'Butchers docuseries reveals how a prolific serial killer was put behind bars

Dave Lopez, a journalist, significantly contributed to the conviction of serial killer William Bonin, who confessed to 26 murders in Los Angeles during the late 1970s and 1980s. Lopez began his investigation by interviewing Bonin's mother, which led to Bonin agreeing to speak with him directly. During their conversation, Bonin chillingly admitted he found pleasure in killing and would have continued if not apprehended. At trial, key testimony from Bonin's accomplice, Vernon Butts, was thwarted when Butts took his own life in prison. Despite facing backlash for potentially compromising journalistic integrity, Lopez decided to testify about Bonin's confessions, which were crucial for the prosecution's case.

Following Lopez's testimony, Bonin was convicted and sentenced to death. Lopez expressed no regrets about his decision, stating, "I had to do what I had to do. " The docuseries "Butchers," which highlights these harrowing events, is currently airing on SundanceTV and other platforms.