The Zodiac KillerTerror and MysteryBy: Brenda HaugenReport by: Jessica Nicholson

The Many Murders of the Zodiac

December 20, 1968- Betty Lou Jensen and David Faraday murdered in Vallejo, California July 4, 1969- Darlene Ferrin murdered and Michael Mageau badly injured in Vallejo, California September 27, 1969- Cecelia Shepard and Bryan Hartnell attacked at Lake Berryessa; Hartnell survives but Shepard passes away 2 days later October 11, 1969- Cab Driver, Paul Stine murdered in San Francisco, California March 22, 1970- Kathy Johns and her baby daughter Jennifer were abducted but able to escape near Modesto, California

The Man Behind the MurdersThe Zodiac was a rare breed of killer. He didn’t plan out

kills, he didn’t premeditate his murders yet he managed to remain calm and collected through every murderIt is often debated if the zodiac was mentally ill or not. Many believe he had a mental break for years during his killing spree and then burned out and never killed another day in his life. In his many letters he came off arrogant and pleased with his killings. He believed by killing he would have servants in heaven. The Zodiac’s ability to stay so calm during murders when they were so spontaneous shows he was smart and killed without emotionWhen the Zodiac saw an opportunity to kill, he did

Events of Murders The Zodiac murders were all over the

place. The murders began with un expecting couples in deserted and secluded areas. The Zodiac would drive up behind their car then get out and shoot them both in attempts to kill them. The woman always had more shots (overkill)Then, the Zodiac decided to stab his victims, still using couples in more secluded areas. This was not as successful as one of his victims remained alive.Then the killers M.O. completely shifted. He moved on to murdering a fairly old single man who drove his cab, proving that he killed when the opportunity presented itself. Not being premeditated

Events of Murders After many of the murders the Zodiac would call into the police station and report the murders after the victims were found. The call was always traced but no police force ever got there in time even though it was typically a few blocks from the stationThe Zodiac also sent in famous cryptic letters explaining his killings to the police. The Zodiac requested these were all posted front page on every newspaper and so they were. People were able to decode most of the letters except, of course, for where the killers name was codedIn these letters the Zodiac spoke of many killings (30+)

but they were never proven to be the work of the Zodiac

Scattered Evidence Numerous finger prints were located on the letters

sent in by the killer as well as at the phone booths he made calls from and in wet blood at the Paul Stine crime scene Many shoe prints and tire prints also found and preserved at crime scenes. All were photographed, measured, and then casts were made and safely brought back to the lab Eyewitness accounts of the still living victims helped the police to produce a sketch

Crime Scene Collection Investigators involved with the Zodiac case did a very thorough

job at collecting evidence for the time period. They photographed and measured and collected what ever seemed important. Sometimes little pieces that were deemed unimportant were left behind would could be considered a mistake The biggest mistake in this investigation was, prior to a phone call from the Zodiac an investigation team went to the phone booth from which he was calling and tried to life a fresh finger print too soon. That perfect print could have benefited the case.Another mistake was when police were called on to the Paul Stine crime scene and they saw a suspicious man walking down the street and instead of bringing him in they let him walk

The Unknown SuspectThe case of the Zodiac Killer has never been

solved. Over the years 2,500 suspects have been questions yet no one was ever convicted of the murder.The most famous Zodiac suspect was Arthur Lee Allen. He was the prime suspect. He was always suspiciously close to the murders and the police could see something off with him. But, before he could be brought in for a final questioning he had died.In the later years DNA found on the envelope's seal was found to not match Allen's DNA but you world will most likely never know the real identity of this insane murderer.

The Zodiac Phenomenon The zodiac murders didn’t end after the Zodiac

himself disappeared. He stayed alive in many of his ‘fans” Over the years the Zodiac gained a huge following of psychotic people wanting to be just like him. One of the most famous copy cats is Eddie Seda. He killed three people and injured an additional 5 in the 1990’s in New York City. He not only killed like the Zodiac but he also sent cryptic messages to the police force like the Zodiac Killer. He was arrested in 1996 and convicted in 1998 and sentenced to 232 years in prison.

DNA and Fingerprints

DNA testing would have been an incredible asset to this case. The DNA on all of the letter written into the police station could have belonged to a prime suspect at the time or a suspects fried, pet, or relative. DNA testing could have completely narrowed down the search for the Zodiac. Fingerprints were what this case completely relied on in the aspect of physical evidence. Back in the day fingerprints were not a easily accessed by the investigators. If they had easier access and more fingerprints in the system the investigation might have actual been closed and finished.

My Opinion No matter who the Zodiac killer was, his days of murder are in the past. At this point he has either died or is too old to kill again. I believe that the most probable suspect would be Arthur Leigh Allen. You never know who licked the envelope for him. It’s a shame he passed away right when the police were catching on to him.If I was on this investigation team I would have paid more attention to the little details because they can have a major effect on an investigation.Many books have been written about the Zodiac and many accusations have been made as to who the zodiac killer is. Even children accusing their own fathers. The Most Dangerous Animal of All is a very famous book exemplifying kids accusing their parents. Earl Van Best was accused of the Zodiac murders by son, Gary L. Steward.