Crimes of the Times, Season 4 – Announcing the New Season

Episode Overview

In this brief announcement episode, Christopher Goffard—acclaimed L.A. Times reporter and host of the popular "Dirty John" podcast—teases the return of "Crimes of the Times" for its fourth season. The series focuses on unraveling some of California’s most infamous criminal cases, challenging prevailing narratives, and providing fresh perspectives through rigorous investigative journalism.

This season kicks off by spotlighting an intriguing theory connecting two of California’s most infamous unsolved cases: the Black Dahlia murder of 1947 and the Zodiac murders. Goffard introduces an amateur sleuth who believes one person is behind both legendary mysteries, setting the stage for a season centered on deep-dives, myth-busting, and new revelations.

Key Points & Insights

1. Spotlight on Iconic California Crimes

• Core Theme: "Crimes of the Times" continues its signature focus on notorious, myth-entwined cases that have captured the public’s imagination—particularly those with enduring mysteries and unanswered questions.
• Example Cited: The Black Dahlia case—a 1947 Hollywood murder that remains unsolved—and its possible link to the Zodiac murders, infamous a generation later.

2. New Investigative Angles & Theories

• Amateur Sleuth’s Bold Claim: The season opener centers on an amateur investigator who claims that both the Black Dahlia and Zodiac murders share a common perpetrator, a theory that's starting to gain attention.
• Promise of In-Depth Analysis: Goffard hints at the show’s commitment to "cutting through common myths and misconceptions" and getting to the heart of what really happened in these perplexing cases.

3. Multi-Platform Availability

• The new season will be available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and “wherever you get your podcasts,” ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On California’s Most Notorious Mysteries:

  “The Black Dahlia murder of 1947 is arguably California's most notorious unsolved case. Its only rival might be the Zodiac murders a generation later.”
  — Christopher Goffard [00:01]

• On the Amateur Sleuth’s Theory:

  “Now an amateur sleuth is attracting attention with the claim that the same killer is responsible for both cases.”
  — Christopher Goffard [00:08]

• Series Mission Statement:

  “Goffard goes deep behind the scenes of a new story each week, cutting through common myths and misconceptions to uncover what really happened in the most compelling cases from L.A. and beyond.”
  — Podcast Description

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:01] – Notorious Unsolved Crimes Introduced:
  Goffard introduces the Black Dahlia and Zodiac murders as focal points for the season.

• [00:08] – Amateur Sleuth’s Controversial Theory:
  The suggestion that both crimes are the work of a single killer is previewed.

• [00:15] – Listening Information:
  Details about where listeners can find the podcast.

Tone and Style

Goffard’s delivery remains factual, suspenseful, and investigative—designed to intrigue both true crime aficionados and listeners new to these infamous cases. His style is direct, measured, and grounded in journalistic rigor with a flair for setting up mystery.

Final Thoughts

This concise but impactful announcement sets the scene for a season packed with rigorous re-examinations and challenging questions about some of California’s most perplexing crimes. The suggested link between historically separate cases promises a season opener that’s both controversial and thought-provoking: exactly what fans of Goffard’s work have come to expect.

Listeners can prepare for another season of "cutting through common myths and misconceptions" as Goffard and his team revisit the past’s most haunting criminal mysteries with fresh eyes and new voices.