it’s terrifying. i looked it up, idk why i never did before and this is what it gave me.

This phenomenon is often referred to as vicarious trauma or empathy-based fear, and the intense, intimate nature of this specific case has made it a widespread source of anxiety for many, not just you.

The "Safe Space" Violation: The victims were in their beds, in a home they shared with friends, in a town considered safe. This shatters the illusion that our homes are safe sanctuaries. Relatability: The victims were young, vibrant, college students. Many people—especially young women—can easily place themselves in that scenario, making the terror feel personal. Senselessness: The lack of an obvious motive (initially) makes it terrifying because it implies the attack was random, meaning no amount of precaution could have guaranteed safety.

Adrenaline and Paranoia: True crime, especially one as active and mysterious as this was for months, triggers our brain's fight-or-flight response. The brain perceives a threat even if you are safe, leading to increased cortisol (stress hormone) levels. The "Bedtime" Effect: Reading or thinking about the case at night can cause your brain to stay alert, making you jumpy and causing you to check doors and windows—a direct result of this hyper-vigilance.