How Did Police Catch the Baseline Killer?

In 2005-2006, long before Arizonans rooted for the Suns to keep their 2021 NBA playoff hopes alive, a monster terrorized the streets of Phoenix. the “Baseline Killer,” named after a section in nearby Tempe called Baseline Road, Mark Goudeau terrorized young women and a man sending nine people to their graves (eight women, one man) and raping and robbing women and stores, respectively.

Goudeau, like other serial killers, was well-liked by his neighbors and described as a great man. Sue-Ellen Bennett opined, “He was a sweet, sweet guy.”

Sure, like a vicious attack dog that allows itself to be petted perhaps. Her praise stood in stark contrast to the carnage and mayhem he left in his wake.

For someone to assault a pregnant woman and her sister just takes a criminal mind detached from morality and reality. His ugly behavior should remind us that bad people don’t announce they are evil, and sometimes they look and act the opposite. That doesn’t mean people should spy on rational, productive people, just that we should be aware of how much or little we really know our neighbors.

With his horrific sprees, it seemed like he couldn’t be caught. Dedicated police, however, pursued him doggedly, and offered a $100,000 reward for his capture. In just over a year, their hard work paid off, and they nabbed their wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Goudeau would have continued his trail of blood had it not been for the heroes in uniform and the detectives assigned to the case. By planning, organizing, and exhibiting consummate professionalism, they could claim that the Baseline Killer would feel the cold steel of justice wrapped around his wrists.

Goudeau represents the coward who could not comply with reality. It is the policemen and women, detectives, and the system of law they enforce that eliminated him as a threat.

Throughout time, there have been scant numbers of criminals despite what newscasts say. Philosopher and writer Ayn Rand once said, “criminals are a small minority in any age or country.” This includes serial killings. Statistics actually show that those numbers have plummeted due to technology like smartphones and cameras attached to homes and businesses.

In Phoenix, the Baseline Killer didn’t stand a chance against the legal system. For his wickedness, he will be forever confined to prison walls, like a caged bird with broken wings. Goudeau did the damage to himself. He indulged his violent thoughts, and allowed his mind to be consumed by them.

In America, it appears the number of serial killers has decreased dramatically. Mass shootings have taken the place of a lone killer, picking people off, one or a few at a time, over a period of time, in a specific location.

Now, cities like Phoenix can cheer for their home basketball team. They have every opportunity to feel safe and rely on the long arm of the law to protect their lives and private property. The Goudeaus of the world have shrunk in number due to diligence and care of committed professionals. The individual has the choice to make to stand guard against the advances of serial killers. People who value themselves and others afford everyone the chance to live in a freer, more rational society. That is why when a crime is committed, it’s against the individual not an aggregate or group. The moral individual is sovereign and should be protected to the fullest extent of the law no matter the circumstances.

With close to 500 years of confinement, Goudeau will have plenty of time to consider the error of his ways, and to become a model prisoner. That’s about all he can do for now.