The Pied Piper

In "The Pied Piper," part of Harold Schechter's Bloodlands, the story delves into the life of Charlie Schmid, a charismatic yet disturbing figure in 1964 Tucson. Known for his crude parody of a rock star, Schmid's charm captivated young women, ultimately leading to the shocking murders of three girls. This narrative captures the darker side of the free-love movement and parallels the sinister allure of figures like Charles Manson, showcasing Schmid as a quintessential narcissist believing he was above the law.