The Internet's First Serial Killer - John Edward Robinson

In this episode of Unlawful Acts, we expose the twisted crimes of John Edward Robinson, a seemingly ordinary Kansas businessman who became known as “The Internet’s First Serial Killer.” Using early online chat rooms and personal ads, Robinson lured vulnerable women with promises of love, jobs, or stability—only to exploit, torture, and murder them. His calculated manipulation spanned decades, leaving a trail of missing persons across multiple states. We’ll uncover how he used the anonymity of the early internet to prey on victims, the chilling discoveries that led to his arrest, and how his case became a landmark in the history of cybercrime and serial murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Every story has two sides—the version we hear, and the version buried beneath the surface. Unlawful Acts is a weekly true crime podcast hosted by Susan Davis, offering condensed yet compelling storytelling that dives deep into some of the world’s most fascinating criminal cases. From elusive serial killers to decades-old mysteries, each episode peels back the layers to uncover the truths often left untold. But this isn’t just about the crimes—it’s about the people: the families who never stopped searching, the detectives who chased justice across years and continents, and the overlooked patterns hiding in plain sight. If you’re captivated by human behavior, drawn to detail, and short on time—but still want the full story—Unlawful Acts invites you to dig deeper and discover what they didn’t want you to know.