When a Killer Calls

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From John Douglas, the renowned FBI criminal profiler and inspiration for the Netflix show Mindhunter, comes a chilling exploration of Larry Gene Bell, a dangerous serial killer. On May 31, 1985, just days before her graduation, Shari Smith was abducted from her home in South Carolina. Law enforcement quickly recognized they were dealing with a sophisticated criminal after receiving a series of taunting calls and a haunting letter from Shari, who expressed her love for her family while facing her fate. This tragic event triggered a massive manhunt, with the FBI enlisting Douglas to help. Shortly after, the family received a call revealing the location of Shari's body, and the abduction of nine-year-old Debra May Helmick confirmed the presence of a serial killer. To stop him, Douglas devised a risky strategy using Shari's lookalike sister, Dawn, as bait. This case showcases one of Douglas's most haunting investigations, where he combined his accurate profiling with innovative police work and forensic science. As Shari's family took immense personal risks to lure the killer, Douglas and the FBI pushed the boundaries of criminal profiling, culminating in a dramatic confrontation with a remorseless murderer.