In 1972 Santa Cruz, Calif., police fear multiple serial killers are operating at the same time, as human remains wash upon the shores of the seaside community; victims include children, students, pedestrians and hitchhikers. The story and reality of Edmund Kemper, the "Co-Ed Killer" who appears to be a gentle giant who offers rides to young female hitchhikers but is actually a perverted monster with a tormented childhood and dark sexual fantasies.