The Algorithm

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06/15/21 • 33 min

1 Listener

Four years before Afrikka's Death, reporter Thomas Hargrove took clues from the Atlanta child murders and the Green River Killer and created an algorithm to detect serial killers. His algorithm flagged Gary, Indiana as the site of an unusual number of strangulations. But how did this algorithm work, and what came of the findings?

Thomas Hargrove discusses the creation of the algorithm and Dr. Mike Aamodt talks serial killing stats. Finally, host Ben Kuebrich receives an unexpected phone call.

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Thomas Hargrove discusses the creation of the algorithm and Dr. Mike Aamodt talks serial killing stats. Finally, host Ben Kuebrich receives an unexpected phone call.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previous Episode

Afrikka Didn't Need to Die

1 Recommendations

When Afrikka Hardy was strangled in 2014 it seemed completely random. But it wasn’t. It was part of a pattern.

Lori Townsend reminisces about her daughter Afrikka, and journalist Thomas Hargrove says Afrikka's death could've been prevented.

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Next Episode

Cold Cases

Jackie investigates the cases Hargrove's algorithm identified. But there aren't any major leads... until Afrikka's murder.

What really happened the night Afrikka was killed?

Find out more about the case on twitter, instagram, or facebook. And follow host Ben Kuebrich on twitter.

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Algorithm - The Algorithm

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:01.120

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the authors and participants and do not necessarily represent those of iHeart Media, Tenderfoot TV, or their employees. This series contains discussions of violence and sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. Last time an algorithm. Lorie Townsend more in the death of her daughter, Africa Hardy, don't think that you know everything about child, because there's something

The Algorithm Top Questions Answered

How was the algorithm developed to identify serial killers?

The algorithm was developed by journalist Thomas Hargrove in 2004.

What challenges did Hargrove face in getting his editors to take him seriously?

Hargrove faced challenges in getting his editors to take him seriously when he initially proposed the idea.

How did the algorithm analyze data to detect serial killings?

The algorithm analyzed data from supplemental homicide reports to find patterns between victims.

What database was used to test the algorithm?

The algorithm was tested using data from serial killer Gary Ridgeway's victims, utilizing an FBI database.

Are serial killers' victims consistent in terms of age, race, or sex?

No, serial killers' victims are not always consistent in terms of age, race, or sex.

What methods of killing do serial killers often use?

Serial killers often use up close and personal methods of killing, such as strangulation.

Did the algorithm show promise in detecting killings?

Yes, the algorithm showed promise by detecting Ridgeway's killings with a low clearance rate.

Did the algorithm identify other clusters of murders?

Yes, the algorithm identified clusters of unsolved murders in Youngstown, Ohio, and Gary, Indiana, among other places.

How did the police in Youngstown and Gary respond to the algorithm's findings?

In Youngstown, the police had attempted to solve similar cases in the past but were unsuccessful due to destroyed evidence. In Gary, the police initially ignored Hargrove's attempts to collaborate.

Did Hargrove's investigation in Gary yield any results?

Yes, Hargrove's investigation in Gary led to the identification of additional cases connected to the murder cluster, with the support of the Lake County Coroner's office.

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