victims and the families. Those people have answers now because the students and their teacher refused to accept “cold case” for an answer.
@donskuse2194
12 күн бұрын
Hey, it’s Tennessee. Say no more.
@whatabouttheearth
12 күн бұрын
😏 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is the reason they named Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI.
@whatabouttheearth
12 күн бұрын
😏 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is the reason they named Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI.
@nessmarroquin5717
12 күн бұрын
Right, I'm following 2 cases rn involving their negligence
@donnanewman9571
10 күн бұрын
Tennessee needs to do better
This is why I don't really trust the Austin PD when they say there isn't a serial killer on the lose. Maybe we should have these students investigate the murders here in Austin.
@evercuriousmichelle
11 күн бұрын
(Austin Texas for clarification) basically, my understanding is that there has been a pattern of men getting roofied and then winding up dead at the lake.
@fizzedupslade4082
8 күн бұрын
Often not discussed is resource. Crimes across states involve a lot of resources and people consistently vote for low taxes and candidates that advocate for small .govs. Criminals know this. That and poor training means clever nasties walk free.
@Az2FL
6 күн бұрын
@@evercuriousmichelleno one cares cause it’s men. Now if it were women…
@Dbb27
3 күн бұрын
@@evercuriousmichelle good grief. Men probably wouldn’t expect this.
@wordforger
2 күн бұрын
@@evercuriousmichelleHard to say. They stumbled across a different murdered soldier when looking for Vanessa Guillen around Belton Lake, but the case was unrelated. It was just a convenient body-dumping ground. There have also been cases where two groups of killers worked the same area. If it's the same MO, though... Can't help but wonder.
Shows the power of independent journalism, proper sourcing, research and evidence building.
I bet the amount of law enforcement support and legal experts that come from this school will be way above average. 😊
I find teens often haven't been exposed to things that interest them so they sit on their phones scrolling, social media, texting, gangs. Something that gets the teen interested and involved about something and an opportunity of finding out what interest them can be life changing.
@tansywelsh1636
13 күн бұрын
You hit the nail on the head. That's exactly how curriculum should be taught.
@ethan073
3 күн бұрын
Scrolling, social media, texting… gangs How did that escalate so quickly 😂
It's a shame the law enforcers have played this down so much! I guess to them, the women's lives aren't worth their trouble, since the guy is no longer alive! I get it that they may be busy, but, shouldn't they still come to some conclusion for who ended all those women?
@dezmodium
Күн бұрын
Typical cop hubris. They think they know better than everyone else and are not interested in change or help or anything.
Those kind of educators like Mr. Campbell are what all teachers should aspire to. Make school interesting and meaningful. Help them use their voices for good. I bet some of these kids are going to go on to do this work. So many schools today do what’s called ‘teach to the test’ where school districts make teachers only teach what is going to be on the tests that the results determine how much funding the district will get. Great report! Thanks for showing this!
@amusedBYfools
11 күн бұрын
The thing is teaching to the test is all about funding. Change that and you change everything.
@annehersey9895
10 күн бұрын
@@amusedBYfools for the better.
The police could not do what high schoolers could...Unbelievably terrifying
@user-te5po4bu8o
4 күн бұрын
They CAN. They choose not to.
So good that these students were able to release an innocent woman from punishment of such a horrible crime, and bring closure to the victims families in the seriel strangler case.
@lorellgingrich6603
8 сағат бұрын
crime?
This teacher Alex Campbell is amazing for giving real-world assignments. The students are amazing for taking it and running with it!
Excellent idea for curriculum for other schools studying sociology. Great clip!!!
Good teachers can’t be overpaid.
Genius idea, this should be a course project for all schools, everywhere.
It's great to hear that there are some real teachers. Wonderful job
@jeannerogers7085
11 күн бұрын
There are thousands of real teachers.
Hank Klibinoff at Emory University has had a class that focuses solely on researching/solving one cold case per term from the Jim Crow South. Glad to see other teachers following suit.
@MetalMouse67
5 күн бұрын
That’s a lot of work then.
Because curious, intelligent humans can solve crimes better than corrupt police? Is that how?
Impressive. Excellent teacher. Excellent work everyone.
Such a shame he escaped justice. What a P.O S.
@therockbottom5256
9 күн бұрын
Well, he died in custody. Maybe the Bible Belt would have executed him but likely would have died on death row.
