With so much noise out there right now, I thought I’d share my take on the top 3 questions I'm currently being asked.
Question 1: Do I believe the "Mr Cruel" crimes were committed by multiple offenders?
Over the past two years, a theory has been proposed, suggesting that "Mr Cruel" might be a myth, and that the crimes attributed to him were actually the work of multiple, unrelated offenders. It’s a theory that has generated plenty of chatter in true crime circles, and many of you have asked for my take.
Before I give my analytical perspective, I want to address an important editorial decision. Yesterday, I referenced a new podcast series exploring this theory. However, after listening to the last two episodes, I have chosen to remove all links and specific recommendations to that series from The Disclosure Archive.
While my work relies on open-source intelligence to explore cold cases, I hold a strict line on ethics and victim protection. Content that crosses into explicit, non-consensual detailing of sexual assault against named, living survivors does not align with my standards.
As for the theory itself:
Do I think Mr Cruel is a myth? No. I do not believe the four established crimes attributed to him were committed by multiple, unrelated individuals. The signatures are too specific.
However, are some precursor crimes unrelated? Yes, this is highly possible. A small number of the 1980s precursor crimes currently tied to him might not belong on his rap sheet. Unfortunately, the limited information the police have publicly provided doesn't allow those of us relying on open-source intelligence to be perfectly precise.
Was he a cat burglar? Absolutely. His break-and-enter skills were demonstrated consistently. He didn't just smash his way in. He moved silently and bypassed home security effortlessly.
Question 2: What was Mr Cruel’s first crime?
This question has flowed through more in the form of comments, but they all stem from the point I have made a few times that clearly hit a nerve with readers.
Mr Cruel was a very experienced operator by the time he appeared on the scene in the mid-1980s. Even the first attributed precursor attack in early 1985 carried the MO of an experienced offender. In behavioural analysis, you usually see a "learning curve" of early, clumsy attempts where an offender makes mistakes. We don't see that here. He was operating long before the 1980s.
Question 3: Do I believe Karmein Chan was abducted by Mr Cruel?
Yes, absolutely. The mechanics of this crime bears the same signature as his earlier attacks.
Sam.
What are your thoughts on these topics? Let me know in the comments below or send me an email.
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