There’s some sort of fascination people have with serial killers. From the time that we hear about the possibility of a serial killer on the loose, to the time they are caught, we live both in awe, and in fear. How could someone be so evil, yet so calculated to escape capture for so long? Over the past month, Netflix has released documentaries that cover two sensational cases that made international headlines, Canadian cover boy model Luka Magnotta, and the other on American football superstar Aaron Hernandez. Both have those good looking boy-next-door characteristics, yet what lurked in their minds drove them each to commit horrendous crimes. Fortunately, they were caught before the killing spree continued. Here’s your chance to binge watch each of these three-part documentaries.

Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting An Internet Killer

When a video is posted online of a mysterious figure in a dark green hoodie killing two kittens, the internet goes nuts. A group of amateur online sleuths assemble to track him down. In a dangerous game of cat and mouse, every click encourages the sick perpetrator to post even more disturbing videos, until a final video is uploaded. This time, the victim is human. This is the horrifying true story of a young Canadian serial killer so consumed with achieving fame that he breaks the first rule of the internet: Don’t F**k With Cats.

    Luka Magnotta’s Mother Tells All In New Book, “MY SON, THE KILLER”

    Despite his internet fame, Magnotta never agreed to any in-depth interviews. Now Magnotta has given award-winning journalist and author, Brian Whitney (RAW DEAL, THE SHAWCROSS LETTERS) an exclusive look inside the mind of this “social media” killer. Joining Whitney to tell this unique true crime story is Anna Yourkin. The book also contains exclusive photos provided by Yourkin.

    In 2012, the Canadian Press ignited a firestorm of criticism by naming killer Luka Magnotta as its “Newsmaker Of The Year.” But while the recognition was questionable for its sensitivity, there’s no doubt that few people had captured the public’s attention like the young murderer and internet sensation.

    A male escort and sometimes model, Magnotta had earned his notoriety by videotaping himself stabbing Chinese student Lin Jun to death with an ice pick and dismembering the body, before posting the video online. After mailing Jun’s hands and feet to elementary schools, he then led Interpol on a manhunt that ended when he was arrested at an Internet café in Berlin where he was reading news stories about himself.

    An international celebrity in a macabre sort of way, with a legion of fans, Magnotta was brought back to Canada, convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to prison. During this time, Anna Yourkin, his estranged mother, troubled by Magnotta’s abused childhood and her role in that, reconnected with her killer son.

    Order My Son, The Killer here.

    Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez

    The other high profile case that captured the attention of Americans south of the border, was that of Aaron Hernandez. This three-part documentary series examines what led to the murderous fall and shocking death of this professional NFL superstar who played tight end for the New England Patriots. The documentary features courtroom footage, interviews with Hernandez’s former teammates and even some of Hernandez’s private phone calls from prison, all with the aim of getting into the mind of a convicted killer. Friends, officials, attorneys, journalists, and former teammates discuss the rise, fall, and eventual suicide of this professional football player  (1989–2017), who was sentenced to life in prison after his conviction. Watch here.

    After watching both of these series, it became apparent there are many similarities between the two individuals, as much as there are complete differences between them.

    Magnotta was openly gay and vying for attention primarily over the internet, while Hernandez is depicted as possibly being gay and in the closet, and associated with gangs and drugs.

    Both had experienced trauma and abuse during their childhood and family life.

    Both documentaries leave viewers thinking that there is a possibility both might be innocent of the crimes, as others were possibly involved who could have set them up.

    Both leave many unanswered questions as to why these “others” were not pursued and questioned, and whether both suspects were tried and held accountable due to the fact that authorities might have wanted to end these cases quickly due to public outrage.

    Both provided great insight into the justice system.

    Magnotta is still serving his sentence, while Hernadez was found hanging in his jail cell.

    About the Author

    Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.