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Season 4 episode 4
Serial Arsonist The "Spector" Paul Keller
Welcome back, Campers! The holidays are upon us and we wish everyone a very happy and safe time with their loved ones. We wish you all well and want to again thank everyone for listening and supporting our little podcast endeavor!
Our fourth episode this season is a little different from the normal serial killers we cover. In this episode, we will delve into one of the most prolific serial arsonists in US history. There are many others who have set more fires, however, what this arsonist was able to accomplish in just 6 short months set the greater Seattle area on high alert and sent firefighters into a panic as there was no end in sight.
Multiple families lost their homes and all their belongings, people lost businesses and ultimately 3 lives would be lost after a retirement home was targeted. The destruction would be estimated at around $40 million in total. Because of the ghostlike ability, the arsonist had to move from place to place while remaining unseen, he was given the nickname Spector.
Ultimately, it was a risky maneuver by the Sno-King Arson Task Force that brought an end to this arsonist. It was a risk that paid off and led to the capture of 27-year-old Paul Keller in February of 1993.
Let us know your thoughts on this case!
Paul’s very small Wikipedia page
Unknown arsonist on the loose
After the Spector is found
Collecting the reward
Sno-King Arson Task Force recognized
Recommended to read and watch:
The Anatomy of Motive: The FBI's Legendary Mindhunter Explore The Key to Understanding and Catching Violent Criminals by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker
Evil Lives Here, Season 2 Episode 1 “Not My Boy”
Included with the Discovery+ app, or available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3F7D8a2
Not Our Son, 1995 starring Neil Patrick Harris as Paul Keller and Gerald McRaney as George Keller
Part 1- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZghZXvhUo8
Part 2- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjBZaT5xAJM
Part 3- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wR-XB9YTBo
An article on the making of the movie
What Happens in the Woods Podcast is run by dynamic duo, Jess and Brice.
We’re just your average couple, living normal lives, who happen to be obsessed with everything related to true crime. Shortly after relocating to the great Pacific Northwest, we realized there were stories upon gruesome stories to be told from this region. And we want nothing more than to share them with you.
Since our first episode on The Green River Killer in February of 2020, it has been an incredible journey for our little indie podcast. We’ve covered notorious serial killers, strange cyanide poisonings and even old time kidnappings. What Happens in the Woods has recorded over 50 episodes and has gained listeners from all around the world. From our regular season to our WTF Wednesday segments, we hope to provide true crime lovers with cases that they may not have heard of. Join us during our regular seasons on every first and third Friday of the month as we take a deep look into the dark and twisted. It isn’t for the faint of heart, but we promise it will be worth it.
And remember...STAY OUT OF THE WOODS!