Decoding the Diabolical
A Night with Dr. Scott Bonn at the PAC
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Get ready for a night that’s equal parts thrilling and chilling! Join the legendary criminologist, Dr. Scott Bonn, at The Paramount Arts Center on October 30 for an unforgettable evening that plunges deep into the twisted minds of history’s most notorious murderers. In this electrifying 90-minute live show, Dr. Bonn unravels the dark psychological forces that propelled monsters like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer to commit their heinous acts without a shred of remorse.
But that’s not all! Brace yourself for jaw-dropping, real-life stories from Dr. Bonn’s encounters with these killers that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Plus, you’ll have the chance to dive into the darkness yourself during an interactive Q&A session where no question is off-limits.
True crime fans, this is your chance to experience the ultimate exploration of evil. Don’t miss out – secure your spot and prepare for a night of spine-tingling revelations! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the box office. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
Dr. Scott Bonn is not just a criminologist; he’s a multifaceted authority in the world of true crime, blending his roles as a producer, TV analyst, public speaker, and author of the bestselling book, “Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World’s Most Savage Murderers.” His expertise has graced numerous high-profile true crime shows on networks such as A&E, Discovery, Oxygen, Investigation Discovery, and the Travel Channel. He also penned the critically acclaimed sociology work “Mass Deception: Moral Panic and the U.S. War on Iraq,” and his gripping crime thriller “Evil Guardian” draws inspiration from his correspondence with infamous serial killers David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) and Dennis Rader (Bind, Torture, Kill).
Keenly focusing on criminal behavior, Dr. Bonn has become renowned for unraveling the complex question of “why the perpetrator did it” in murder cases, making the incomprehensible not only understandable but also captivating. His blog, “Wicked Deeds,” has attracted nearly nine million visits, and he boasts more than 15,000 social media followers.
Dr. Bonn explained his approach: “What I do is study the patterns of diabolical characters like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer by spending considerable time trying to understand their behavior and their motivations. I've actually sat down with some of these characters, exploring in depth why they do what they do. I bring this experience along with many years of teaching and research to the live stage, taking my audience on a compelling multimedia experience that delves into the minds of some of the most diabolical characters of all time.”
What sets Dr. Bonn apart from many criminologists is his unique background in the entertainment and advertising industries. “I spent the first 20 years of my career in media, and ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by human behavior,” he shares. “Whether it’s the dark side that compels someone like Ted Bundy to commit his crimes or something as simple as why people choose Coca-Cola over Pepsi.”
Dr. Bonn’s fascination with true crime intensified during his time at NBC in the 1990s, amid high-profile cases like those of O.J. Simpson and the Menendez brothers. “I realized just how captivated people were by these cases,” he recalls. “Certain individuals, like O.J. and Jeffrey Dahmer, become what I call ‘celebrity monsters,’ captivating the entire nation.”
Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Dr. Bonn felt compelled to contribute to societal solutions, leading him to become a college professor. In the classroom, he observed an enthusiastic response from students whenever names like Bundy and Dahmer were mentioned. This sparked a deeper exploration into the motivations behind serial killers and their horrific acts.
Every serial killer has a unique story, yet they share a common thread. Dr. Bonn explained, “One of the things I like to do in my show is debunk myths. A common misconception is that all serial killers are the same or look alike. This simply isn’t true. They come in various shapes, sizes, genders, and sexual orientations. However, they all derive some satisfaction from killing complete strangers, fulfilling a deep psychological need that becomes an insatiable craving over time.” He describes insatiable craving as an itch – an itch that must be scratched.
Up until the 1970s, the understanding of serial killers was limited; they weren’t even called such by the FBI until 1973. Before that, they were labeled mass murderers or public shooters. It wasn’t until the advent of DNA technology in 1986 that researchers began to delve deeper into the psyche of these criminals. Thanks to this research law enforcement have been able to identify connections between seemingly unrelated cases, revealing the signature traits and psychological factors that define a particular offender. By utilizing advanced techniques in criminal psychology, criminologists provide invaluable insights that can narrow down suspects and predict future actions, ultimately guiding police efforts to capture these elusive criminals.
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