Slavemaster: The Internet’s First Serial Killer

De: Elliot Christopher

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

John Edward Robinson, often labeled the “Internet’s First Serial Killer,” was an American murderer whose crimes in the late 20th century showcased a chilling new era of predation through digital means. Operating primarily in Missouri, Robinson exploited the burgeoning accessibility of the internet to lure victims—mostly young women—under the guise of professional opportunity, romance, or mentorship. His crimes represented one of the first high-profile cases in which the internet became an active tool for a serial killer, highlighting the emerging dangers of online anonymity.

Robinson’s life was marked by a facade of normalcy. Outwardly, he appeared as a successful businessman and family man, living in St. Louis and managing a series of legitimate-looking companies. Beneath this veneer, however, he harbored a deeply manipulative, psychopathic personality, characterized by charm, deceit, and a complete lack of empathy. He meticulously planned his crimes, often grooming victims over weeks or months through online correspondence, gaining their trust before inviting them into his home, where he would ultimately murder them.

His criminal acts included not only multiple murders but also kidnapping, sexual assault, and financial exploitation. Victims were frequently dismembered, and Robinson attempted to conceal evidence through elaborate methods, including burning and scattering remains. The combination of his calculated deception, technological savvy, and violent tendencies made him particularly difficult for law enforcement to detect initially.

Robinson’s case is historically significant because it illustrated the dark potential of emerging technologies when manipulated by predatory individuals. His use of the internet for hunting victims foreshadowed later cases of cyberpredation and raised awareness about online safety, particularly for vulnerable populations. Following his arrest in the mid-1990s, extensive investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of premeditated cruelty and deception, leading to convictions that underscored the gravity of his crimes.

Ultimately, John Edward Robinson’s story serves as both a cautionary tale about the early internet’s risks and a study in the psychology of a manipulative, calculating killer who seamlessly blended modern technology with age-old predatory instincts. His legacy endures in law enforcement, forensic, and public discourse on the intersection of crime and digital innovation.