The Devil You Know: The Chilling True Story of Ben Foster's Descent into Madness

Ben Foster's story is a cautionary tale of the dangers of domestic abuse and the devastating consequences it can have on its victims. In the Netflix series Worst Ex Ever, Foster's ex-girlfriends recount their harrowing experiences with him, painting a picture of a man with a history of violence and abuse. But what drove Foster to such heinous acts? Was it a sudden descent into madness, or a gradual slide into darkness? As we delve into Foster's history, it's clear that his path was marked by a series of unfortunate events. His ex-girlfriends, Amber and Jaimee, suffered at the hands of his abuse, and Justine Simiens, his most recent victim, was subjected to extreme torture and violence. But what sparked this cycle of abuse? Foster's legal troubles began in 2017 when Amber reported him for domestic violence. He pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to a maximum of 2. 5 years in state prison. But what's striking is that Foster was released on the same day he was supposed to begin his sentence, due to a plea deal that took into account the 729 days he spent in jail awaiting trial. This raises questions about the justice system and whether it's truly effective in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Did Foster's early release contribute to his escalating behavior? Did he feel emboldened by his relative freedom? The case of Justine Simiens is particularly disturbing. She met Foster while working at a local bar and was initially unaware of his criminal past. But when she looked into his background, she discovered his history of abuse and reported it to their boss, leading to his firing. Foster then began stalking her, holding her captive in her own home, and subjecting her to extreme violence. Simiens' story is a testament to the bravery of survivors and the importance of speaking out against abuse. But it also highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence, including traumatic brain damage and a long, arduous road to recovery. Foster's ultimate demise is a tragic reminder of the destructive path he took. After a lengthy standoff with police, he was found hiding underneath Simiens' house and succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.