The highly anticipated 2024 Prime Video series Cross has successfully wrapped up its inaugural season, captivating viewers who are now desperate to unveil the chilling identity of the notorious Sandman Serial Killer. This show is a gripping adaptation of the beloved Alex Cross novel series penned by renowned American author James Patterson. It intricately follows the journey of the eponymous detective and forensic psychologist as he delves into a series of dark and twisted crimes, showcasing his exceptional skills in solving complex cases that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Let’s dive deeper into what we know about the Sandman Serial Killer as depicted in the 2024 series Cross.

Unraveling the Mystery: Who is the Sandman Serial Killer and His Link to Maurice Freeman Jr.?

In the gripping narrative of Cross Season 1, the Sandman serial killer, Maurice Freeman Jr., is introduced as a compelling fictional character crafted specifically for this adaptation. The series artfully intertwines his character with nods to actual serial killers, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps viewers intrigued.

One of the most notable antagonists in the series is Ed Ramsey, also known as “The Fanboy” (portrayed by Ryan Eggold). He chooses Emir Goodspeed, a well-respected local activist, as his initial target. The shocking discovery of Goodspeed’s lifeless body in his vehicle, with his dreadlocks mysteriously shaved off, sends shockwaves through the community. Initially, the Metro PD suspects a drug overdose, but Alex Cross’s sharp instincts lead him to suspect foul play. During his investigation, he uncovers a scrapbook that Ramsey meticulously crafted, which contains chilling profiles of his victims alongside information on 11 serial killers whom he idolizes, including the infamous Sandman.

Cross reveals that Ramsey deliberately styled his victims to echo specific serial killers. For instance, the contents found in Emir Goodspeed’s stomach—including grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes, and a chocolate cupcake—correlate with the last meal of the fictional Sandman before his execution, as noted in the scrapbook. This striking detail illustrates how Ramsey manipulated each of his victims to reflect a particular serial killer’s signature:

“Indeed, Emir Goodspeed was murdered by a serial killer, who maintained a scrapbook documenting his gruesome work. Within these pages, you will find a postmortem image of Emir alongside ten other victims. Each one was altered to bear resemblance to a specific killer.”

The series draws inspiration from notorious real-life killers such as Aileen Wuornos and John Wayne Gacy, while simultaneously creating the character of Maurice Freeman Jr., the Sandman, as a wholly fictional entity. This character is depicted as a serial killer who “raped and killed 14 women” and was “executed in 2007 by lethal injection” (as reported by The Direct). It is important to note that no real individual corresponds to this narrative.

Historically, there was a German serial killer known as the Sandman in the early 20th century; however, this figure bears no relation to the character within Cross. The creators likely designed Freeman Jr. to navigate around potential legal or ethical ramifications that could arise from associating a real killer with Emir Goodspeed’s tragic demise. They have crafted his character with sufficient detail to lend him an air of authenticity.

For fans eager to catch up on the thrilling events of the series, Cross Season 1 is currently available for streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.