True Crime Letter

Ahhh, true crime... what could be a better and more noble use of our time than learning the horrific details of how people we've never met were victimized? No, but really, there are a lot of fascinating aspects of true crime. It's a glimpse into the darkest depths of humanity, a socially acceptable way to dive into the taboo and explore the shadow aspect of ourselves, and a great way to play armchair psychologist. Just don't imitate what you see on TV (or hear about in podcasts), kids.

For this swap, you will write one letter to one partner about a true crime case you find interesting. It doesn't have to be your favorite, and it can be one you are still learning about (as long as you are willing to continue learning in order to write a fully coherent letter). It can be a very famous one, or a more obscure one. The only requirement is that it needs to be at the level of being featured in mass media of some form (books, podcasts, TV shows, documentaries, nonstop mentions on national news, etc). In short, don't draw attention to a case that is not already open for public discussion. Also, please avoid cases that are still actively in the news cycle.

Write, at minimum, two handwritten pages or one typed page. They do not need to be decorated. Write a summary of the case (who was involved? What were key events? Was the perpetrator caught?) and write about why it interests you. You may also write about what you believe the perpetrator's motives were, why the case is socially significant/if there have been any lingering effects, if the case was ever misrepresented in the media, background of the perpetrator (childhood, etc), why specific victim(s) were chosen, why the case was unique, or any general thoughts or analyses you'd like to share.

Please write neatly and large enough for your partner to read with ease. Make sure your username and swap name are included. Mail on time, and rate promptly once you receive -- 5 if it meets requirements, heart if you love it. Be aware that these letters may contain triggering or upsetting content, and that just because you write about a cult leader doesn't mean you won't get a serial killer and rapist back with more details than you were expecting.