48 Hours: Rodney Alcala - The Dating Game Killer

Introduction

The "48 Hours" episode titled Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer delves deep into the chilling story of one of America's most notorious serial killers. Hosted by CBS News correspondents, the episode meticulously unpacks Alcala's heinous crimes, his manipulative charm, and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and grieving families. Through gripping narratives, key evidence, and poignant interviews, the podcast offers an exhaustive exploration of Alcala's dark legacy.

Early Life and Initial Crimes

Rodney Alcala was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1943. His early life was marked by instability, with his father abandoning the family during his childhood. At 17, Alcala enlisted in the Army but faced disciplinary issues, including allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to his discharge. The military recognized him as a sexual deviant in 1963, a fact that would ominously presage his future crimes.

By 1969, Alcala had resurfaced, placing him on the FBI's most wanted list after being implicated in the brutal assault of eight-year-old Tali Shapiro.

Detective Chris Camacho [12:34]: "It just looks like too much blood to come out of a tiny little 8-year-old like that."

Despite evidence suggesting his involvement, Alcala evaded capture, moving to New York City where his sinister double life began to unfold.

Charming Facade and Media Manipulation

In New York, Alcala's charisma enabled him to blend seamlessly into society. He enrolled in NYU film school, gaining the trust and admiration of peers and professors alike.

UCLA Professor [15:20]: "Rod Alcala wouldn't hurt anybody. He's a great guy. He truly believed that."

Tragically, this façade concealed his predatory nature. In 1971, Alcala's next known victim, Cornelia Michael Crilley, a 23-year-old flight attendant, was brutally murdered. Despite the gruesome evidence—strangulation with a nylon stocking and a bite mark on her breast—the case went cold amidst the overwhelming number of killings in New York at the time.

The Murder of Robin Samsoe

In 1979, Alcala's dark pattern resurfaced with the disappearance of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe in Southern California. Witnesses reported seeing a "gentleman with dark hair" approaching Robin and her friend to take their pictures, a predatory behavior characteristic of Alcala.

Robin Samsoe's Mother [35:45]: "I smelled her shampoo and I felt this warmth in my hand and I couldn't get my hand out of my purse."

Robin's body was discovered 12 days after her disappearance, found by a fire crew in a remote area, too decomposed to identify initially. The breakthrough came when Alcala’s name surfaced from a parole officer reviewing a composite sketch, leading to his arrest on July 24, 1979.

Evidence and Arrest

The arrest of Alcala was a pivotal moment, uncovering a trove of incriminating evidence. A storage locker in Seattle revealed hundreds of photographs of young women in vulnerable positions, clearly linked to Alcala.

Detective Pat Ellis [42:10]: "There was a lot of photograph equipment. And all of us were amazed at the amount of photographs that he had there of young girls."

Key evidence included:

• A pair of gold ball studs found on Robin's body, recognized by her mother.
• A receipt linking Alcala to the storage locker where incriminating photographs and personal items were stored.

Trials and Convictions

Alcala's first trial in February 1980 lasted two and a half months, featuring testimony from nearly 50 witnesses. The jury convicted him, sentencing him to death. However, the California State Supreme Court later overturned this verdict, citing that Alcala did not receive a fair trial due to the improper introduction of his prior sex crimes.

Undeterred, prosecutors pursued additional cases, eventually linking Alcala to multiple murders across California and New York through fingerprint analysis and bite mark evidence.

Prosecutor Matt Murphy [1:15:30]: "He is the serial killer that we always suspected him to be."

In a rare legal maneuver, California prosecutors decided to try all five cases concurrently. In a dramatic courtroom display, Alcala represented himself, attempting to undermine the prosecution by cross-examining witnesses and pleading for clemency—an effort that ultimately failed.

The jury convicted Alcala a second time, reaffirming his death sentence. Despite multiple appeals and a moratorium on the death penalty in California, Alcala remained incarcerated until his death from natural causes in 2021.

Impact on Families and Ongoing Investigations

The relentless pursuit for justice significantly impacted the families of Alcala's victims. Kathy Thornton, for instance, spent nearly four decades searching for her sister Christine, finally uncovering Alcala's involvement through DNA evidence and his unsettling behavior during a 2016 interview.

Kathy Thornton [2:30:15]: "I'm hoping that with this being back in the news that someone might recognize someone in one of those photos like we did."

Alcala's death did not quell suspicions of additional, unidentified victims. Investigations into cold cases across multiple states continue, as law enforcement seeks to uncover the full extent of Alcala's atrocities.

Detective Jeff Scheman [2:50:40]: "I honestly believe in my mind, in my heart that there's going to be other victims."

Conclusion

The "48 Hours" episode on Rodney Alcala serves as a sobering reminder of the depths of human depravity and the complexities of the criminal justice system. Through meticulous reporting and evocative storytelling, the podcast not only recounts the horrifying acts of Alcala but also honors the resilience of the victims' families and the dedication of those seeking justice. The case underscores the importance of advancements in forensic science and the enduring quest to bring closure to the families of the lost.

Notable Quotes

• Detective Chris Camacho [00:05]: "I told him, okay, you gotta 10 seconds."

• Cornelia Crilley's Prosecutor Melissa Morges [1:05:00]: "She's bound, she's held, there's something stuffed in her mouth, obviously to keep her from screaming."

• Robin Samsoe's Mother [1:30:25]: "He killed my child."

Final Reflections

Rodney Alcala's legacy is a harrowing testament to the failures and eventual triumphs of law enforcement in capturing a cunning and manipulative serial killer. The episode emphasizes the vital role of community vigilance, technological advancements, and unwavering perseverance in solving such heinous crimes. As investigators continue to piece together the fragments of Alcala's murderous spree, the hope remains that more victims will be identified and justice served.