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This episode of True Crime All The Time examines the brutal murders of two freshmen at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., a prestigious private school for the deaf and hard of hearing. In September 2000, 19-year-old student Eric Plunkett was beaten and strangled to death inside his dorm room. Months later in February 2001, another freshman, Benjamin Varner, was stabbed to death in his dorm, sparking terror across the campus that a killer was hiding among them. The hosts detail the horrific crimes and the eventual arrest of fellow student Joseph Mesa Jr., who murdered both victims for money and later confessed, claiming he suffered from mental illness and saw black hands directing him to commit violence.
The hosts and the transcript explain how Mesa methodically planned the attacks, cashed forged checks, and even inserted himself into the investigations before walking into a police station to confess. Psychologists later described Mesa as a developing serial killer who found the murders gratifying, noting a history of violence that began with killing family pets during adolescence. The discussion highlights the vulnerability of tight-knit academic communities when a predator comes from within, ultimately resulting in Mesa receiving two life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The episode opens with a promotional ad for DraftKings Casino before the hosts greet listeners.
Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson introduce themselves and share brief personal life updates before diving into the case.
The hosts give a quick shout‑out to Patreon supporters and mention the names of their recent patrons.
The hosts outline the basic facts of Eric Plunkett’s death and its impact on campus.
Details about Eric’s birth, cerebral palsy, deafness, and family background are discussed.
The conversation covers Eric’s time at Gallaudet, his activism, and the campus climate after his murder.
The hosts describe the violent scene, lack of forced entry, and forensic findings at Eric’s dorm.
Information about Benjamin’s hearing loss, family, and the circumstances of his death is presented.
Joseph Mesa confesses to both murders, citing robbery and a desire to be caught.
Joseph is convicted, families react, and the episode concludes with reflections on the case.
Discussion of Joseph Mesa’s life sentences, psychological evaluations, and the use of his letters in court.
Examination of psychiatric reports describing Mesa’s fantasies and behaviors as indicative of serial killer tendencies.
Gallaudet University Profileinsight
The hosts describe Gallaudet University as the world's only bilingual university for American Sign Language, often referred to as the Deaf Harvard.
Student Joseph Mesa Jr. asked an RA to conduct a welfare check due to a funny smell, leading to the discovery of Eric Plunkett's body.
Benjamin Varner was found stabbed at least 16 times in his dorm room, with his body hidden under a mattress.
Confession for Purple Itemsinsight
When questioned about his motive for cashing Benjamin's check, Joseph Mesa casually stated he bought purple items for his girlfriend.
Bizarre Insanity Claimsinsight
Joseph Mesa testified in court that oversized hands in black leather gloves appeared in his mind and instructed him to kill.
Life Sentences Handed Downdata
Judge Robert Richter sentenced Joseph Mesa to two life terms without parole, citing psychological reports describing him as a developing serial killer.
“Joseph later considered killing his roommate, Chad Shoemaker, but decided it would be too obvious.”
“He felt guilty. Joseph then got on the stand to testify in his own defense, after his father, brother, and girlfriend described how he was prone to fits of rage, headaches, and blackouts.”
“And two life terms without parole is a very, very fair sentence.”
“One psychiatrist compared his psyche to that of serial killers in an FBI study and wrote that Joseph found the murder as gratifying as if it were an end in and of itself.”
“I think that's the truth for all, but he doesn't seem quite as remorseless to me as some killers we've talked about.”
“Which is what often happens with serial killers, right? Very few of them just decide to stop one day because they've had enough.”
Gallaudet University freshman Eric Plunkett was beaten and strangled to death inside his dorm room just weeks after arriving on campus. Months later, fellow freshman Benjamin Varner was found brutally murdered in the same dorm, leaving the close-knit university terrified that a killer was hiding among them. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the murders of Eric Plunkett and Benjamin Varner. As investigators searched for connections between the two crimes, evidence began pointing toward someone much closer than anyone expected. You can help support the show at patreon.com/truecrimeallthetime Visit the show's website at truecrimeallthetime.com for contact, merchandise, and donation information An Emash Digital production See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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