Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore Episode Summary: SERIAL KILLER: The Zodiac Killer Release Date: June 4, 2025
Introduction to the Zodiac Killer Case
In this gripping episode, hosts Morgan Absher and Kaylin Moore delve deep into one of history's most infamous and enigmatic serial killers—the Zodiac Killer. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, they explore the series of murders, the cryptic communications from the killer, and the investigative challenges that have left this case unsolved for decades.
Early Murders: December 20, 1968 – David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen
The Zodiac Killer's reign of terror began in the winter of 1968 in Vallejo, California—a typically tranquil community with a remarkably low homicide rate ("I think this is a case where everyone has heard of the Zodiac Killer" [00:58]).
On December 20, 1968, 17-year-old David Faraday and 16-year-old Betty Lou Jensen attended a Christmas concert. Unbeknownst to them, their evening took a deadly turn when they decided to seek privacy at a local lover's lane. Witnesses saw them at around 10:15 PM, seemingly enjoying their date. However, by 11 PM, a passerby discovered their lifeless bodies, soaked in blood from gunshot wounds.
Morgan reflects on the baffling nature of the crime: "There was no sign of robbery, no indication of sexual assault. It's just... mind-blowing" ([06:10]).
Key Clues:
- Weapon: .22 caliber rifle
- Suspect Vehicle: Suspicious white Chevy Impala
- Lack of Motive: No clear motive identified, making the case perplexing
Second Attack: July 4, 1969 – Darlene Farren and Mike Mageau
Four months later, on Independence Day 1969, the Zodiac struck again. Darlene Farren, a 22-year-old married woman, and her friend Mike Mageau were enjoying a picnic at Lake Berryessa when they encountered a mysterious white sedan with a hooded figure wielding a flashlight.
The attacker approached them under the guise of needing assistance, but instead, he brandished a gun and opened fire, fatally wounding Darlene and severely injuring Mike. Miraculously, Mike survived and provided a detailed description of the assailant: "a white male on the stockier side, about 5'8 and 200 pounds, with a little pot belly and short brown hair" ([14:25]).
Notable Quote: Darlene's assailant left a chilling message: “I want to report a murder. If you will go one mile east on Columbus Parkway to the public park, you will find kids in a brown car. They were shot with a 9 millimeter Luger. I also killed those kids last year. Goodbye” ([14:56]).
Key Developments:
- Cryptic Letters and Ciphers: The Zodiac began sending letters containing elaborate ciphers, designed to taunt the police and the public.
- Police Challenges: Despite multiple descriptions and a partially preserved palm print, investigators remained stumped due to limited forensic technology of the time.
Escalation and Continued Terror: September 27, 1969 – Cecilia Ann Shepard and Brian Hartnell
On September 27, 1969, the Zodiac's brutality escalated with the murders of Cecilia Ann Shepard and Brian Hartnell at Lake Berryessa. Known for its beauty and tranquility, the lake became the backdrop for another horrifying attack.
The killer, identifiable by his distinctive hood and the ominous symbol—a circle with a cross through it—stalked the couple, eventually stabbing them repeatedly. Although Cecilia did not survive, Brian managed to escape and provide a horrifying eyewitness account ([27:30]).
Inspector's Insights: Morgan highlights the inconsistent Method of Operation (M.O.): “Unlike other serial killers who have a consistent method, the Zodiac used different weapons—ranging from rifles to stabbings” ([32:07]).
Botched Investigation Marks:
- Conflicting Palm Prints: The incomplete and possibly tainted palm print on the payphone receiver could not conclusively link to a suspect ([30:28]).
- False Alibi Handling: The suspect Arthur Lee Allen was initially cleared due to a shaky alibi that was later undermined ([69:35]).
The Ciphers and Their Decoding Attempts
A pivotal element of the Zodiac's terror was his use of ciphers—a method to communicate directly with the public and authorities. Initially, the enigmatic messages were an impressive puzzle for codebreakers. However, Morgan points out, "He didn't make the cipher hard; he just spelled things wrong" ([20:55]).
Significant Cipher Developments:
- First Cipher: Solved in two days by Donald and Betty Harden, revealing the Zodiac's twisted pleasure in killing.
- 340 Cipher: Remained unsolved for over five decades until finally cracked in 2020 by a team using computer algorithms. It confirmed the Zodiac's continued deviousness but provided no actionable leads ([43:22]).
