Victoria Theatre | Dayton OH
A Night of Chills
Darkened lights, a hushed audience, and the historical walls of Dayton’s Victoria Theatre set the stage for an unforgettable, spine-tingling evening. On this night, Dr. Scott Bonn—criminologist, serial killer expert, and masterful storyteller—had an entire crowd hanging on every twisted detail about the world’s most infamous killers.
I have to admit, stepping into a lecture on serial killers isn’t exactly a “typical night out” in Dayton, but Dr. Bonn’s insights about what drives people to commit the darkest of acts made for a fascinating experience that felt almost like a thriller film unfolding live. Dr. Bonn’s dynamic presence turned what could have been a heavy, unnerving topic into a gripping look inside the twisted minds of serial killers. He masterfully broke down profiles, types of killers, and psychological motivations, bringing real depth to high-profile cases that have haunted headlines for decades. His storytelling was so compelling that you couldn’t help but be sucked into this dark side of human nature (while constantly glancing around to make sure no one creepy was sitting too close).
The two-hour evening was intense but brilliantly paced, broken up with a 15-minute intermission. Honestly, it was a needed breather—to grab a drink, shake off the chills, and whisper about the mind-bending details with everyone around. Just before the evening ended, Dr. Bonn dove into the Q&A, fielding questions from curious minds in the audience about infamous killers and the subtleties of profiling them. He didn’t shy away from the details, and his responses were every bit as absorbing as the presentation itself.
I think we all left the theater with a heightened awareness and maybe an urge to double-check door locks. Dr. Bonn reminded us that even in the most ordinary places, mysteries—and sometimes, horrors—lurk around the edges of everyday life. If you’re curious—and you know you are—here are a few of the high-profile cases he discussed:
1. Ted Bundy
Known for his charm and good looks, Bundy was the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing. Dr. Bonn dissected how Bundy manipulated his victims, using his charisma to mask his horrifying true nature. His crimes and eventual confession shocked the world and offered a case study in the dangers of underestimating a sociopath.
2. John Wayne Gacy
The “Killer Clown” was both a community leader and a man hiding a nightmarish secret. Dr. Bonn took us through Gacy’s dual lives and the grim discovery of his victims buried beneath his suburban home.
3. Jeffrey Dahmer
From chilling cannibalism to bizarre “experiments,” Dahmer’s reign of terror in Milwaukee was explored in stomach-turning detail. Dr. Bonn revealed how Dahmer’s disturbing behavior escalated over time and why he remains one of the most infamous serial killers in modern history.
4. Aileen Wuornos
A rare look into a female serial killer, Wuornos’ case brought up questions of justice, motive, and the societal pressures that shaped her. Dr. Bonn discussed her troubled past and how it may have influenced her actions as she targeted men in Florida.
5. Richard Ramirez (The Night Stalker)
The terror Ramirez inflicted on California during his killing spree was palpable even in Dr. Bonn’s retelling. From satanic influences to his erratic MO, the Night Stalker remains one of the most chaotic killers in U.S. history.
6. Jack the Ripper
No list of infamous killers is complete without Jack the Ripper. Dr. Bonn touched on the origins of modern profiling through this chilling Victorian-era case and how it paved the way for criminal psychology as we know it today. By the end of the evening, I was both captivated and spooked. Dr. Bonn’s engaging presentation shed light on the darkest corners of human behavior, balancing his chilling content with expert analysis and a touch of dark humor. If you’re drawn to the macabre or fascinated by true crime, this event was an absolute must-see. Just make sure to double-check your locks before bed… and maybe leave the lights on. 🌕🔦
