Interview with a Serial Killer

Interview with a Serial Killer presents an in-depth look at Arthur Shawcross, one of America’s most notorious serial killers who was known as the “Genesee River Killer”. It features face-to-face interviews with Shawcross himself, conducted within the confines of Sullivan Correctional Facility in New York State, where he was serving a 250-year prison sentence.

The film traces Shawcross’s violent history, beginning with the murders of two children in Watertown, New York, in the early 1970s. After serving less than 15 years for these crimes, Shawcross was released on parole, only to embark on another killing spree in Rochester, New York, where he murdered 11 women, mostly prostitutes.

Through interviews with law enforcement officials, medical experts, and Shawcross himself, the documentary provides insight into the mind of a serial killer. It explores various theories about what drove Shawcross to commit such heinous acts, including possible brain damage, mental illness, and childhood abuse.

The film also touches on Shawcross’s claims of traumatic experiences during the Vietnam War, though these are largely discredited by those who served with him. Additionally, it covers the controversial plea bargain that led to his early release after the Watertown murders, and the subsequent public outrage.

In a surprising turn, the documentary introduces Maggie Deming, Shawcross’s daughter whom he never knew existed until 2001. It presents her perspective on discovering her father’s identity and her decision to establish a relationship with him, along with her children.