The show was criticized for potentially teaching predators to be more cautious, putting real victims at risk. Activists also argued it created a harmful narrative by focusing on strangers met online, while most predators are people children trust. Additionally, the show exposed family members of the predators to public humiliation before trials.
Bill Conrad, a prosecutor targeting criminals like those on the show, was caught messaging who he thought were 13-year-old boys. He was ambushed at his home by the show's team and the police, leading to his suicide by gunshot. The incident was caught on camera but not aired.
Influencers recreate the premise of 'To Catch A Predator' by luring predators into meeting minors, confronting them live on stream, and then calling the police. This trend is considered dangerous due to potential legal implications and the risk of things going wrong during live confrontations.
Gavin claimed he planned to rob the man after meeting him on Grindr, believing the man deserved it for trying to engage with a minor. He carjacked the man, locking him out of his own car and driving off, but later abandoned the car.
Police found a folder on Gavin's phone titled 'Dark' with the password 'Murder'. Inside were videos and photos of Gavin killing the 98-year-old woman, performing necrophilic acts, and using blackberry jam as lubricant. The evidence included recordings of the murder and sexual abuse of the corpse.
Gavin claimed he entered her house for an adrenaline rush and killed her when she woke up and reached for her phone. He then stayed for two hours, engaging in necrophilic acts and documenting the crime.
Gavin's defense focused on the impact of Zoloft, an antidepressant he was prescribed. His mother argued that the medication made him more aggressive and violent, contributing to his actions. They also mentioned his alleged past trauma as a possible factor.
Gavin pleaded no contest and was found guilty of aggravated murder, murder, kidnapping, and abuse of a corpse. He was sentenced to life without parole, but due to a new Ohio law, he may be eligible for parole after 25 years.
The bill abolishes life imprisonment without parole for juvenile offenders, giving them an automatic chance at parole after 25 years. Critics argue that it doesn't guarantee rehabilitation and could release dangerous individuals like Gavin Ramsey back into society.
Margaret's family expressed deep concern and fear over Gavin's potential release, as they believe he is a serial killer in the making. They plan to fight every parole hearing to ensure he remains incarcerated.
“To Catch A Predator” steps:
Hire an adult decoy to lurk on websites advertising themselves as 13 year olds looking for a middle aged companion.
Invite the adult predator to a house that has been wired for audio and video recording.
Have the host of the famous TV show pop out to ask the predator questions and arrest them on the way out.
That is the premise to the show “To Catch A Predator” that has now been cancelled for its moral dilemmas.
But now influencers are recreating the show themselves on their platforms. Luring in predators, confronting them, and then calling the police.
That’s what 17 year old Gavon tells the cops was his plan… He met up with a middle aged man on Grindr for the purpose of robbing him because he deserves it. Why else would he talk to a minor?
But for the police to believe his side of the story they have to go through his phone… and that’s where they find a folder titled - “Dark.”
The password? “Murder.”
Suddenly a simple robbery case turns into a murder investigation because in it… are videos and photos of 17 year old Gavon Ramsay killing and SAing a 98 year old woman in her own home. Gavon Ramsay is the predator.
Full Source Notes: rottenmangopodcast.com
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