In the final episode of this four part series, we’ll talk to historian William J. Mann about his new book on the Dahlia case, which points to the same long-forgotten suspect whose name has been linked to a Zodiac cipher.

Were the Black Dahlia and Zodiac murders the work of the same man? A new theory argues a disturbed World War II veteran was responsible. In this episode, a former FBI profiler explores the psychology behind both cases, examining where they overlap and where they diverge.

The identity of the Zodiac Killer has remained a mystery for decades, but new developments may finally point to an answer. At the center is the infamous Z13 cipher, a 13-character code sent to the San Francisco Chronicle that has long defied experts. Self-taught codebreaker Alex Baber used artificia… The identity of the Zodiac Killer has remained a mystery for decades, but new developments may finally point to an answer. At the center is the infamous Z13 cipher, a 13-character code sent to the San Francisco Chronicle that has long defied experts. Self-taught codebreaker Alex Baber used artificial intelligence and exhaustive analysis to narrow millions of possibilities down to a single name. As his theory gained traction, former detectives and intelligence experts began testing its credibility. The result is a provocative possibility: the name hidden in the cipher may also belong to the man behind another infamous California murder — the Black Dahlia. more

We conduct a behavioral linkage analysis to examine the question of whether two of the most infamous unsolved cases in American criminal history—the murder of Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia, and the Zodiac killings—could have been committed by the same offender.

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy revisits the terrifying reign of the Zodiac Killer, whose cryptic letters and brutal attacks paralyzed Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Taunting police and the media with ciphers, threats, and chilling promises, the Zodi… In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy revisits the terrifying reign of the Zodiac Killer, whose cryptic letters and brutal attacks paralyzed Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Taunting police and the media with ciphers, threats, and chilling promises, the Zodiac cultivated fear as deliberately as he committed murder. Despite surviving victims, physical evidence, and thousands of suspects, his identity remains unknown. From lovers’ lanes to city streets, this episode explores how the Zodiac built a legacy of terror—and why, decades later, the mystery still refuses to die.

If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

🎧 Need More to Binge? 

Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes Of…, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Crime House 24/7, and more wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow me on Social


Instagram: @Crimehouse


TikTok: @Crimehouse


Facebook: @crimehousestudios


YouTube: @crimehousestudios


To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices more

Hi friends! Happy Tuesday!!

Today I dive into one of my most requested episodes EVER... a story many of you have been patiently waiting for: the Zodiac Killer.

For over 50 years, the Zodiac has terrified Americans. From isolated lover's lanes to busy city streets, this menacing, hooded murderer un… Hi friends! Happy Tuesday!!

Today I dive into one of my most requested episodes EVER... a story many of you have been patiently waiting for: the Zodiac Killer.

For over 50 years, the Zodiac has terrified Americans. From isolated lover's lanes to busy city streets, this menacing, hooded murderer unleashed a terrifying spree, targeting young couples, a cab driver, and even threatening a busload of schoolchildren.

His taunting letters, cryptic clues, unsolvable ciphers, and bone chilling phone calls kept the public in a frenzy. Even with DNA collected from the crime scenes and relentless investigations (some to this very day), the question remains... who was he?

Despite countless theories and compelling arguments for several suspects, one thing is true... Zodiac seems to have gotten away with it. But how?!

Why does this case still capture our attention? Why can't we solve it? Why did he do it?! Why why why?! So many questions. Dive in with me, share your theories, and let's explore the enduring mystery of the Zodiac Killer.

Also, let me know who you want me to talk about next time. Hope you have a great rest of your week, make good choices and I'll be seeing you very soon.
xo
Bailey Sarian

________

FOLLOW ME AROUND
Tik Tok: https://bit.ly/3e3jL9v
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2nbO4PR
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/44P51lp
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2mdZtK6
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2yT4BLV
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2mVpXnY
Youtube: http://bit.ly/1HGw3Og
Snapchat: https://bit.ly/3cC0V9d
Discord: https://discord.gg/BaileySarian

RECOMMEND A STORY HERE: [email protected]

Business Related Emails: [email protected]

Business Related Mail:
Bailey Sarian
4400 W. Riverside Dr., Ste 110-300
Burbank, CA 91505

_________

As an exclusive offer, our listeners can get free turkey or ham in their first box, or choose ground beef for life - PLUS $20 off your first order. Go to ButcherBox.com/MAKEUP to choose your offer and get this limited-time deal, with free shipping always. That’s ButcherBox.com/MAKEUP. Don’t forget to use our link so they know we sent you.

Get all the big stuff for your small business right with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at SHOPIFY.com/makeup. Go to SHOPIFY.com/makeup.

Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than fifty percent at SelectQuote.com/MAKEUP. Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/MAKEUP TODAY to get started. more

Cryptic Crimes: Decoding the Zodiac Killer takes you deep into one of the most chilling unsolved cases in American history — a killer who terrorized California, taunted the media, and challenged the world to crack his ciphers.

Each episode unravels a different layer of the Zodiac mystery: from his … Cryptic Crimes: Decoding the Zodiac Killer takes you deep into one of the most chilling unsolved cases in American history — a killer who terrorized California, taunted the media, and challenged the world to crack his ciphers.

Each episode unravels a different layer of the Zodiac mystery: from his first brutal attack to the haunting letters that confounded experts for decades. Through forensic psychology, criminal profiling, behavioral science, and investigative storytelling, we explore the twisted intelligence behind his crimes and the enduring obsession to unmask him.

You’ll hear chilling reenactments, interviews with experts, and deep psychological analysis revealing not just how the Zodiac operated — but why. Was he a mastermind or a madman? A lone predator or part of something darker? more

This week we are joined once again by Legendary F.B.I. Profiler John Douglas, the Mindhunter. Nic ask questions regarding some of the cases that haunt us. Listen in as we discuss The Zodiac, The West Memphis 3 and JonBenet Ramsey.

Beer of the Week - Shady Spot by Susquehanna Brewing Company Garage … This week we are joined once again by Legendary F.B.I. Profiler John Douglas, the Mindhunter. Nic ask questions regarding some of the cases that haunt us. Listen in as we discuss The Zodiac, The West Memphis 3 and JonBenet Ramsey.

Beer of the Week - Shady Spot by Susquehanna Brewing Company Garage Grade - 4 and a quarter bottle caps out of 5 more

This week we are joined once again by Legendary F.B.I. Profiler John Douglas, the Mindhunter. Nic ask questions regarding some of the cases that haunt us. Listen in as we discuss The Zodiac, The West Memphis 3 and JonBenet Ramsey.

Beer of the Week - Shady Spot by Susquehanna Brewing Company Garage … This week we are joined once again by Legendary F.B.I. Profiler John Douglas, the Mindhunter. Nic ask questions regarding some of the cases that haunt us. Listen in as we discuss The Zodiac, The West Memphis 3 and JonBenet Ramsey.

Beer of the Week - Shady Spot by Susquehanna Brewing Company Garage Grade - 4 and a quarter bottle caps out of 5 more

As fear gripped California, the Zodiac Killer escalated his mind games—sending letters, making threats, and pushing police and the public to the brink. In Part 2, we trace his psychological unraveling, the search for his true identity, and the failed attempts to bring one of America’s most notorious… As fear gripped California, the Zodiac Killer escalated his mind games—sending letters, making threats, and pushing police and the public to the brink. In Part 2, we trace his psychological unraveling, the search for his true identity, and the failed attempts to bring one of America’s most notorious murderers to justice.

Killer Minds is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. For ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts.

Don’t miss out on all things Killer Minds!


Instagram: @killerminds | @Crimehouse


TikTok: @Crimehouse


Facebook: @crimehousestudios


X: @crimehousemedia


YouTube: @crimehousestudios


To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices more

The Zodiac Killer left behind more than victims—he masterminded a chilling legacy of cryptic messages, taunts, and terror. In Part 1, we trace his early murders, the ciphers that baffled authorities, and explore the disturbing psychology that drove one of history’s most notorious serial killers.

Ki… The Zodiac Killer left behind more than victims—he masterminded a chilling legacy of cryptic messages, taunts, and terror. In Part 1, we trace his early murders, the ciphers that baffled authorities, and explore the disturbing psychology that drove one of history’s most notorious serial killers.

Killer Minds is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. For ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts.

Don’t miss out on all things Killer Minds!


Instagram: @killerminds | @Crimehouse


TikTok: @Crimehouse


Facebook: @crimehousestudios


X: @crimehousemedia


YouTube: @crimehousestudios


To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices more

Writer and researcher Michael Butterfield joins retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley to answer listener questions about the Zodiac Killer case.

In Part 4 of our series on the Zodiac Killer, we continue our discussion with Zodiac expert Michael Butterfield for a deep-dive discussion into the personality and behavioral characteristics of the infamous, unidentified serial killer.

Despite the passage of fifty years since his last activity, the case of the Zodiac Killer continues to fascinate and frustrate law enforcement, the media, and the American public, making America’s most notorious unsolved murder case.

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcas… Despite the passage of fifty years since his last activity, the case of the Zodiac Killer continues to fascinate and frustrate law enforcement, the media, and the American public, making America’s most notorious unsolved murder case.

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Blankenstein , Andrew, and Wilson Wong. 2021. 'The case remains open': FBI rebuts claim Zodiac Killer case is solved. October 7. Accessed February 2025. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/case-remains-open-fbi-refutes-claim-zodiac-killer-case-solved-n1281002.

