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The Horrifying Murders Of The Zodiac Killer

BuzzFeed Unsolved Network・21 minutes read

The Zodiac Killer terrorized Northern California, claiming 37 victims, with suspects like Earl Van Best Jr., Arthur Leigh Allen, and Lawrence Kane, but none definitively matching the killer's DNA or handwriting. The case remains unsolved, leaving speculation and mystery surrounding the true identity of the Zodiac.

Insights

  • The Zodiac Killer operated in Northern California during the late 60s and early 70s, committing a series of murders and sending coded messages to newspapers, creating fear and intrigue in the community.
  • Various suspects, including Earl Van Best Jr., Arthur Leigh Allen, and Lawrence Kane, have been proposed as potential Zodiac killers, each with compelling but inconclusive evidence linking them to the crimes, highlighting the complexity and mystery surrounding the true identity of the notorious serial killer.

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Recent questions

  • Who was the Zodiac Killer?

    Unknown

  • What were the Zodiac Killer's methods?

    Shooting

  • How did the Zodiac Killer communicate?

    Letters

  • What evidence linked suspects to the Zodiac Killer?

    Handwriting

  • What impact did the Zodiac Killer case have?

    Infamous

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Summary

00:00

Unsolved Zodiac Killer Case: 37 Victims Claimed

  • The Zodiac Killer terrorized Northern California in the late 60s and early 70s, claiming to have killed 37 people.
  • The first crime occurred on December 20, 1968, where two teenagers were shot and killed near Vallejo, California.
  • The next crime took place on July 4, 1969, near Blue Rock Springs Park, where two individuals were shot, with one surviving and providing a description of the killer.
  • On August 1, 1969, letters were sent to newspapers by the killer, demanding they print coded messages or face more killings.
  • The killer referred to himself as the Zodiac in a letter on August 4, 1969, with a code being cracked on August 8, revealing disturbing content.
  • On September 27, 1969, a couple was attacked at Lake Berryessa, with one dying and the other surviving, providing a description of the killer.
  • On October 11, 1969, a cab driver was shot in San Francisco, with witnesses providing a description that was mistakenly identified by the police.
  • A composite sketch was created based on witness descriptions, potentially sighting the Zodiac without realizing it.
  • The Zodiac claimed responsibility for various crimes in letters, including a threat to attack a school bus.
  • The Zodiac sent letters until 1974, with the last one reviewing a movie and claiming to have killed 37 people, with a partial genetic profile extracted in 2002.

09:56

"Zodiac Killer Theories: Suspects and Evidence"

  • Gary Steward theorizes that his father, Earl Van Best Jr., was the Zodiac killer, supported by a book he published and handwriting analysis.
  • However, doubts arise as the church administrator claims the handwriting on Best's marriage certificate belongs to the priest, not Best.
  • Best matches the description of the Zodiac at the Paul Stine killing but not the previous three killings.
  • Robert Graysmith believes Arthur Leigh Allen is the Zodiac killer, citing incriminating evidence like Allen's statements and possessions.
  • Allen's friend, Don Cheney, attests to Allen calling himself the Zodiac before the killer publicly did.
  • Allen's favorite book, The Most Dangerous Game, aligns with the Zodiac's references, and he owned a Zodiac brand watch.
  • Despite suspicions, Allen's DNA did not match the 2002 Zodiac DNA, and his fingerprints and handwriting did not align with the Zodiac's.
  • Harvey Hines proposes Lawrence Kane as the Zodiac killer, linking him to the "my name is" cipher and various crime scenes.
  • Kane's proximity to Zodiac victims and a potential encounter with Kathleen Johns add weight to the theory.
  • However, Kane lacks DNA and fingerprint matches to Zodiac evidence, and his handwriting does not definitively match the Zodiac's.

20:38

Midnight debate on gravel road ends in retreat.

  • The Buzzfeed Unsolved episode featured a discussion between two individuals in the middle of the night on a gravel road, debating the presence of a shadow and potential danger, ultimately deciding to head home for safety.
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