Horror on the Highway

The 2010 film Freeway Killer dives into the disturbing life of William Bonin—a seemingly average man who harbored monstrous secrets. But how accurate is the movie to the horrifying reality?

In this episode, we separate fact from fiction as we uncover the true story behind one of California’s most notorious serial killers. Between 1979 and 1980, Bonin brutally murdered at least 21 young boys and men, often with the help of accomplices. He used his van to lure victims off the streets, earning him the chilling nickname “The Freeway Killer.”

We explore Bonin’s troubled past, the details of his sadistic crimes, and how law enforcement eventually caught up to him. We also examine the film’s portrayal—what it got right, what it changed, and what it left out.

This isn’t just a true crime tale—it’s a deeper look at how Hollywood adapts real-life horror for the screen.

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