Analysis Of Michelle Mcnamara's In The Footsteps Of A Killer

Due to the fact that true crime involves real people who have suffered horrible tragedies, writing about it is a delicate undertaking--even more so when the crime is unsolved; a situation which prevents the victims or their families from obtaining closure and propagates fear throughout the local community. At the same time, however; the very mystery which causes so much harm to those close to the tragedy in question, is what draws outsiders to it. People immerse themselves in the puzzle of it all, becoming both fascinated and frustrated by the case. It is no wonder then, that personal narratives of people immersing themselves in unsolved cases are so popular. The shared experience between the author and reader, makes for a story which is doubly captivating. A captivated audience is one easily influenced however, and the author’s persona and own attitude toward the case, influencing so many, may have far reaching
The article concerns the East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker, also known as the Golden State Killer--an epithet coined by Mcnamara herself. In her article, McNamara analyzes some--at the time--newly revealed details of the case, as well as shares stories of others who have become absorbed by the mystery, their obsession with the case taking tolls on their personal lives. She even shares how the case has impacted her own relationships. She writes confidingly, “...people have asked whether it worries me that the killer may still be out there…‘He can’t hurt me,’ I say, not realizing...in every minute spent hunting him and not cuddling my daughter, he already has.” The manner in which Mcnamara shares her pain is intimately done; she seems saddened by her realization and even appears to be ashamed. She is open to the reader, entrusting him with her personal thoughts, and the reader is inclined to trust her