Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Criminal.
When I Wore Blues
I was 25-years-old when I was arrested. Before that, I grew up a normal life as Kylee Darryl. My parents, Carla and Don, divorced when I was eight-years-old. I moved eight times by the time I entered high school. I prided myself on consistently maintaining straight A’s in school, and I managed to receive the “President’s Award for academic success,” which a student can receive only in their sixth, eighth, and twelfth grade years, in my sixth and eighth grade years. I did not receive it my twelfth-grade year because I received Highest Honors and a student can only receive one of these awards. I was liked and had a lot of friends, and their parents loved me because I was a good influence. My mom worked a lot to provide a well-off kind of lifestyle. I had boyfriends, I went to parties, and I basically had a normal childhood. I was told I was your “All-American, girl next door” type during first impressions. I was your normal blonde hair, brown eye girl, and I thought I had so many possibilities for my future. Then I met my high school boyfriend, Derrek, who was 21 when I was 16-years-old. He and I were together for five years and in those five years he mentally, emotionally, and physically abused me for about three and a half, almost four years, out of the five. I never thought I would be one of those women. What I mean by that is, I never thought I would stay in a relationship after the first abusive move toward me. When I watched Maury, and saw the women in abusive relationship, I always thought they must be weak and stupid to stay in that situation. Until I was in their shoes. Finally, after five years of abuse, I got the strength in myself to leave Derrek and moved back in with my mom.
By Kylee Darryl8 years ago in Criminal
The Most Notorious Criminals of All Time
The most notorious criminals of all time capture our collective consciousness for periods of time that live on long after they're gone. We immortalize them (incidentally) in our culture through books, movies, and television, in turn guaranteeing that there will be more to follow. These high-profile criminals are some of the most recognizable faces in American history—right up there with the founding fathers.
By Kevin Finn8 years ago in Criminal
The Godfather
The Godfather is Francis Ford Coppola’s opus magnum. Praised by many critics to be one of the greatest films ever put to the screen, no film can create such an evocation of pure emotion, not just from the people in the seats of the audience, but the actors who were on the screen. The writing is true to the characters, the scenery and lighting is almost perfect in every scene, and the even the gore and grit are all masterfully put together to create what is seen as nothing less than a masterpiece of entertainment.
By Nicholas Stueckroth8 years ago in Criminal
Evil in Our Stories #2
An Offer You Can’t Refuse The Mafia, specifically referencing the Italian-American organized crime syndicate, and their lifestyle had dazzled audiences since the 1930s in early cinema. These gangsters were talked about in the news, started to appear in movies, lend its influence to Noir that’s lasts to this day. In 1972 The Godfather came out and has become some of America’s most treasured iconography, winning 18 various awards such as an Oscar and a Golden Globe. The secrecy, the brutality, the riches and the swagger of the characters are appealing to audiences. The ideology to the gangster isn’t restricted to the Italian-American culture but its influence can be seen in representations of African-American gangs and other organized criminal groups; this will be discussed further in this essay. Dozens of popular media starring the gangster also include hits like: Goodfella’s, Boardwalk Empire, Grand Theft Auto, The Sopranos, and Public Enemies.
By J. Laudicina8 years ago in Criminal
10 Serial Killers You've Never Heard Of. Top Story - January 2018.
Everyone has heard of Ted Bundy, Aileen Wuornos, and Jeffrey Dahmer, but they are not the only serial killers in the world or even in the United States. There are hundreds of serial killers you've never even heard of and the reason why is mostly that they are not shocking enough or prolific enough. Many happened before the media became so connected and ingrained in our daily lives. And many others that operate even today cross jurisdictions, state lines, and even country boundaries to commit and conceal their crimes. Allow me to introduce you to just ten serial killers that the general population know little to nothing about. I included photos of those who had them. Unfortunately, not everyone liked their photos taken.
By Lydia Byers8 years ago in Criminal
Most Disturbing Episodes of Criminal Minds Ever Made
Criminal Minds is one of the longest running shows on television, and the disturbing crimes the BAU investigates is pushing 300 episodes. The show takes us inside the FBI, where we follow a group of elite criminal profilers throughout their professional and personal lives. Since they deal with serial killers and other heinous crimes, the show is not short on disturbing moments. The BAU profiles serial killers in hopes of anticipating their next move, and getting inside the criminal mind is a major factor behind the shows success.
By Bill Shaffir8 years ago in Criminal
