The character of Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley in the Netflix series You, is one of the most complex and disturbing figures in modern television. What begins as a charming and seemingly harmless man quickly unravels into a web of obsession, violence, and psychological manipulation. Joe’s victims are not just random targets; they represent a twisted reflection of his own insecurities, desires, and warped moral code.
What makes Joe Goldberg so terrifying is his ability to rationalize his actions. He doesn’t see himself as a monster—he believes he’s a savior, eliminating those he deems unworthy of love, happiness, or existence. His victims range from ex-girlfriends to strangers, each chosen for reasons that reveal more about Joe’s psyche than their own flaws.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover the complete list of Joe Goldberg’s victims, including lesser-known targets that often fly under the radar. We’ll explore the psychology behind his obsession, the patterns in his behavior, and the chilling reality of how far he’s willing to go to "protect" those he loves—even if that means destroying them.
Why Joe Goldberg’s Victims Matter: The Psychology Behind the Obsession
To understand Joe Goldberg’s victims, we must first understand Joe himself. He is a product of trauma—abandoned by his mother, raised in a neglectful household, and shaped by a series of toxic relationships. His obsession with controlling and "saving" women stems from his inability to process his own pain. For Joe, love isn’t about mutual respect or consent; it’s about possession and erasure of anything that threatens his fragile sense of security.
His victims are not just casualties of his actions—they are pawns in a game where Joe redefines morality to fit his narrative. He doesn’t kill out of malice; he kills out of love, convinced that his actions are justified. This psychological twist makes him one of the most unsettling villains in television history.
By examining his victims, we can trace the evolution of Joe’s behavior across the series. From his early days in New York to his chaotic life in Los Angeles, each victim represents a chapter in his descent into madness. Some were accidental targets, while others were meticulously planned—all revealing different facets of his disturbing psyche.
The Complete List of Joe Goldberg’s Victims (Spoiler-Free Breakdown)
Below is a detailed breakdown of every known victim of Joe Goldberg, categorized by season and context. This list includes both major and minor victims, as well as individuals whose fates are often overlooked.
Season 1: The Birth of a Monster in New York
In the first season of You, set in New York City, Joe Goldberg is still in the early stages of his obsession. His first major victim sets the tone for his future behavior.
- Benji Ashby – Joe’s first known victim. Benji was Candace’s abusive boyfriend and a threat to Joe’s relationship with Beck. Joe framed him for Beck’s disappearance, ensuring he would never be a problem again.
- Ron and Esther Glaser – The elderly couple who owned the bookstore where Joe worked. Joe manipulated Ron into believing he was a threat to Beck, leading to his death. Esther was later killed by Joe to cover his tracks.
- Beck Gee – The woman Joe claimed to love. While Beck wasn’t killed by Joe directly, her fate was orchestrated by him. She was manipulated into a toxic relationship, gaslit into believing she was the problem, and ultimately driven to madness. Her psychological breakdown led to her death at the hands of another character, but Joe’s influence was the catalyst.
Season 2: The Move to Los Angeles and a New Killing Ground
In Season 2, Joe relocates to Los Angeles, adopting a new identity as “Will Bettelheim.” His obsession takes on a new form as he targets women who remind him of Beck.
- Delilah Alves – A journalist investigating Joe’s past. Delilah was getting too close to the truth about Joe’s crimes in New York. Joe framed her for a murder he committed, leading to her imprisonment and eventual death in prison.
- Henderson (Lovers’ Lane Victim) – A man Joe killed in self-defense during a confrontation. While Henderson wasn’t a premeditated target, his death was a turning point in Joe’s moral unraveling. Joe disposed of the body and used the incident to further his narrative of being a victim.
- Anika Atwater – A real estate agent who helped Joe secure his new identity. Anika discovered Joe’s true identity and threatened to expose him. Joe killed her and hid her body in a wall, framing someone else for her murder.
- Candace Stone – One of Joe’s most resilient victims. Candace was his ex-girlfriend and the one who first exposed his dark side. While Joe didn’t kill her directly in Season 2, he orchestrated events that led to her near-death experience. Their toxic relationship is a core part of Joe’s backstory.
