The Zodiac Killer

Given to an unidentified serial killer who murdered at least five people in the San Francisco Bay Area between 1968 and 1969. The killer claimed responsibility for up to 37 murders in letters sent to local newspapers.

Confirmed Murders:

December 20, 1968: David Faraday (17) and Betty Lou Jensen (16) were shot and killed in Benicia.

July 4, 1969: Darlene Ferrin was murdered and Michael Mageau was wounded in Vallejo.

September 27, 1969: Bryan Hartnell and Cecelia Shepard were stabbed in Lake Berryessa. Shepard died, while Hartnell survived.

October 11, 1969: Paul Stine was shot and killed in San Francisco.

Clues and Evidence:

Letters and Ciphers: The Zodiac Killer sent numerous letters to newspapers, taunting police and claiming responsibility for the murders. These letters included four cryptograms, two of which were solved.

Zodiac Symbol: The killer signed his letters with a symbol resembling a crosshair.

Eyewitness Accounts: Several witnesses described the killer as a white male, between 25 and 30 years old, with a dark complexion and a possible speech impediment.

Physical Evidence: A piece of bloody clothing found at the Lake Berryessa crime scene was linked to the killer.

Unsolved Aspects:

Identity: Despite extensive investigations, the Zodiac Killer's identity remains unknown.

Motive: The killer's motive for the murders is unclear.

Other Potential Victims: It is uncertain whether the Zodiac Killer was responsible for other unsolved murders in the area.

The Zodiac Killer case remains one of the most notorious unsolved mysteries in American history. Despite numerous theories and suspects, the killer's identity and motive have eluded investigators for over 50 years.