Glennon Engleman: The Killer Dentist

This episode of Morbid dives into the chilling true story of Glennon Engelman, a dentist who orchestrated a series of murders over decades for financial gain and personal gratification. The narrative begins with the 1958 murder of James Bullock, a young man shot in St. Louis after a night class, whose death was initially baffling due to multiple wounds and a blood trail. Though Glennon Engelman, Bullock’s former father-in-law and ex-husband of Bullock’s wife Ruth, was a prime suspect due to their ongoing relationship, he had a solid alibi. The case went cold—until decades later, when a pattern emerged: Engelman was connected to multiple victims through former lovers or their families. His involvement in the 1976 murder of Peter Holm, the 1977 killings of Arthur and Vernita Gusewell, and the 1980 bombing of dental lab worker Sophie Barrera were all linked through financial motive and a web of conspiracies. Engelman manipulated women—including Ruth, Carmen Holm, and Barbara Boyle—into helping him commit murder-for-hire schemes, often using insurance payouts as the payoff. His wife Ruth eventually turned on him, recording their conversations, which led to his arrest and conviction. Though he was never charged for Bullock’s murder, he was sentenced to life in prison for multiple murders and fraud. The episode ends with a darkly humorous note on Washington State’s law protecting Bigfoot, underscoring the show’s signature blend of morbid fascination and quirky levity. Key takeaways include: 1) Engelman used his position as a trusted professional to manipulate victims and co-conspirators; 2) His crimes spanned over 20 years, showing a calculated, long-term pattern of violence; 3) He exploited emotional and financial vulnerability in women, often using their desire for money or stability to recruit them; 4) The case highlights how cold cases can be solved decades later through new evidence and technology; 5) The psychological profile of a psychopath who enjoys the planning and execution of murder is chillingly illustrated; 6) The importance of whistleblowers—like Ruth—being willing to risk their lives to expose evil; 7) The tragic cost of greed and power, with young lives and entire families destroyed; 8) The lasting impact of trauma on survivors, such as Ronald Gusewell’s son, who outlived his entire family.