Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime

Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime

Share this post

Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime
Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime
Digital Demon: The Story Of John Edward Robinson "The Internet's First Serial Killer"
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Serial Killers

Digital Demon: The Story Of John Edward Robinson "The Internet's First Serial Killer"

Con Man and predator John Edward Robinson utilized his manipulative charm as well as online chatrooms to meet and eventually murder several women throughout the Midwest

Timothy Reynolds's avatar
Timothy Reynolds
Feb 25, 2024
∙ Paid

Share this post

Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime
Tales From the Underworld — Authentic True Crime
Digital Demon: The Story Of John Edward Robinson "The Internet's First Serial Killer"
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share
Depiction of John Edward Robinson

Background

In the early 1990s, the modern internet as we know it was still in its infancy. At that time, most people were not yet active regular users. However, for those who were, the early Internet chatrooms provided a sense of community and belonging for those who shared similar interests and hobbies.

Some of these chatrooms catered to people involved in alternative lifestyles or niche interests that were outside of the mainstream. Before there were sites like Reddit, fans and enthusiasts of various topics would congregate in these chatrooms.

Tales From the Underworld is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

One of these early adopters of online communication was a very sick and deeply disturbed man named John Edward Robinson, who by the time he was brought to justice for his crimes had been dubbed “The Internet’s First Serial Killer.”

John Edward Robinson's criminal odys…

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Tales From the Underworld
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More