"The simplest way to put it was that there was a ton of hate crimes happening at the time. The murders, he said, were like, next level. But what he saw from the inside is that police just did not care." — Ron Huberman
"Even though we have survivors, and even though they have a suspect, the survivors that they have won't cooperate to ID him as their attacker." — Ashley Flowers
"I just want my uncle to be remembered for the good he did and not to be remembered for the circumstances under which he was killed." — Niece of victim Frederick Kappen (as quoted by Ashley Flowers)
The episode chronicles the investigation into the "Doodler," a serial killer responsible for the brutal murders of at least six gay men in San Francisco between 1974 and 1975. The initial victim, Gerald Kavanaugh, was found on a beach in January 1974, with numerous stab wounds. The investigation was hampered by the lack of immediate identification and the mysterious nature of the crime scene. Subsequent victims included Joseph Stevens, a prominent figure in the city's drag scene, and Klaus Christmann, a German national. The San Francisco Police Department's initial response was criticized for being slow and lacking dedicated resources, particularly given the societal prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community at the time.
As more victims were discovered, a pattern emerged, but investigators struggled to connect the cases or identify a suspect. A significant breakthrough occurred with the identification of a person of interest based on witness descriptions and a composite sketch. This individual, who allegedly confessed to a psychiatrist, fit the profile of someone struggling with their sexual identity and self-loathing. However, a critical hurdle was the unwillingness of survivors to testify against the suspect, stemming from a fear of being outed and a lack of trust in law enforcement. Despite the identification of a suspect, the case went cold for decades due to this lack of cooperation.
In recent years, the case has been reopened by retired investigators who have re-examined evidence, including the possibility of additional victims and the mysterious initial 911 call. The episode highlights the ongoing efforts to find justice for the victims and their families, with a substantial reward offered for information leading to an arrest. The narrative also touches on the lasting trauma experienced by the victims' families and the broader implications of these unsolved crimes on the community.