Brian Whitney Discusses ‘Incel’ Killer Elliot Rodger, The Subject Of His New True Crime Book

The “Supreme Gentleman” Killer is the tale of Elliot Rodger’s descent into madness which he documented through his manifesto My Twisted World.  It is also the story of how he became thought of as a “hero” and an inspiration to men who consider themselves a part of the “Incel Revolution.”

Rodger felt that he was a “supreme gentleman”, and a man of class and taste, yet he never found a woman who wanted him sexually.  To say he was angered by his lack of success when it came to this situation was an understatement. In fact, he sought revenge for what he perceived was his sexual and social rejection. He stated in his manifesto “I didn’t start this war… I wasn’t the one who struck first… But I will finish it by striking back. I will punish everyone. And it will be beautiful. Finally, at long last, I can show the world my true worth.”

On May 23, 2014, Rodger started his rampage, which he titled “The Day of Retribution”, by stabbing three people to death. He then went to the Alpha Phi sorority house near the University of California, Santa Barbara, with the intention of massacring all of the occupants inside. When his knocking on the front door went unanswered, Rodger shot three Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters who were nearby, killing two and wounding a third. Rodger continued his rampage, shooting at several pedestrians in drive-by shootings and striking others with his car. He was shot by police causing his car to crash. He then shot himself in the head.

Shockingly, Rodger has become a hero for other so called “incels”, other men who want sex and have never had it, and who blame women for their plight. Some even call him “Saint Elliot.” He has inspired others to go on their own rampages, including Canadian spree killer Alek Minassian who before he killed 10 people in Toronto put up a Facebook post that said  “All hail the Supreme Gentleman Elliot Rodger! The Incel Rebellion has already begun!”

The case of Elliot Rodger is truly one of the most fascinating and odd true crime stories of our time.  I had long been interested in why Elliot committed his awful crimes, as well as the Internet subculture of “incels.” In this book, I took a deep dive into both the Isla Vista Massacre, incel culture, and other so called “incel” killers.

Writing the book was disturbing, as exploring the mind of Elliot Rodger is a bit of a wild ride. It was also incredibly absorbing. There has never been another crime quite like his, and rarely has a murderer detailed his thoughts so clearly as Elliot did in his manifesto.

I am confident that this book will stick with anyone who reads it for a long time.