I Am a Killer: Released Season 1 recap: Episode 2, ‘Walking Free’

Episode 2 of Netflix & Crime+Investigation UK’s I Am a Killer: Released continues examining the release of convicted murderer Dale Wayne Sigler.

Previously on I Am a Killer: Released, we learned some basics about Dale’s murder of Subway restaurant employer John Zeltner. We were also introduced to Carole Whitworth, a 71-year-old penpal of Dale’s in Cade Lake, Texas. After getting to know her from prison, Dale Sigler affectionately calls Carole “Mama.”

As he discusses his release, he notes all the changes he never experienced from the inside fully. At the time of his incarceration, there was no internet, and he says there were no cellphones (technically, however, cellphones did exist before 1991 but were not widely used by the public).

Dale says he never thought he’d be walking free after 30 years. He’s not entirely free, however. He has a “super-intensive supervision parole,” complete with a GPS tracker, and requires permission to leave Carole’s house. In fact, any breach of parole can send him right back into prison. Cynical viewers will accuse Sigler of putting on a nice guy front, as he tells us that hummingbirds inspire him and even washes Whitworth’s feet, Jesus-style.

I Am a Killer: Released Episode 2 recap: Dale knew the victim

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I Am a Killer: Released takes a quick excursion to Fort Worth, Texas, to interview Dale’s old friend, Shawn Anttila. He says that Dale told him about the murder, Dale knew the victim and that Dale killed Zeltner for being gay. It conflicts with the image Sigler gives off on day 2 of his release, but Dale insists he’s trying to piece his life back together. There are signs of this.

Dale gets in touch with his actual mom via the internet. She last visited him way back in 1997 — nearly 25 years ago. He promises to make her proud before she “goes to heaven.” He also says he wants to start a ministry, have a family, and presumably do many other things considered perfectly normal.

I Am a Killer: Released Episode 2 recap: Week 2 of release

Life can be difficult for a convicted felon, but at least Dale gets permission to visit an employment agency. He tells the woman there that he wants to be a truck driver. There’s a pretty big problem, though: Dale Wayne Sigler hasn’t worked since 1990! He does not have luck right away, and, due to his strict conditions, one almost can’t fault him for trying to entertain himself with video games (though he actually questions the violent content of the game).

I Am a Killer: Released Episode 2 recap: Week 3 (and a revelation)

In addition to making us wonder if Dale can get a job, I Am a Killer: Released also brings up interesting psychological issues. Dale seems apprehensive whenever he sees a Subway restaurant sign. While, again, it’s tempting for cynics to question if his reactions are real, it is plausible that they are. If nothing else, we know his actions on that day majorly sidelined any chance he had at a truly normal life.

Then comes a pretty interesting change in Sigler’s story: He says now the murder wasn’t about a robbery. He now says that John Zeltner actually tried to “blackmail” him into a gay relationship. Oddly, this premise is almost supported by John’s relatives, Forrest and John Harlan Zeltner, who say the murder of their half-brother was a statement. If so, what exact kind of statement was it?

What are your thoughts on I Am a Killer: Released? Let us know in the comments!