JOHN STRAFFEN, LOW IQ CHILD KILLER

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary delves into the chilling case of John Straffen, a man whose low IQ of 58 did not preclude him from committing horrific acts. Narrated by Fred Dinenage, the program meticulously reconstructs the events surrounding Straffen's crimes, beginning with the strangulation of two young girls. The narrative highlights the controversial legal implications of his diminished capacity, which spared him the death penalty and led to his internment at Broadmoor. However, the program unflinchingly details his subsequent escape and the tragic commission of a third murder, underscoring a disturbing pattern of violence. The presentation is somber and factual, focusing on the details of the case and the societal questions it raises about justice, mental capacity, and public safety. It serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that can arise when criminal behavior intersects with psychological evaluations.