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Rodney Alcala: The Killing Game | Full Episode

48 Hours・29 minutes read

A serial killer, Rodney Alcala, who perpetrated numerous murders, including the abduction and murder of 12-year-old Robin Samso, was eventually convicted and sentenced to death, with possible links to even more victims. Despite Alcala's denial of being a killer, his manipulation tactics and extensive criminal history led to his incarceration and the belief that he may have had many more victims.

Insights

  • Rodney Alcala, a convicted serial killer, evaded capture multiple times, changed identities, and manipulated the legal system, showcasing a pattern of deception and evasion that allowed him to continue his crimes.
  • Alcala's ability to maintain a facade of normalcy and charm while harboring a dark, violent nature allowed him to escape suspicion and continue his killing spree, emphasizing the dangers of underestimating individuals based on appearances and highlighting the importance of thorough investigations and scrutiny in criminal cases.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Rodney Alcala?

    A serial killer with a history of sexual misconduct.

  • How was Rodney Alcala caught?

    Through a crucial description provided by Robin Samso's friend.

  • What evidence linked Rodney Alcala to his crimes?

    DNA evidence and belongings found in a secret locker.

  • How did Rodney Alcala behave during his trials?

    Maintained an even keel demeanor but denied killing.

  • What was the outcome of Rodney Alcala's trials?

    Convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to death.

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Summary

00:00

Serial Killer Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Menace

  • In 1968, eight-year-old Tally Shapiro was almost abducted in Los Angeles by a man in a car with no license plates.
  • Former Los Angeles police officer Chris Camacho intervened and found Tally Shapiro in the attacker's house, barely alive.
  • The attacker, Rodney Alcala, had a history of sexual misconduct and was a former Army member discharged for deviant behavior.
  • Alcala evaded capture after Tally Shapiro's assault and went on to commit more crimes, including the murder of Cornelia Crilley in New York.
  • Alcala changed his name to John Berger and worked at an arts camp for girls in New Hampshire, where he was recognized and arrested.
  • Despite his crimes, Alcala was released early from prison and even appeared on "The Dating Game" as a contestant.
  • Alcala continued his killing spree, targeting victims like Ellen Hover and Christine Ruth Thornton during his time in California.
  • In 1979, Alcala abducted and murdered 12-year-old Robin Samso in Southern California, leaving her remains in a remote location.
  • Bridget, Robin's friend, provided a crucial description leading to Alcala's arrest, as he lived near where Robin's body was found.
  • Alcala was arrested and charged with Robin Samso's murder, with evidence linking him to the crime and his previous violent history.

20:30

Rodney Alcala: Secret Locker, Serial Killer Story

  • Rodney Alcala had a secret locker in Seattle, Washington, unknown to the police.
  • Police found a receipt for the locker during a search of Alcala's home.
  • Inside the locker were numerous images of vulnerable young women in compromising positions.
  • Alcala rented the storage facility nine days after Robin Samso's remains were discovered.
  • Among the belongings in the locker was a silk bag filled with earrings, including a pair recognized by Robin's mother.
  • Prosecutors were ready for Alcala's trial almost a year after Robin Samso's murder in February 1980.
  • Alcala was convicted and sentenced to death, but the California State Supreme Court later ruled his trial unfair.
  • Alcala was linked to three Los Angeles murders through DNA evidence, leading to a trial for five cases together.
  • Alcala served as his own attorney during the trial, where he was convicted of five murders and sentenced to death.
  • Alcala was later convicted of seven murders, facing five death penalties, and eventually pled guilty in New York, receiving concurrent prison terms.

39:44

Alcala: Master Manipulator with 200 Victims

  • Alcala was a master manipulator, maintaining an even keel demeanor except when asked directly if he killed someone, to which he vehemently denied. However, he admitted to being present when questioned if the victim was alive when he left. This confession led to his charge of first-degree murder, resulting in his imprisonment since 1979. Despite never being tried for Christine's murder, it is believed that Alcala may have up to 150 to 200 victims due to his arrogance, charm, and intelligence, with hopes that renewed attention to the case may lead to identifying more potential victims from his photos.
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