“Clay” Call analytic transcript outline. This is a chronological, behavioral and linguistic breakdown with analyst notes after each block where his affect, truth cues, and evasions live across the entire call.

Full call analysis: Clay on the Howard Stern Show August 13 1997

Each block lists an approximate time range from the transcript I used from youtube with corrections, what happened, tone and vocal markers and short analyst notes about what that behavior suggests.

1. 0:00 to 2:00 Opening identity play and initial confession



What happens

Host sets frame: caller claims to be killing prostitutes

Caller identifies himself as Clay and answers initial questions about motive and numbers


Tone and vocal markers

Low measured delivery overall

Short clipped sentences and quick replies

Calm acceptance when corrected about name


Analyst notes

Baseline established as controlled and self possessed

Short clipped speech shows comfort with topic and a desire to control how much is revealed

No signs of panic or performance seeking at opening; reads as someone used to managing interpersonal exchange



2. 2:00 to 4:00 Method and location details



What happens

He describes sex then strangling or hammer use, parking garage and roadside dumping

Confirms New Orleans area


Tone and vocal markers

Matter of fact cadence when describing methods

Slight increase in detail when describing locations and disposal


Analyst notes

Matter of fact delivery with specific detail is consistent with experiential memory rather than invented storytelling

Location specificity ties into verifiable geography which investigators can check

No theatrical flourish, which reduces the probability this is mere braggadocio for attention



3. 4:00 to 6:00 Early life notes and sexual behavior with victims



What happens

He discusses first kill at age 16, whether planned, fantasies about signature marks, ingesting ideas from comics

Denies extensive animal cruelty other than a rat nutria


Tone and vocal markers

Quick, confident answers to probing questions

Natural pauses when asked about planning and signature


Analyst notes

Wanting a signature but not following through can indicate ambivalence between desire for notoriety and fear of exposure

Denial of typical early animal cruelty but admission to one act weakens simple triad narrative; suggests selective disclosure

References to planning and sensory detail lean toward experiential memory



4. 6:00 to 8:00 Frequency motive and victim selection



What happens

He says he can be sexually satisfied then kill or sometimes just kill out of boredom

Describes letting some victims go, sparing one who reminded him of fiance


Tone and vocal markers

Calm; occasional reflective phrasing when discussing why he spares someone

Slightly defensive when hosts press about motives


Analyst notes

Inconsistency about sexual gratification versus killing for its own sake is typical of offenders who use multiple reinforcement patterns

Sparing someone who reminds him of an intimate connection is a common emotional override and a useful behavioral marker

Defensive posture shows he monitors how he appears and quickly self regulates emotion



5. 8:00 to 10:00 Validation and suspect credibility



What happens

Hosts debate whether he is real and whether he will stop; he says he has not killed in about a year citing car trouble then self control


Tone and vocal markers

Even, confident; uses humor and sarcasm at times

No break into confessory gush; maintains authority over narrative


Analyst notes

Claiming a pause in offending because of logistics rather than remorse indicates instrumental thinking and planning

Humor and sarcasm are classic ego protection to minimize accountability in a public setting

Hosts move from skepticism to belief when his demeanor fits their prototype of a true offender



6. 10:00 to 12:00 Methods preferences and fantasies



What happens

He talks about wanting to dismember, send clues, his use of a hammer, sourcing ideas from cartoons, and substance use


Tone and vocal markers

Matter of fact again with moments of casual amusement when mentioning fantasies

No overt remorse


Analyst notes

Desire to mutilate and to leave a signature are significant as signature elements are linked to motive and psychological needs beyond killing

Admitting planning and fantasy sourcing suggests he thinks about symbolic aspects of the act rather than only practical disposal

Casual amusement around the fantasy content is a red flag for reinforcement by the fantasy itself



7. 12:00 to 14:00 Emotional content and social disclosure



What happens

He admits telling a few women beforehand that they will die then kills them; hosts and callers press about kids and consequences


Tone and vocal markers

Short laugh when asked about telling women first

Rapid statements of entitlement and control when describing how he torments victims


Analyst notes

Telling victims in advance then proceeding displays sadistic control and a need to assert power through psychological terror

Laughter around the admittance is a classic sign of emotional distance and lack of empathy

This is behavioral signature level material; it speaks to the offender’s gratification loop



8. 14:00 to 16:00 Psychologist intervention Macdonald triad conversation



What happens

A psychologist speaks with him and asks about bedwetting animal cruelty and fire setting

He denies bedwetting and animal cruelty beyond the nutria; he admits fire interest with a short enthusiastic yes then later says you could say that


Tone and vocal markers

Quick bright affirmative on fire

Follow up reply more guarded and elliptical


Analyst notes

The affective spike on fire is the one unguarded moment in the call and is highly meaningful

Quick enthusiastic admission followed by guarded retreat indicates involuntary arousal followed by self monitoring

That profile suggests fire is emotionally salient to him and could be part of fantasy or behavior related to his crimes even if not weaponized against victims



9. 16:00 to end Closing and hosts reflection



What happens

Hosts consider tracing the call and debating whether caller is genuine; some buy his story

He signs off with control over the exit


Tone and vocal markers

Calm closure; no pleading or desperation

Returns to baseline affect as he ends call


Analyst notes

Leaving the call calmly reinforces the impression of an individual who manages public impressions and derives satisfaction from controlling the interaction

Absence of nervousness about being traced or exposed suggests either confidence in anonymity or genuine lack of fear of consequences

Hosts moving from doubt to acceptance is driven by his consistent controlled persona and specific content details