Notable Quote: When asked about his identity, the Zodiac ominously stated, “I like killing people because it is so much fun... The best part is, when I die, I will be reborn in paradise” ([20:55]).
Investigation Challenges and Arthur Leigh Allen
Despite several leads, including the eventual focus on Arthur Leigh Allen—a prime suspect with several matching characteristics—the Zodiac Killer remains elusive.
Key Points About Arthur Leigh Allen:
- Connection to the Symbol: Owned a Zodiac-branded watch featuring the killer's distinctive symbol.
- Behavioral Suspicions: Exhibited odd behavior, such as discussing becoming a private investigator to target victims and managing ciphers accurately but without true mastery ([61:31]).
- Fingerprint and Handwriting Mismatch: Although initially considered, subsequent tests showed no match with the letters or crime scene evidence ([72:08]).
- Conviction for Other Crimes: Later convicted as a pedophile, raising additional suspicions but offering no direct link to the Zodiac murders.
Notable Quote: Kaylin asserts, “Arthur Leigh Allen is the least bad of all the suspects, which is why that's the one that we chose to cover today” ([74:50]).
Theories and Conspiracies Surrounding the Case
The hosts explore various theories, including the possibility that the Zodiac was more interested in media attention than in committing consistent, purposeful murders. They discuss how the sensationalized media coverage may have influenced the killer's actions and how some letters may have been falsely attributed to him to elevate his notoriety.
Key Insights:
- Misleading Media and Police Efforts: Reports suggest that both police and journalists may have chased the Zodiac narrative to the detriment of other leads.
- Inconsistent Victim Selection: Although initially targeting couples, the Zodiac later showed intent to possibly target children, highlighting his unpredictable nature ([43:27]).
Notable Quote: Morgan summarizes the impact of the killer's communication: “The letters gave some insight into his personality, but there's not really enough information in them to narrow in on any suspects” ([79:53]).
Modern Advances and Remaining Clues
In 2002, a partial DNA sample from a Zodiac letter was tested against Arthur Leigh Allen's DNA but yielded no match. This setback reinforced the mystery, as forensic technology continues to advance without providing closure.
Key Points:
- Unsolved Ciphers: Two ciphers remain unsolved, with the hosts urging listeners to engage with online communities for potential breakthroughs.
- Ongoing Open Investigations: Despite being decades old, the Zodiac Killer case remains open, with sporadic tips and renewed interest from online sleuths.
Notable Quote: Kaylin emphasizes the enduring mystery: “How many victims did he really have? What did he do? Who was he? Sadly, these are questions that may never get answered” ([84:22]).
Conclusion: The Enigma Persists
Morgan and Kaylin conclude that the Zodiac Killer case remains one of the most chilling unsolved mysteries in criminal history. They express frustration over the botched investigations and the lack of definitive evidence tying any suspect to the crimes. The episode underscores the enduring fascination and fear surrounding the Zodiac Killer, highlighting how modern technology and persistent online communities continue to seek answers where law enforcement has long been stymied.
Final Thoughts: Kaylin challenges the media portrayal of the Zodiac as a genius mastermind, arguing instead that he was likely a "cowardly narcissist" who capitalized on media frenzy for personal gratification ([85:51]).
Call to Action: The hosts encourage listeners to remain vigilant and share any information with authorities, emphasizing that the hunt for the Zodiac Killer is far from over. They invite the community to engage with them on social media, particularly in solving the remaining ciphers.
Notable Quote: Morgan poignantly remarks, “To this day, the Zodiac remains one of the most chilling unsolved crimes” ([86:13]).
Join the Conversation
For those eager to contribute to solving this enduring mystery, Morgan and Kaylin invite you to participate in ongoing discussions and share your theories on their social media platforms:
- Instagram: @CluesPodcast
- YouTube: CluesPod
Support and Follow: Remember to rate, review, and follow Clues on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover this compelling series. For exclusive content and ad-free listening, consider joining the Crime House Plus community on Apple Podcasts.
Final Note
As Morgan and Kaylin sign off, they leave listeners with a sense of unresolved tension and a call to remain curious. The Zodiac Killer's shadow looms large, a testament to the limits of forensic science and the complexities of human psychology.
Stay curious, keep searching, and join us next time on Clues.