Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'killer'

For 'Fight Club' Director, A Sidestep Into Romance

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:17:00 EST

The director of the brutal Fight Club and the serial-killer thriller Seven has teamed up with Brad Pitt again — but this time the movie they've made is a swooning big-screen romance.

Police Name Killer, Close Adam Walsh Murder Case

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:31:00 EST

A serial killer who died in prison more than a decade ago is the person who murdered a Florida 6-year-old in 1981, police said Tuesday. The announcement sought to close a case that launched the TV show America's Most Wanted and inspired changes in how authorities search for missing children.

Adam Walsh Murder Case Closed

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST

The more than two-decade-old investigation into who killed 6-year-old Adam Walsh, the son of America's Most Wanted host John Walsh, in 1981 has come to a close. Police in Florida say Ottis Toole, a serial killer who died in prison in 1996, decapitated Adam Walsh.

Traffic Accidents Top Cause Of Fatal Child Injuries

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST

Nearly a million children worldwide die every year as a result of unintentional injuries, and the biggest killer is traffic accidents, according to a report from the World Health Organization. But experts say such injuries can be predicted and prevented.

High Court Hears Appeal From Tenn. Killer

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:39:00 EST

The Supreme Court has heard arguments in the case of a man convicted of murder in Tennessee. Gary Cone wants to reopen the conviction or at least the sentence of death because the prosecution allegedly hid evidence that supported his defense.

Killer's Case Before Supreme Court For A Third Time

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:00:00 EST

The Supreme Court hears arguments Tuesday in the case of a man convicted of murder in Tennessee. He wants to reopen the conviction or at least the sentence of death, because persecutors allegedly hid evidence that supported his defense. State courts have said he doesn't have the right to present those arguments.

How To Be Killer At Cocktail Parties

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:35:00 EST

Awkward over hors d'oeuvres? A mess with martinis? Knowing what to say a cocktail party can be overwhelming — but these three books will have you culturally informed in no time!

Dig Begins For Serial Killer's Victim, 40 Years Later

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EDT

Law enforcement officials are excavating next to a freeway near Los Angeles Monday, hoping to finally locate the body of 15-year-old Roger Madison. An L.A. detective has made her personal mission to give this story — which began in the 60s — an end.

Comedian Niecy Nash Puts Killer Timing On Display

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:53:00 EDT

Actress and comedian Neicy Nash currently stars on two TV shows — Reno 911!, an improvised, fake reality cop series — and the home make-over show, Clean House. But her success didn't come easily. Nash talks with NPR's Tony Cox.

'Dexter' Returns, And The Suspense Is Murderous

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:09:00 EDT

TV's most charming serial killer is back for a third season on Showtime. With new murders, new dangers and new characters, TV critic David Bianculli says the new season is a real thrill.

Cold Cut Joke Gets Canadian Official In Hot Water

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EDT

A Canadian official had to apologize for being a little too cheerful about death. The farm minister is managing a crisis. It's an outbreak of killer disease linked to deli meat. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz was on a conference call when he said, "This is like a death by a thousand cuts. Or should I say cold cuts." Then, after learning of a new death, the minister said, "Please tell me it's Wayne Easter," which is the name of a rival for his job.

'Righteous Kill': A Subpar 'Dexter', With De Niro

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Oh, and Pacino too. And 50 Cent. They've all banded together for an action-packed serial-killer cop thriller. No, seriously. And critic Bob Mondello says the result is anything but righteous.

Karaoke Murders

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:38:28 EDT

Joel Rose reports on a new book by writer and karaoke host Terry Obrien. It tells the story of a serial killer on the loose in Cape May, New Jersey whose victims all loved to sing karaoke.

Denver Mayor Prepares For Democrats' Party

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:05:00 EDT

What's a guy gotta do to host a killer convention? John Hickenlooper should know. Not only is he the mayor of Denver, he's the founder of a legendary local brew pub. Mayor Hickenlooper speak with host Jacki Lyden on the eve of the biggest party in the country, opening Monday in his backyard.

Bacteria Fingered As Real Killer In 1918 Flu Pandemic

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:23:00 EDT

Bacterial pneumonia attacked virus-weakened lungs and killed most of the 50 million victims of the 1918 flu pandemic. This finding is good news if another flu pandemic strikes: Doctors are now armed with effective treatments for bacterial infections.

FBI Reveals Case Against Ivins

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:40:00 EDT

The FBI has briefed journalists on the scientific data that led them to Army scientist Bruce Ivins. Ivins killed himself as prosecutors prepared to charge him as the lone anthrax killer.

Doubts Arise In Bruce Ivins Case

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

The FBI says that, with government scientist Bruce Ivins' suicide, the government's case against him is effectively closed. Doubts are emerging, however, as to whether he really was the 2001 anthrax killer. His handwriting does not match up and he could not have possibly done it all alone, some say.

Chef Apologizes After Recommending Toxic Greens

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Celebrity chef Anthony Worrall Thompson says he's sorry he recommended a salad ingredient that could kill someone. He told a magazine that tasty salads can include a plant called "henbane." But "henbane" means "killer of hens," and it's deadly in large doses. Small amounts cause hallucinations. The chef says he meant to name a different, harmless weed called "fat hen."

How To Catch An Anthrax Killer

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EDT

The anthrax attacks have been under investigation for more than six years. One of the reasons it's taken so long is that the FBI had to invent new scientific procedures to pin down where microscopic spores came from and who could have sent them.

FBI Details Case Against Anthrax Suspect

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:07:00 EDT

The FBI on Wednesday unveiled a damning but largely circumstantial case against suspected anthrax killer Bruce Ivins. Hundreds of pages of documents, search warrants and other court records, show a deeply troubled man who was the "custodian" of a specific anthrax strain was used in the attacks.

Picture Emerges Of Troubled Anthrax Suspect

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:04:00 EDT

As top officials at the Justice Department and FBI prepare to brief victims' family members Friday on the case against suspected anthrax killer Bruce Ivins, new information is emerging about a long-troubled man unraveling under the weight of the investigation.

Hard Copy: Reporter Pens Killer Newsroom Novel

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:11:00 EDT

As a journalist, John Darnton spent 40 years at The New York Times. As a novelist, he writes colorful mysteries. His newest murder yarn, set in a big-city newsroom that seems awfully familiar: Black and White and Dead All Over.

For Hire In Mexico City: 'Discreet Hit Man'

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:40:00 EDT

When citizens of Mexico City need a hit man, they know where to find one. A Web site has an ad for a contract killer among the postings for appliances or apartments. The man offers a guarantee and describes himself as "ex-military hit man, professional and discreet."

FBI: Serial Killers Aren't All White Loners

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Think Silence of the Lambs. Think Dexter. Movies and TV shows overwhelmingly show serial killers as white male loners. According to a new FBI report, this profile is seldom accurate.

India Cow Killer Bagged, But Deaths Continue

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:50:00 EDT

A few years ago, urban cows in Lucknow, India began starving to death. They had plenty of garbage to graze on, but they were getting skinnier. And inspection of sick cows revealed the problem, and a solution soon followed. So why do are the cows still dying?