Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"This is possibly the most famous unsolved serial killing crime that has ever happened in history of any time, right? And this is history of any time. Any time." — Marcus Parks
"I want you to print this cipher on the front page of your paper. And this cipher is my identity. If you do not print this cipher by the afternoon of fri first of aug 29, I will go on a kill rampage fri night." — Zodiac Killer (as read from letter)
"The San Francisco police department, they investigated and estimated 2,500 suspects. Everybody in San Francisco that was it like, you know, holding a guitar or like on tell. Like was question by the police." — Ed Larson
This episode begins by acknowledging the profound difficulty and emotional toll of researching the Zodiac Killer case, even for seasoned podcasters. The discussion establishes the historical context, noting that prior to the 1960s, the concept of a serial killer was not widely recognized by law enforcement, leading to many early cases going unsolved. The narrative then meticulously reconstructs the initial murders: December 20, 1968, at Lake Herman Road, and July 4, 1969, at Blue Rock Springs Park. The hosts detail the methods used, the victims, and the immediate aftermath, including the killer's chilling phone calls to the police. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Zodiac Killer's cryptic letters and ciphers, sent to local newspapers in August 1969. The content of these letters, including specific details of the crimes and the ciphers intended to reveal his identity, is examined. The complexity and unusual nature of these communications are highlighted, as is the eventual cracking of one of the ciphers by a civilian couple.
The discussion then moves to the September 27, 1969, attack at Lake Berryessa, where the killer, now clad in a costume and using a knife, again taunted his victims. This event, along with the subsequent murder of cab driver Paul Stein on October 11, 1969, are considered the "canonical" murders attributed to the Zodiac. The hosts note the killer's evolving modus operandi and the increasing frustration of law enforcement, who investigated an estimated 2,500 suspects. The episode emphasizes the cultural impact of the Zodiac's actions, creating widespread fear and paranoia. The discussion touches upon the theories surrounding the killer's possible motivations and the nature of his communication, including his self-identification as "Zodiac."
Later segments explore various suspects and theories that have emerged over the years. Prominent among these is Arthur Leigh Allen, a teacher who was eventually cleared by DNA evidence but remained a person of interest for many. The episode also touches upon the Unibomber, Ted Kaczynski, and the "Radiant Theory," a complex geographical and mathematical interpretation of the killer's symbols and maps. The hosts acknowledge the sheer volume of theories and the lack of definitive proof, underscoring the enduring mystery of the Zodiac Killer's identity and ultimate fate.