Season 3: A New Identity and a Cycle of Violence in London
In Season 3, Joe flees to London, adopting the name “Jonathan Moore.” His obsession takes a darker turn as he targets women who challenge his control.
- Love Quinn – A manipulative and controlling woman who shares similarities with Joe. While Love wasn’t killed by Joe, her actions led to the deaths of multiple people, including her own. Joe’s relationship with Love is a twisted mirror of his connection with Beck, culminating in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
- Forty Quinn – Love’s brother and a victim of Joe’s manipulation. Forty was killed by Joe in self-defense after discovering Joe’s true identity and threatening to expose him.
- Henderson (Again) – Joe’s second encounter with Henderson in London. This time, Joe kills Henderson to protect his secret identity, disposing of the body in a gruesome manner.
- Noah Benson – A writer who Joe targeted after becoming involved with his fiancée, Delilah. Joe killed Noah in a fit of rage after discovering he was a threat to his relationship with Delilah.
Season 4: Joe’s Final Descent in New York
In the fourth season, Joe returns to New York under yet another alias, “Joe Goldberg.” His obsession reaches its peak as he targets women who remind him of his past victims.
- Marienne Bellamy – The woman Joe genuinely loved but could never fully possess. Marienne was killed by Joe after she discovered his true identity and attempted to leave him. Her death marked the moment Joe crossed a line he could never return from.
- Ryan Goodwin (aka Jasper) – A detective investigating Joe’s crimes. Ryan was getting too close to the truth and became a target. Joe manipulated events to frame Ryan for his own crimes, leading to his arrest and imprisonment.
- Delia Sheperd – A woman from Joe’s past who recognized him. Delia was killed by Joe to prevent her from exposing his identity to the authorities.
- Simon Soo-Kyung – A former victim of Joe’s who survived but was left traumatized. Joe tracked him down and killed him to tie up loose ends.
The Psychology of Joe Goldberg: Why He Kills (And How He Justifies It)
Joe Goldberg is not a mindless killer—he is a deeply psychological one. His actions are rooted in a warped sense of love and control. He doesn’t kill out of hatred; he kills out of obsession. His victims are often people who threaten his relationships, challenge his authority, or remind him of his own insecurities.
Here’s a breakdown of the key psychological factors that drive Joe’s behavior:
- Narcissistic Personality Traits – Joe sees himself as the hero of his own story. He believes he’s entitled to the love and devotion of the women he targets, and anyone who stands in his way is an enemy.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Joe’s meticulous nature extends to his crimes. He plans his moves carefully, ensuring that he controls every aspect of the situation. His need for order and control is both a strength and a weakness.
- Trauma and Abandonment Issues – Joe’s childhood was marked by neglect and abuse. His inability to form healthy relationships stems from his fear of abandonment. By controlling and eliminating threats, he ensures he will never be left alone.
- Moral Justification – Joe doesn’t see himself as a villain. He believes he’s doing the world a favor by removing "toxic" people. His warped moral code allows him to sleep at night, even after committing horrific acts.
Lesser-Known Victims: The Ones That Slipped Through the Cracks
While the major victims of Joe Goldberg are well-documented, there are several lesser-known individuals whose fates are often overlooked. These victims highlight the full extent of Joe’s violence and the randomness of his killing spree.
- Claire – A woman Joe met in Season 1 before Beck. Claire was a casual fling who Joe grew obsessed with. When she showed interest in someone else, Joe killed her boyfriend and framed her for the murder, driving her to suicide.
- Candace’s Unborn Child – In a chilling moment, Joe manipulated Candace into having an abortion, believing the child would be a threat to his future relationships. The death of the unborn child is one of the most disturbing aspects of Joe’s psyche.
- Elijah (Beck’s Ex-Boyfriend) – Beck’s ex-boyfriend was a minor victim in Joe’s web of manipulation. Joe framed him for stalking and harassment, leading to his arrest and imprisonment.
- Peach Salinger – While Peach wasn’t killed by Joe directly, her death was a direct result of his actions. Peach was Beck’s best friend and a victim of Joe’s gaslighting. Her breakdown and eventual suicide were caused by Joe’s manipulation.
