Steve Fishman, a survivor of a chilling encounter with a serial killer, recently shared his harrowing experience in a new true-crime podcast called “Smoke Screen: My Friend, the Serial Killer.” Fishman was just 19 years old when he hitched a ride with a man named Red, who turned out to be Virginia-born Robert Frederick Carr III, a notorious serial killer who preyed on young hitchhikers.
Fishman’s decision to hitchhike was common in the 1970s, and as an aspiring reporter, he saw it as an opportunity to gather a story for his local newspaper. However, little did he know that the man behind the wheel, Red, was a dangerous criminal recently released from prison.
Despite Red’s friendly demeanor and willingness to share his story, Fishman was unaware of the horrors lurking beneath the surface. It wasn’t until he attempted to write a story about Red for his paper that he discovered the truth about the man who had given him a ride.
Red, also known as Robert Frederick Carr III, had a dark past that involved raping and murdering multiple victims, including two 11-year-old boys and a 16-year-old girl. Carr’s chilling confession to detectives about his crimes left Fishman shaken, wondering why he had been spared by the serial killer.
In an effort to understand the mind of a monster, Fishman embarked on a journey to unravel the motives behind Carr’s heinous acts. Through recorded conversations and personal encounters with Carr, Fishman delved into the twisted psyche of a serial killer who showed no remorse for his actions.
Despite his chilling encounters with Carr, Fishman’s survival served as a catalyst for introspection and a quest for justice. Through his podcast, Fishman hopes to shed light on the complexities of dealing with individuals like Carr and the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to such crimes.
As a father today, Fishman grapples with the difficult questions surrounding the rehabilitation and punishment of serial killers. His firsthand experience with Carr has shaped his perspective on the criminal justice system and the measures needed to prevent future tragedies.
“Smoke Screen: My Friend, the Serial Killer” provides a haunting glimpse into the mind of a monster and the resilience of a survivor who narrowly escaped a tragic fate. Fishman’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath seemingly ordinary encounters and the importance of vigilance in the face of evil.
