Exploring the Dark Connection: Laura Greenberg and Doug Gretzler
Laura Greenberg, a journalist driven by a quest to understand the psyche behind violent crime, forms an unexpected relationship with Doug Gretzler, a serial killer serving time in prison. This connection grows remarkably complex, unraveling her sense of reality, as she delves into the reasons people commit such acts.
Gretzler, alongside his accomplice Willie Steelman, was convicted of murdering 17 individuals, including two children. Greenberg’s story, as depicted in Oxygen’s documentary titled “Charmed by the Devil,” examines the haunting memories from this infamous case that continues to shape her life years later.
To gain insight into the mind of a murderer, Greenberg visited Gretzler 350 times, exchanged countless letters, and amassed over 500 hours of recorded conversations, all in her relentless pursuit to “understand the monster.”
Documentary Insights
Film director Ben Giroux, who is also a voice actor for Nickelodeon, reflects on his early memories of Greenberg engaging with “the guy who killed people.” It wasn’t until the pandemic in 2020 that he accessed her extensive recordings, shedding light on the intimate yet unsettling nature of their interactions.
“There are 17 bodies between them,” Giroux observed. Despite knowing Gretzler’s monstrous actions, Greenberg’s ability to form a human connection with him adds a disturbing twist to the narrative. The nature of their bond seems to shift for her day by day, complicating any tidy rationale.
The Nature of Obsession
Giroux described Greenberg’s home as a sort of museum, filled with police reports, letters, and even art pieces—an obsessive collection that hints at her codependency with Gretzler. After their three-week murder spree across Arizona and California, both were sentenced to death, with Steelman passing away in 1986. Greenberg’s investigation began when she reached out to Gretzler, curious but initially met with silence.
Yet, her persistence turned the tide. She soon became privy to a wealth of information as their correspondence deepened, revealing not just facts about the crimes but also layers of introspection from both parties.
Ethical Considerations
Flowers, the executive producer, points out the ethical dilemmas this relationship presents for journalists, especially as they wade into deeply personal waters with subjects like Gretzler. They explore Greenberg’s intense drive to get close to the truth while acknowledging the lines she may have crossed.
Greenberg frequently challenged Gretzler during interviews. While she grappled with feelings of disgust when faced with the details of his crimes, she maintained that no background could excuse his brutality. Giroux believes her skill at unlocking conversations allowed both victims’ families and Gretzler to articulate their truths.
A Complicated Legacy
While some family members benefited from the clarity offered by Greenberg’s interviews—filling in gaps about their loved ones’ fates—even they contemplated the moral implications of connecting with someone responsible for so much suffering.
Reflecting on her aunt’s journey, Giroux expresses concern over the dangers of obsession, noting how it has consumed much of her life. The documentary ultimately highlights the intricate dynamics of this unfathomable relationship, illustrating how Greenberg navigated her complex feelings over several decades. “Charmed by the Devil” is now available for viewers on Peacock.
