Why are some people obsessed with true crime

I once worked with a girl in her early twenties who had (to me) an irrational interest in true accounts of violence and murders. This was in the days before most homes had internet connection and I'd noticed a sharp increase in the cost of our office connection.

When asked about it she acknowledged she had been using it to research such items; a fascination which started in her teens when trying to distract herself from a lifelong mobility disability. We arranged for her to see a counsellor to discuss this, following which she decided to leave to study forensics. I met her again several years later and was sad to learn she had ditched the course after starting an online relationship with an ex-con in America. She'd gone to the states to meet him, had a baby as a result and realised the potential risk to her new-born daughter so escaped back to the UK

Jane10, Im quite normal really! yes its peoples tragedies but like others I dont watch for the entertainment value as such, I find it interesting with the clues and forensics in finding the perpetrators.
No I for one wouldnt be pushing for a front seat to watch someone being murdered by hanging!

Ooo thanks maggie, nearly missed that !!

I agree it's not about the crime it's about bringing the perpetrators to justice. My SiL is starting uni in september to do Forensic Science so I'm hoping to learn more from him

There's a new series on tonight - One of Us - that looks pretty gory, and I've already set it to record It's not based on a true story though, as far as I'm aware.

Surely it's just a way of escaping from the everyday. Yes, all these cases are someone's tragedy, but it's not as though the spectators are hanging over the bereaved's shoulder, or turning up at court (mind you, I did have an auntie who would queue up with her friend to get into court when an interesting case was being heard!). They're not usually my sort of thing, but I am interested in those that have affected me personally, such as the Yorkshire Ripper case (just because I lived in the area and remember how frightening it all was at the time). I enjoy crime fiction, though, particularly a good psychological thriller.

CBATA !!!

Maybe that's exactly it Jane. Such things could happen to any one of us.

Its so cruelly prurient. These are awful things that have really happened to real people. These programmes turn other peoples tragedies into entertainment. I really wonder about the people who like this sort of thing. I suppose in the old days they'd be pushing for places at the front near public hangings.

lol @grannylyn.

well Im guilty as charged, I like watching them I also like reading true stories, always have.

I love true crime. . It's not about the goryness or the sensationalism, though, it's about the process of solving them. I enjoy the analysis, putting together the evidence, building a case, and nailing the perpetrator.

Brilliant.

Am hoping to get a few ideas ! ??

No idea. Quiet sad if you ask me.