Below are the top ten international true crime stories I follow and hope to write about in the future:
1. Aum Shinrikyo, Japan started as a spiritual group blending various religious concepts, with Asahara proclaiming himself as a Christ-like figure who could absolve sins and save followers from an impending apocalypse.The cult attracted a significant number of followers, including highly educated individuals such as scientists, engineers, and other professionals. They were drawn to Asahara's teachings of spiritual salvation and the promise of a higher spiritual state. Over time, Aum Shinrikyo’s practices became increasingly extreme, including the use of hallucinogenic drugs, extreme ascetic practices, and the gradual indoctrination of its members into violent and criminal activities. The group came to international infamy in 1995 when members released sarin, a deadly nerve gas, in the Tokyo subway system. The attack killed 13 people, severely injured 50, and caused temporary vision problems for nearly 1,000 others. It remains one of the worst terrorist attacks in Japan’s history.
2. The Monster of Montmartre (Guy Georges): Guy Georges is a French serial killer, nicknamed the 'Monster of Montmartre,' who was convicted of assaulting and murdering seven women between 1991 and 1997. His crimes, primarily in the Paris area, led to a massive manhunt and brought significant attention to issues of police procedure and forensic science in France.
3. The Gert van Rooyen and Joey Haarhoff Case: In the late 1980s, Gert van Rooyen and his partner Joey Haarhoff were believed to have abducted and murdered at least six young girls. The case remains one of South Africa's most infamous, as the bodies of the girls were never found, and van Rooyen killed himself and Haarhoff before they could be apprehended, leaving many questions unanswered.