Chabria, Anita. 2018. "Vallejo police have sent Zodiac Killer DNA to a lab. Results could come in weeks." Sacramento Bee, May 3.

Chronicle, San Francisco. 1970. "A Zodiac threat to newsman." San Francisco Chronicle , October 31: 7.

Cole, Michael F. 2020. The Zodiac Revisted: The Facts of the Case. San Francisco, CA: Twin Prime Publishing .

Drake, Rossiter. 2007. "A magnificent obsession with the Zodiac killer." San Francisco Examiner, March 2: 28.

Flaherty, Frances. 1969. "New letter by Zodiac claims seven slayings." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), November 12: 1.

—. 1969. "Teenagers' s;ayer still at large." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), March 30: 1.

Flaherty, Francis G. 1968. "Investigators lacking clues in 2 slayings." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), December 22: 1.

Glover, Malcolm. 1969. "Hundreds of 'Zodiac' tips flood Bay police." San Francisco Examiner, October 18: 1.

Lowe, Lindsay. 2024. Who was Arthur Leigh Allen? October 29. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.today.com/popculture/zodiac-killer-arthur-leigh-allen-rcna176996.

McClatchy Newspapers Service. 1969. "Vallejo Police seek gunman who killed woman, shot man." Sacramento Bee, July 5: 1.

Michelman, Jordan. 2020. "What If You Solved the Zodiac Killer Mystery and No One Believed You? ." Portland Monthly, December 16.

O'Connell, Oliver. 2021. Gary Poste: Who was the alleged Zodiac killer identified by ‘Case Breakers’? October 7. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/gary-post-zodiac-killer-suspect-b1933700.html.

Peterson, Dave. 1969. "2 survivors tell what they can on 'Code Killer'." Times-Herald, October 1: 1.

Sacramento Bee. 1969. "Officers check leads in Berryessa killing." Sacramento Bee, October 3: 27.

San Francisco Examiner. 1969. "'Cipher Killer's' new letter." San Francisco Examiner, August 4: 1.

—. 1969. "'Cypher Killer' hunt is pressed." San Francisco Examiner, August 6: 57.

—. 1969. "School bus alert on mad killer." San Francisco Examiner, October 17: 1.

—. 1969. "Sketch made of killer in taxi slaying." San Francisco Examiner, October 14: 6.

—. 1970. "Zodiac 'greeting' to police: 'enjoy yourselves at my blast'." San Francisco Examiner, May 1: 50.

Smith, Dave. 1971. "17-plus victims claimed in letter by Zodiac Killer." Los Angeles Times, March 16: 3.

—. 1969. "Zodiac Killer--chilling portrait of madness." Los Angeles Times, October 15: 1.

—. 1969. "'The Zodiac' lives inconspicuously, but murders with flourish." Sacramento Bee, October 10: E12.

Smith, Jane. 1969. "Girl stabbing victim dies in Napa hospital." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), September 30: 1.

Times-Herald. 1969. "Cryptogram deciphered by teacher." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), August 9: 1.

—. 1968. "Hunt maniac in murders of teenagers." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), December 23: 1.

—. 1969. "Lake attacks linked to Vallejo slayings." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), September 29: 14.

—. 1969. "Mystery ciphers not decoded yet." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), August 2: 1.

—. 1968. "Vallejo teenagers are shot to death near Lake Herman." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), December 21: 1.

—. 1969. "Police seeking clues in Vallejo shootings." Times-Herald, July 6:1. more

In this episode, we discuss the murder of Paul Stine, a cab driver who was shot and killed by the Zodiac on October 11, 1969, in San Francisco.

 Despite the passage of fifty years since his last activity, the case of the Zodiac Killer continues to fascinate and frustrate law enforcement, the media, and the American public, making America’s most notorious unsolved murder case.

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podca…  Despite the passage of fifty years since his last activity, the case of the Zodiac Killer continues to fascinate and frustrate law enforcement, the media, and the American public, making America’s most notorious unsolved murder case.

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Belcher, Jerry. 1969. "Police certain Zodiac called." San Francisco Examiner, October 23: 1.

Bernhard, Hubert J. 1969. "Killer of cabbie is linked to 4 murders." San Francisco Examiner, October 15: 3.

Bernhard, Hurbert J. 1969. "TV 'Zodiac' reneges on surrender." San Francisco Examiner, October 22: 1.

Blankenstein , Andrew, and Wilson Wong. 2021. 'The case remains open': FBI rebuts claim Zodiac Killer case is solved. October 7. Accessed February 2025. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/case-remains-open-fbi-refutes-claim-zodiac-killer-case-solved-n1281002.

Chabria, Anita. 2018. "Vallejo police have sent Zodiac Killer DNA to a lab. Results could come in weeks." Sacramento Bee, May 3.

