Podcast Summary: Anatomy of Murder - "Similarly Tragic (Leslie Perlov & Janet Taylor)"

Introduction

In the December 24, 2024 episode of Anatomy of Murder, hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve deep into the tragic and intertwined cases of Leslie Perlov and Janet Taylor. This episode unravels the layers of their murders, the initial investigations, and the eventual breakthrough that provided closure decades later.

1. Background of the Palo Alto Murders

An idyllic Northern California city, Palo Alto, renowned as the heart of Silicon Valley and home to Stanford University, was also the backdrop for a series of heinous crimes in the 1970s.

• Hosts' Overview

  • Anna Sega Nicolasi: Former New York City homicide prosecutor and host of Investigation Discovery's True Conviction.
  • Scott Weinberger: Investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

• Context of the Era

  • The San Francisco Bay Area became infamous for serial killers like Edward Kemper, the Zodiac Killer, and Ted Bundy.
  • Amidst this terror, Palo Alto fell victim to another predator whose identity remained elusive for over four decades.

2. The Disappearance and Murder of Leslie Perlov

• Leslie Perlov's Last Day ([03:49] - [07:18])

  • Leslie Perlov, a 21-year-old Stanford graduate, vanished on February 13, 1973, after leaving her job at the local law library.
  • Noe Cortez, Sergeant from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department, recounts Leslie’s routine and the circumstances of her disappearance.

  "She would go to work at be at work at 10:30 in the morning, after work, at 3pm she would go straight home, be home by 3:30pm to make dinner for her mother." – Noe Cortez ([06:56])

• Initial Investigation ([07:18] - [16:10])

  • Leslie's abandoned car, an orange Chevrolet Nova, was found hours later at an old quarry.
  • Despite a promising lead from a fellow officer reporting another vehicle and a suspicious male, no immediate connections were made.
  • Forensic Evidence:
    • Fibers and fingerprints were collected but yielded no matches.
    • Leslie's body was discovered on February 16, 1973, showing signs of severe trauma and probable sexual assault.

  "Abrasions and severe trauma to her face and Body suggested that Leslie was badly beaten and likely sexually assaulted." – Scott Weinberger ([12:10])

3. The Similarities and Reignition of the Case

• Janet Taylor's Murder ([21:58] - [26:18])

  • On March 24, 1974, Janet Taylor, daughter of Stanford's athletic director, was found murdered under similar circumstances.
  • Both victims were young women, experienced attempted sexual assaults, and had their shoes removed far from their bodies—indicative of a possible signature.

  "Finding this same detail at both scenes was striking and could be looked at as a kind of killer's signature." – Scott Weinberger ([23:32])

• Connection Between Cases

  • The Santa Clara and San Mateo county detectives collaborated, believing the murders were the work of a single serial killer.
  • The lack of technological advancements in the 1970s, such as security cameras and DNA testing, hampered initial investigations.

4. Reopening the Cold Case in 2016

• Sergeant Noe Cortez's Assignment ([29:03] - [30:00])

  • In 2016, Sergeant Noe Cortez took charge of the cold case unit, revisiting historical evidence with modern forensic techniques.
  • Recognizing the potential of DNA evidence, Noe sent preserved items—such as Leslie's scarf and fingernail clippings—to the Santa Clara County Crime Lab.

  "When I reviewed the reports and I looked at the evidence, there was evidence that was collected from her person, from her body. The pubic Hair, fingernail clippings, scalp hair, the scarf. Those items of evidence I determined could be tested for DNA." – Noe Cortez ([30:09])

5. Breakthrough Through Genetic Genealogy

• Initial DNA Testing ([32:09] - [33:28])

  • In 2018, DNA from Leslie's fingernail clippings yielded an unknown profile, which did not match any in the CODIS database.
  • Scott Weinberger highlights the limitations of early DNA testing, noting that no subsequent matches indicated another serial killer was responsible.

• Adoption of Genetic Genealogy ([33:49] - [35:02])

  • Noe Cortez utilized genetic genealogy through databases like GEDmatch to trace potential relatives.
  • This led to the identification of John Arthur Getrue, a local resident with a history of violence against women.

  "John Arthur Getrue... lived three and a half miles away from the crime scene." – Anna Sega Nicolasi ([35:17])

6. Arrest and Trial of John Arthur Getrue

• Obtaining Getrue's DNA ([38:03] - [40:24])

  • Through surveillance, Noe and his team observed Getrue discarding a coffee cup at a pharmacy.
  • The DNA from the cup matched the evidence under Leslie's fingernails, solidifying his connection to the crime.

  "I was notified by the crime lab that the DNA from the coffee cup that John Gettcher was drinking was the match to the DNA underneath Leslie Perloff's fingernails." – Noe Cortez ([40:31])

• Interrogation and Confession ([42:40] - [50:37])

  • During interrogation, Getrue initially denied involvement, citing memory loss.
  • Persistent questioning led to partial admissions but no full confession for Leslie's murder.
  • Ultimately, DNA evidence proved his guilt, leading to his conviction.

  "And so a plan was formed to secretively obtain Getru's DNA..." – Noe Cortez ([38:36])

• Trial Outcomes

  • Getrue was convicted of the murders of Leslie Perlov and Janet Taylor, receiving life sentences without parole.
  • His history revealed multiple sexual assaults, indicating a broader pattern of violence.

7. Impact and Conclusion

• Family and Community Closure ([55:09] - [58:43])

  • Leslie's family expressed profound relief and gratitude for the resolution, though the pain of loss remains.
  • Diane Perlov, Leslie's mother, shared emotional testimonies about the enduring trauma and the importance of justice.

  "Diane Perlov made the impact statement... and how she could never wear a scarf because the scarf that was used to kill Leslie Perloff was actually Diane's scarf." – Anna Sega Nicolasi ([57:10])

• Lessons Learned

  • The case underscores the significance of preserving evidence and the advancements in forensic science that can solve decades-old mysteries.
  • It serves as a beacon of hope that no case is truly cold forever, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated investigators.

  "With determination and advancements in science, no case is truly cold forever." – Scott Weinberger ([58:27])

Notable Quotes

• Noe Cortez ([04:10]): "She was accepted to go to law school. She had recently moved back to live with her mother in the city of Los Altos..."

• Scott Weinberger ([12:10]): "Abrasions and severe trauma to her face and Body suggested that Leslie was badly beaten and likely sexually assaulted."

• Anna Sega Nicolasi ([13:57]): "Another detail left them with more questions than answers."

• Noe Cortez ([15:23]): "They collected the fingernails for any signs of blood evidence or anything that could be tested."

• Scott Weinberger ([55:48]): "The lesson here is clear. With determination and advancements in science, no case is truly cold forever."

Conclusion

The episode "Similarly Tragic (Leslie Perlov & Janet Taylor)" masterfully chronicles the harrowing journey from unsolved disappearances to eventual justice, highlighting the transformative power of forensic advancements and unwavering investigative dedication. Through detailed storytelling and insightful analysis, Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger shed light on the dark corridors of unsolved crimes and the relentless pursuit to bring closure to the victims' families.