“The Dexter Killer”: 48 Hours Reports on Mark Twitchell Case August 17 2024

On August 17, 2024, “48 Hours” will air an encore presentation of “The Dexter Killer,” revisiting the chilling case of Mark Twitchell. Twitchell, a Canadian filmmaker, was convicted of the brutal murder of Johnny Altinger in 2008, a crime that shocked the world due to its eerie resemblance to the fictional character Dexter Morgan from the TV series Dexter. The episode, airing at 9:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, provides a rare insight into Twitchell’s psyche, exploring his motivations and the disturbing parallels between his crimes and the TV show he idolized.

The broadcast will feature investigative journalist Steve Lillebuen, who exchanged letters with Twitchell over three years, offering a unique glimpse into the mind of a man who meticulously planned his crime, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The episode is a detailed exploration of Twitchell’s twisted fascination with Dexter and how it culminated in real-life horror.

The Background of Mark Twitchell: From Filmmaker to Murderer

Mark Twitchell, born in Edmonton, Alberta, harbored dreams of becoming a successful filmmaker. He graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in 2000 and quickly immersed himself in various film projects, including a Star Wars fan film. However, it was his obsession with the Showtime series Dexter that would ultimately lead him down a dark path. The series, which follows a vigilante serial killer, seemed to resonate deeply with Twitchell, who began to identify with the character Dexter Morgan.

In September 2008, Twitchell rented a garage in Edmonton, ostensibly to film a short horror movie titled “House of Cards.” Unbeknownst to those around him, this garage would soon become the scene of a gruesome real-life crime. Twitchell’s fascination with Dexter went beyond mere fandom; he meticulously planned to emulate the fictional killer’s methods, setting up a “kill room” in the garage, complete with plastic sheeting and a table prepared for dismemberment. Twitchell’s life was increasingly divided between his mundane reality and a dark fantasy inspired by his favorite TV show.

The Murder of Johnny Altinger: A Crime Inspired by Fiction

Johnny Altinger, a 38-year-old oilfield equipment manufacturer, was lured to Twitchell’s garage on October 10, 2008, under the pretense of a date with a woman he had met online. Unaware that he was being drawn into a trap, Altinger followed the directions to the garage, where he was brutally attacked by Twitchell. Twitchell bludgeoned and stabbed Altinger to death before dismembering his body in a manner disturbingly similar to the fictional killings depicted in Dexter.

Twitchell’s attempt to cover up the crime involved sending emails from Altinger’s account, claiming that he had left on an impromptu vacation to Costa Rica. However, Altinger’s friends grew suspicious and reported his disappearance to the police. Their concerns, coupled with Altinger’s missing vehicle, led investigators to Twitchell. The garage, which Twitchell had attempted to sanitize, still bore traces of Altinger’s blood, and a search of Twitchell’s laptop revealed a chilling document titled “SK Confessions.” This document, which Twitchell claimed was a screenplay, detailed the murder with alarming accuracy, leaving little doubt about his guilt.

The Trial and Conviction: A Cold-Blooded Killer Unmasked

Mark Twitchell was arrested on Halloween in 2008 and charged with first-degree murder. During his trial in 2011, the Crown’s case centered on the “SK Confessions” document, which prosecutors argued was a real-life diary of Twitchell’s crimes. Despite Twitchell’s claims that he acted in self-defense and that the document was merely a work of fiction, the evidence against him was overwhelming.

The jury deliberated for just five hours before finding Twitchell guilty of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years. The case garnered significant media attention, with many outlets dubbing Twitchell “The Dexter Killer” due to the clear parallels between his crimes and the actions of Dexter Morgan.

Twitchell’s defense team attempted to argue that the media coverage had prejudiced the jury, but Twitchell ultimately abandoned his appeal in 2012. His conviction brought some closure to Altinger’s family, although the lack of remorse and the macabre nature of Twitchell’s crime left a lasting impact on those who followed the case.

Insights from Correspondence: Inside the Mind of Mark Twitchell

Following his conviction, Twitchell reached out to journalist Steve Lillebuen, initiating a lengthy correspondence that would provide deep insights into his psyche. Over three years, Twitchell wrote dozens of letters to Lillebuen, in which he maintained his innocence and continued to deny the influence of Dexter on his actions. Despite his claims, Twitchell’s obsession with the character was evident in his writings, where he often compared himself to Dexter and attempted to rationalize his behavior.

Lillebuen’s interactions with Twitchell, documented in his book “The Devil’s Cinema,” reveal a man who is both self-aware and deeply disturbed. Twitchell’s letters are filled with justifications for his actions, portraying himself as a misunderstood artist rather than a cold-blooded killer. However, the letters also expose a chilling lack of empathy and a fixation on the details of his crime, suggesting that Twitchell derived a perverse satisfaction from his actions.

Conclusion: The Legacy of “The Dexter Killer”

Mark Twitchell’s case is a disturbing reminder of the dangers of blurred lines between fiction and reality. His obsession with Dexter led him to commit a heinous crime, believing that he could emulate the character’s methods and escape detection. While his conviction ensures that he will remain behind bars for many years, the case continues to captivate and horrify those who learn about it.

The encore presentation of “The Dexter Killer” on “48 Hours” offers viewers an opportunity to revisit this case and gain new insights into Twitchell’s twisted mind. Through the lens of Lillebuen’s correspondence and the detailed examination of the evidence, the episode provides a comprehensive look at how a seemingly ordinary man became one of Canada’s most infamous murderers.