@TiredOFNarcs
8 күн бұрын
He died in prison. The world is a sick place. Politicians escape justice everyday. Look at Biden.
@biazacha
3 күн бұрын
Hope he had a miserable time in prison til his bitter end
@GAMEoVIDZ
Күн бұрын
He escaped justice in this realm, he didn’t escape justice with God.
A corrupt system doesn’t want to solve cold cases👎☹️
Thank goodness for those meddling kids!
My grandmother's brother, his wife, and their two children (5yo boy and 9 month girl) were murdered Labor Day weekend 1974 while camping in southern Oregon. The main suspect has been in and out of prison since the mid-60s, but the case went cold.
Law enforcement sometimes gets blinders on and don’t look at stuff with an open mind and open eyes.
Great teacher, those students will recall that forever
So proud of these kids. Thank you to Mr. Campbell for being an educator and inspiring young minds❤
Great reporting by Ms. Alexander on an amazing teacher's dedication to his profession, work, and results!
@Diapason32
12 күн бұрын
Disjointed narration.
@bernadette573
11 күн бұрын
This is a good story and worth the time to improve the presentation imho She needs a camera person because the angle is off and ghoulish blue circles on eyes are distracting. The ceiling fan appears hitting her head.
Murderers think women in the sex trade, sex workers, exotic dancers, etc., are seen as “throw away women” by these creeps.
@Georgedunkin7473
8 күн бұрын
Not just murders. Bible Belt republicans think of them as sinners who got what they deserved for living that lifestyle.
Good teachers truly make many differences!
Great mentoring
Absolutely brilliant program, teacher, and students who are Super Sleuths. Think about it, they use their time, technology, & social media for a positive outcome. Those kids never say, "I didn't get me homwork done." They are the luckiest high school students. I can only regret that this wasn't available, in my day.
I am sorry.There will be no Justice for women in Tennessee.Why do you think it was the cold case. Bravo to those kids, I hope when they grow up.They change tennessee and make it more safe and equal for their citizens especially the women
Tennessee authorities need to be grateful for the help instead of letting their hurt pride get in the way. Law enforcement (everywhere) needs to focus on solving crimes, and that starts by being open to information given to them rather than grandstanding.
What an awesome teacher!
This is amazing. Especially for those who have been wrongfully accused and jailed.
This was such an enlightening presentation. Thank You so much for bringing this to the public.
What an inspiring story! Congrats to the all the students and the teacher. These processes. Will most likely change the course of their lives. Carry on!!
I imagine the documentary will be on netflix in a few months.
This is where Inter-disciplinary studies as a high school class would be great. Maybe they have that already but I do know universities have them.
If only I had a teacher like him in school on projects like solving crime for fun/grades!
Brilliant , a true educator deserves an award!!!!!!!
This is fabulous on so many levels. Great teachers change the world 💕💕💕💕💕💕
Wow. Impressive! This also shows how important it is for moral science 🇱🇰🧘♀️ or similar forms of education to address mental wellbeing and how to discern attributes which may lead to misogyny, mental illness and even crime. Godspeed to the UK 🇬🇧
What a WONDERFUL way to get teenagers to grow compassion and think of someone but themselves. AND hopefully keeps them AWAY from committing crimes and turns a few into actual investigators. Win win. Nice Teaching!
This is such good work. It is so impressive that this is happening.
Imagine getting to put on your college resume "I had an amazing teacher who worked with us to catch a serial killer."
A film needs to be made about this teacher and his students. What a story!
This was awesome to hear. Sad that Tennessee LEO’s were snarky towards the students. Versus Kentucky, who welcomed their help with the cold cases.
Thank you to this fabulous teacher for all the enormous help to our entire nation in amazing ways by sparking the students minds.
One thing about kids exploring is they most often come without pre- determined bias. Ok , they are doubting " Thomas's " , tell then no and they respond- yes I can
"And I would've gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!!" --Jerry Johns
I hope the education systems incorporate this into curriculums. It is real world based and can incorporate so many genres of learning; computer data/stats, biology, chemistry, sociology, psychology, law, governace, public relations...ect. ect. ♥️💯🇨🇦🇨🇿
Great report, thank you 4 the upload
The answers to the loved ones help bring closure. Bravo to the teacher and students.
Amazing what fresh young eyes can do for a cold case.
What an inspiring teacher, I hope this continues for him as well as all his students who have graduated.
Thanks for a great story!
