The story of Diogo Alves, a 19th-century Portuguese serial killer, whose preserved head remains on display at the University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Medicine, offers a chilling illustration of humanity's enduring fascination with crime. Alves's story, with its blend of brutality and macabre scientific curiosity, echoes the same themes that draw millions to modern true crime shows.
Born in Galicia in 1810, Alves moved to Lisbon as a child, working as a servant in wealthy homes. He soon turned to a life of crime, eventually targeting farmers crossing the Aqueduto das Águas Livres, robbing and then throwing them to their deaths from the 213-foot structure. Alves was believed to have murdered over 70 people in this way before forming a bandit group that ultimately led to his capture and execution in 1841. However, it was the decision to preserve Alves's head in a jar for scientific study, in an attempt to understand his "murderous nature", that cemented his place in both criminal history and the public imagination.
Ever since I was little my mom has fallen asleep to the sound of a crime show.
This desire to peer into the minds of criminals, and to comprehend the motivations behind their horrific acts, is a key factor in the enduring popularity of true crime. Much like the scientists who sought answers in Alves's preserved head, modern audiences are drawn to shows that promise insights into the darkest corners of human psychology. As criminologist Scott Bonn explains, true crime, particularly when focused on murder, provides a "safe" environment to experience fear and horror. This controlled exposure triggers an adrenaline rush, similar to the thrill of a roller coaster or a scary movie, which can be both exhilarating and addictive.
Additionally, the investigative nature of many true crime shows allows viewers to actively participate, playing armchair detectives and attempting to solve the case alongside law enforcement.
Many experience a sense of guilt while enjoying true crime, which suggests a certain unease with the genre. Guilt can also cause stress. On a societal level, the potential for desensitization to violence, the ethical implications of profiting from real-life tragedies, and the spread of psychopathic ideas are valid concerns.
However, true crime can also serve as a platform for raising awareness about important social issues, promoting critical thinking, and advocating for justice. Ultimately, whether our fascination with stories like that of Diogo Alves is healthy or harmful depends largely on how we engage with it.
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