The Evolution of Joe Goldberg: How His Victims Reflect His Descent
Joe Goldberg’s victims are not static—they evolve alongside him. In the early seasons, his killings are reactive and impulsive. As the series progresses, his actions become more calculated and ruthless. This evolution reflects Joe’s own descent into madness.
In Season 1, Joe’s victims are primarily those who threaten his relationship with Beck. His killings are impulsive, driven by jealousy and fear of abandonment. By Season 2, Joe has moved to Los Angeles and adopted a new identity. His killings become more strategic, as he targets individuals who pose a threat to his new life.
In Season 3, Joe’s victims are more diverse, reflecting his growing paranoia and need for control. He kills Henderson twice, once in self-defense and once as a calculated move to protect his secret. His relationship with Love Quinn also introduces a new dynamic—Joe is now the victim of manipulation, a role he’s not accustomed to.
By Season 4, Joe’s killings are more brutal and personal. His victims are people he genuinely cared about, like Marienne, or those who threatened his freedom, like Ryan Goodwin. His actions are no longer about love—they’re about survival. Joe has become the very thing he feared: a monster with no moral compass.
Could Joe Goldberg Ever Change? The Impossibility of Redemption
One of the most haunting aspects of You is the question: Could Joe Goldberg ever change? The answer, based on his actions, is a resounding no. Joe’s psychology is too deeply rooted in his trauma and warped sense of morality to ever seek true redemption.
Joe doesn’t kill because he’s evil—he kills because he’s broken. His inability to form healthy relationships stems from his fear of abandonment, and his solution to that fear is control. By eliminating threats, he ensures he will never be hurt again. But this cycle of violence only reinforces his brokenness, trapping him in a loop of obsession and destruction.
Even when Joe is faced with the consequences of his actions, he doesn’t take responsibility. He shifts blame, gaslights others, and rewrites history to fit his narrative. This refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoing makes redemption impossible. Joe Goldberg is not a villain who can be saved—he’s a villain who thrives in his own darkness.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Joe Goldberg’s Victims
The victims of Joe Goldberg are more than just casualties of a fictional killer—they represent the cost of obsession, control, and the warped perception of love. Each victim’s story is a tragedy, a life cut short by a man who believed he was doing the right thing.
Joe Goldberg’s legacy is one of destruction, not just of lives, but of the very idea of healthy relationships. He is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked obsession and the inability to process trauma in a healthy way. His victims serve as a reminder that love should never be about possession—it should be about mutual respect, trust, and consent.
As fans of You, we are drawn to Joe Goldberg because he is a reflection of our own darkest impulses. We see ourselves in his need for control, his fear of abandonment, and his desperate search for love. But his story is also a warning—a reminder that obsession, no matter how justified it may seem, only leads to ruin.
The next time you watch You, pay attention not just to Joe’s actions, but to the lives he shattered along the way. Their stories are the heart of the show, a chilling reminder of the cost of love gone wrong.
Conclusion: The Dark Truth Behind Joe Goldberg’s Obsession
Joe Goldberg is one of the most complex and disturbing villains in modern television. His victims are not just random targets—they are the result of a deeply broken psyche, a man who believes love is about control and destruction. From Benji Ashby to Marienne Bellamy, each victim represents a chapter in Joe’s descent into madness.
What makes Joe so terrifying is his ability to justify his actions. He doesn’t see himself as a monster—he sees himself as a hero, removing the toxic elements of the world to make it a better place. But his warped moral code only leads to more chaos, more violence, and more lives destroyed.
The legacy of Joe Goldberg’s victims is a sobering reminder of the dangers of obsession. Love should never be about possession, and control should never come at the cost of another’s life. As fans, we are drawn to Joe’s story, but we must also acknowledge the pain he caused along the way.
In the end, Joe Goldberg is a cautionary tale—a character who shows us what happens when trauma goes unprocessed and love turns into something dark and destructive. His victims are the proof of that darkness, a legacy that will haunt us long after the final season ends.
So the next time you watch You, remember the lives Joe Goldberg took. Remember the stories that were cut short. And ask yourself: Could this happen in real life? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Obsession, control, and the warped perception of love are real—and they are dangerous.
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