Kudos to Alex for initiating this course. How meaningful and life changing for Susan and The families of the murdered women.
WHAT A GREAT STORY...I AM SO PROUD OF THOSE STUDENTS AND THE TEACHER AS WELL. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
Netflix, get the doc cameras ready! We've got a documentary on our hands
I think she missed the biggest point of why the kids like it… they are able to make a difference and be looked at with respect. That’s motivating and inspiring
Wow I wish I had that class in school I would have loved to of participated and I suspect a few students may now go into Law Enforcement or the Criminal Justice system as a result.
This guy and his class would make a great TV series!
That teacher is a BOSS!
Mr Campbell sounds like he is priceless!
I imagine there would be a higher rate of school engagement if educators did this instead of using hypothetical situations that are both boring and unrealistic, where the success relies on each person to possess the same cookie cutter skillset and being able to motivate themselves to work alone. This approach covers so many important academic and life skill areas - research, bio/chem/physics, anthropology, psychology, report writing, interviewing, rapport building, interpersonal communication (including the important practice of detecting deception), social justice, understanding the law of the land, advocacy… man, a simple idea that captures the imagination, gives kids a sense of purpose, gets them working together by drawing on each other’s strengths… and it’s free community service too. This should be done all over the world!
Youth are always amazing in what they can accomplish. They are rarely give the credit they deserve for diligence and innovation. The current scenes on American campuses are heartbreaking. Expecting students to not be passionate or compassionate is belittling and infantilizing. The adults who run these places ought to know better. Have we forgotten Kent State? Tiananmen Square? Kids are amazing and invaluable members of society of we let them be.
Amazing how a good teacher can inspire students!
What a wonderful teacher, to engage the students so well that they plow into the material. It's obvious the kids put in an incredible amount of energy and thought, and many, many hours of careful analysis to these projects. It's churlish for law enforcement not to fully acknowledge the achievements of these teens. Teachers like these should be recognised for their obvious talent and commitment to education.
The lessons had real-life involvement! Most times, that connection between life & curriculum doesn't sinc & students lose interest. Show & tell, then participation is the best way to learn, imo.
It was thanks to geneticists in the UK that these advancements in DNA science that this type of invenstigation was able to be carried out so early. Later on, of course, they were able to stop this kind of serial killer in their tracks, thus saving lives.
We should always be using every member of our society who is willing and able... figure out who has the time and ability to do what. So proud of them and the adults who raised them up and changed lives!
What gets me is when she stated the students mentioned that the cops were a bit salty with them during the press conference, since they felt the kids were showing them up. ADULTS, especially officers, should know when to bury their ego and acknowledge good work at any age.
What an amazing teacher, program, and students.
Great story
Experiential learning is just so incredible when it gels. Way to go, y'all.
You've caught me off guard with this...and I'm crying. This is such a beautiful news because we in fact do have youth who think with their heads and use their brains. Such a wonderful, uplifting story! Thank you!!!
Technology and crime investigation has gone through so much advances in 35 years.
Well done to both the students and the teacher for raising awareness of this case so that the police were forced to solve it!
Great teacher and great students! And great podcast! Bravo!
Thank you for bringing this story to our attention!
He’s a great teacher. ❤
Phenomenal story!
Great group of kids. I aplaud them for seeking the truth.
Great way to get the youth interested in law enforcement where someone who sincerely cares is in the right place to make a huge difference 👏👏👏keep it up!!!
Nice! I'm so proud of the generation coming up & that they were able to help in a real, tangible case & have that sense of accomplishment when rhey helped solve the case.
Wonderful story ❤️
great story and excellent reporting on this. great job Harriet Alexander your reporting style is wonderfully intelligent
This is amazing!!! Great work 👏
Great story!!
Police are more concerned with closing a case as quickly as possible and who gets recognition for it than catching the persons who actually do the crimes. Our legal system is just an absolute joke. Good for these kids. Extra eyes, unbiased, and actually looking at the evidence instead of just saying “we have no leads” or “oh yup, it was definitely this person” without doing the proper work or sh*tty work just to close a case as fast as possible due to public pressure.
Beautiful work, students. You have changed lives.
Tell me you wear sunglasses in the sun without telling me you wear sunglasses in the sun.
@sgg17003
7 күн бұрын
It's not from sunglasses. It's from that Robin mask she wears while fighting crime.
Way to go kids.
BRILLIANT!