Crime Junkie: SERIAL KILLER – The Doodler

Release Date: May 19, 2025
Hosts: Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat

Introduction

In this chilling episode of Crime Junkie, host Ashley Flowers and co-host Brit Prawat delve deep into the unsettling case of "The Doodler," a serial killer who haunted San Francisco in the 1970s. The Doodler's reign of terror left a lasting impact on the community, particularly the gay community, amidst a backdrop of mistrust and animosity between law enforcement and marginalized groups.

The Initial Crimes and Mysterious Caller

January 27, 1974 – First Call:
At nearly 2 AM, a mysterious caller reports finding a body on a San Francisco beach. [03:14] Ashley Flowers narrates, “The caller found a body on the beach but didn't want to get too close or reveal his identity.” When police arrive, they discover the victim, Gerald Kavanaugh, not merely floating but with multiple stab wounds, making drowning an unlikely cause of death. The circumstances of the caller's ability to locate the body in pitch darkness remain perplexing, as no further information about the caller emerges.

Second Murder – June 25, 1974:
Five months later, Joseph "Jay" Stevens, a beloved figure in the city's drag scene, is found brutally stabbed in Golden Gate Park. [06:37] Inspector Sergeant Dan Cunningham describes the scene as one of intense violence, with five stab wounds, three of which pierced the heart. Jay's prominence in the gay community contrasted sharply with the perceived indifference of the police toward such cases.

Escalation and Community Tension

Despite recognizing patterns between the murders of Gerald, Jay, and later Klaus Christmann, a German national found in a similar manner, police efforts remained fragmented. [19:09] Britt remarks on the progressive culture of San Francisco in the 1970s, highlighting the juxtaposition of a vibrant community against inadequate law enforcement response.

July 1975 – Survivor Attack:
A European diplomat survives an attempted attack by someone he brought to his apartment. The assailant, later nicknamed "The Doodler," uses the phrase “you guys are all alike” [21:52] during the assault, mirroring the diplomat's later recounting. This event solidifies the notion of a serial killer targeting the gay community, yet fear and stigma prevent victims from fully cooperating with authorities.

Formation of a Dedicated Task Force

Recognizing the serial nature of the crimes, SFPD assembles a specialized team led by Inspectors Rotea Guilford and Earl Sanders, known as the "Soul Brothers." [22:37] Their expertise and status as SFPD's first Black homicide investigators bring new vigor to the investigation. Their approach includes engaging directly with the gay community, leading to tips about a suspicious individual known for sketching patrons at gay bars.

Breakthroughs and Dead Ends

2019 – Reopening the Case:
Decades later, Sergeant Cunningham teams up with retired Inspector Dan Dudette to revisit the cold case. They uncover a potential ninth victim, Warren Andrews, whose brutal attack adds complexity to the case. [40:47] The investigation highlights systemic issues, including fragmented case files and the absence of a consistent investigative approach.

DNA and Modern Forensics:
With advancements in forensic technology, Cunningham hopes DNA evidence might finally link the suspect to the crimes. However, initial leads prove unfruitful, and the primary person of interest continues to deny involvement, maintaining his innocence despite physical resemblance to the age-progressed composite sketch.

The Enigma of Dr. Priest and Unsolved Mysteries

A pivotal moment in the investigation revolves around a supposed confession from a psychiatrist, Dr. Priest, who allegedly treated the suspect. [44:43] However, discrepancies arise when investigators cannot locate any records of Dr. Priest at Highland Hospital in the 1970s. This dead end complicates efforts to obtain crucial information that could shed light on the case.

Legacy and Unanswered Questions

The Doodler case remains unsolved, leaving families of the victims without closure. The ripple effects extend beyond the immediate victims, affecting entire families and the community at large. [50:43] For instance, Jay's sister suffers a psychotic break, leading to further tragedy within his family.

Inspector Cunningham reflects on the persistent mystery, stating, “Whether the Doodler actually did all that much doodling, the fact remains that six men were brutally slain in 1974 and 75...” [48:51] The unresolved nature of these crimes continues to haunt the community, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and community support in seeking justice.

Conclusion

Fifty years after the last known Doodler murder, San Francisco's police department remains determined to solve the case, now offering a substantial reward of $250,000 for information leading to the killer's arrest. The enduring mystery of The Doodler underscores the profound impact of unsolved crimes on victims' families and the broader community, highlighting both the progress and ongoing challenges in criminal investigations.

Ashley Flowers closes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the victims, honoring their memories and the relentless pursuit of justice: “All of the victims deserve to be remembered for who they were, not just how they died.” [50:43]

Call to Action

San Francisco Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information to come forward, reinforcing that it's never too late to seek justice. Listeners are reminded to support ongoing investigations and honor the memories of those lost to The Doodler's terror.

For more detailed information and sources, visit crimejunkiepodcast.com.