The Acid King

In July of 1984, a story originating from Long Island, New York began to make headlines throughout the world.

The body of 17-year-old Gary Lauwers was found in a shallow grave in the Aztakea Woods, just outside of the sleepy harbor village of Northport. Police would quickly narrow in on the person they believed to be responsible for this violent crime: 17-year-old Ricky Kasso, who they alleged had participated in a cult ritual during the commission of this vile act.

While the story would fade from the headlines, its legacy would live on, becoming an omen of the Satanic Panic craze yet to come later that decade...



Special thanks to Jesse Pollack, Dan Jones, and Anthony Zenkus for speaking with me. Jesse and Dan are co-directors on the upcoming documentary film The Acid King, which Anthony not only helped produce but experienced firsthand. I'm so glad that they were able to speak to me, and I owe a huge thanks to Jesse and Dan for not only being good friends, but for putting together such a good flick (and for contributing so much to this episode).



Written, hosted, and produced by Micheal Whelan

Music courtesy of Jesse Pollack ("The Acid King")

Producers: Roberta Janson, Ben Krokum, Gabriella Bromley, Peggy Belarde, Quil Carter, Laura Hannan, Travis Scsepko, Damion Moore, Brittany Norris, Amy Hampton, Steven Wilson, Scott Meesey, Marie Vanglund, Kevin McCracken, Scott Patzold, Bryan Hall, Astrid Kneier, Aimee McGregor, Sydney Scotton, Sara Moscaritolo, Sue Kirk, Jo Wong, Thomas Ahearn, Marion Welsh, Patrick Laakso, Meadow Landry, Tatum Bautista, Teunia Elzinga, Michele Watson, Ryan Green, Stephanie Joyner, Dawn Kellar, Jacinda B., Elissa Hampton-Dutro, Sharon Manetta, Ruth Durbin, Cherish Brady, and Jennifer Henshaw

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