Chronicle, San Francisco. 1970. "A Zodiac threat to newsman." San Francisco Chronicle , October 31: 7.

Cole, Michael F. 2020. The Zodiac Revisted: The Facts of the Case. San Francisco, CA: Twin Prime Publishing .

Drake, Rossiter. 2007. "A magnificent obsession with the Zodiac killer." San Francisco Examiner, March 2: 28.

Flaherty, Frances. 1969. "New letter by Zodiac claims seven slayings." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), November 12: 1.

—. 1969. "Teenagers' s;ayer still at large." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), March 30: 1.

Flaherty, Francis G. 1968. "Investigators lacking clues in 2 slayings." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), December 22: 1.

Glover, Malcolm. 1969. "Hundreds of 'Zodiac' tips flood Bay police." San Francisco Examiner, October 18: 1.

Lowe, Lindsay. 2024. Who was Arthur Leigh Allen? October 29. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.today.com/popculture/zodiac-killer-arthur-leigh-allen-rcna176996.

McClatchy Newspapers Service. 1969. "Vallejo Police seek gunman who killed woman, shot man." Sacramento Bee, July 5: 1.

Michelman, Jordan. 2020. "What If You Solved the Zodiac Killer Mystery and No One Believed You? ." Portland Monthly, December 16.

O'Connell, Oliver. 2021. Gary Poste: Who was the alleged Zodiac killer identified by ‘Case Breakers’? October 7. Accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/gary-post-zodiac-killer-suspect-b1933700.html.

Peterson, Dave. 1969. "2 survivors tell what they can on 'Code Killer'." Times-Herald, October 1: 1.

Sacramento Bee. 1969. "Officers check leads in Berryessa killing." Sacramento Bee, October 3: 27.

San Francisco Examiner. 1969. "'Cipher Killer's' new letter." San Francisco Examiner, August 4: 1.

—. 1969. "'Cypher Killer' hunt is pressed." San Francisco Examiner, August 6: 57.

—. 1969. "School bus alert on mad killer." San Francisco Examiner, October 17: 1.

—. 1969. "Sketch made of killer in taxi slaying." San Francisco Examiner, October 14: 6.

—. 1970. "Zodiac 'greeting' to police: 'enjoy yourselves at my blast'." San Francisco Examiner, May 1: 50.

Smith, Dave. 1971. "17-plus victims claimed in letter by Zodiac Killer." Los Angeles Times, March 16: 3.

—. 1969. "Zodiac Killer--chilling portrait of madness." Los Angeles Times, October 15: 1.

—. 1969. "'The Zodiac' lives inconspicuously, but murders with flourish." Sacramento Bee, October 10: E12.

Smith, Jane. 1969. "Girl stabbing victim dies in Napa hospital." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), September 30: 1.

Times-Herald. 1969. "Cryptogram deciphered by teacher." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), August 9: 1.

—. 1968. "Hunt maniac in murders of teenagers." Times-Herald (Vallejo, CA), December 23: 1. more

Writer, researcher, and podcaster Michael Butterfield returns for Part 2 of our discussion on the Zodiac case. In this episode, we focus on the chilling attack at Lake Berryessa on September 27, 1969. The victims were college students Cecelia Shepard and Bryan Hartnell. While Bryan survived, Cecelia… Writer, researcher, and podcaster Michael Butterfield returns for Part 2 of our discussion on the Zodiac case. In this episode, we focus on the chilling attack at Lake Berryessa on September 27, 1969. The victims were college students Cecelia Shepard and Bryan Hartnell. While Bryan survived, Cecelia tragically succumbed to her injuries.

Michael walks us through the details of this attack and how it differed from the earlier shootings. We discuss what the killer’s behavior may reveal, and how it fits within the broader pattern of attacks attributed to the Zodiac.

Michael is the host of Zodiac: A to Z and the author of the upcoming book The Zodiac Killer: The Story of America’s Most Elusive Murderer, scheduled for release on May 6, 2025.

You can follow The Consult on social media:

X/Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/81-profiling-the-zodiac-killer-part-2/

Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. more

Writer, researcher, and podcaster Michael Butterfield joins us to examine the series of murders
attributed to the person who called himself the Zodiac.

Zodiac Killer: Serial Killer Documentary 

The Zodiac Killer terrorized California with a series of murders and eerie coded messages, leaving the world guessing about his identity to this day. In this episode, we dig into the chilling clues and enduring mystery surrounding one of history's most infamous killers.

Learn more about your ad cho… The Zodiac Killer terrorized California with a series of murders and eerie coded messages, leaving the world guessing about his identity to this day. In this episode, we dig into the chilling clues and enduring mystery surrounding one of history's most infamous killers.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices more