Lecture Notes on the Zodiac Killer

Introduction

Zodiac Killer: Infamous serial killer in San Francisco known for his cryptic messages and taunting letters.
Confirmed Murders: 5, though he claims 13.
Publicity: Sent letters and cryptograms to newspapers and police.
Key Evidence: Swatch of bloody cloth sent to San Francisco Chronicle.

Target Preferences: Threatened to target school buses and children.
No Known Motive: Police have several leads but no confirmed motive.
Interdepartmental Conflicts: Police rivalries hampered effective investigation efforts.

Era: Surge of serial killers in the USA from the 1960s to the 1980s, particularly in California.
Technology Limitations: Lack of DNA evidence and forensic technology.
Public Fear: Community terrorized, leading to intense media coverage.

Arthur Leigh Allen: Main suspect, though no conclusive evidence ties him directly to the Zodiac.
- Lived in the area, involved in child molestation cases.
- Had a military background matching some forensic evidence (e.g., boot size).
Gary Francis Poste: Recent suspect identified by independent investigators.
- Previous military background, had scars matching witness sketches.
Richard Kane: Linked due to cryptographic clues, though not formally accused.

Early Murders: Began in 1968, often targeted couples in secluded areas.
- Lake Herman Road: First known murders of David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen.
- Blue Rock Springs: Darlene Ferrin and Mike Mageu were attacked; Mike survived.
Lake Berryessa Attack:
- Victims tied up and stabbed.
- Killer wore an executioner's hood.
- Left a message on the victim’s car door.
San Francisco Cab Driver Murder:
- Paul Stein killed; bloody shirt sent to newspapers.
- Killer observed police from a hiding place, taunting them via letters.

Cryptograms: Complex codes sent to media; one decoded in 2021 revealed no significant leads.
Interdepartmental Rivalries: Conflicts between police departments hindered case resolution.
Witness Testimonies: Survivors provided varying descriptions of the suspect.

Movies and Books: Inspired films like "Zodiac" (2007) and numerous books, maintaining public interest.
Media Involvement: Extensive newspaper coverage and public anxiety.

DNA Evidence: Recent advances allow for potential future identification of the killer.
Unsolved Status: Officially remains unsolved, but new suspects like Poste suggest potential resolution.
Ongoing Investigations: Despite lack of active investigation, the case remains open with intermittent breakthroughs.