Going West: True Crime
Episode 546: Cheri Jo Bates
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman
Episode Overview
In this chilling episode, Daphne and Heath revisit the infamous unsolved murder of Cheri Jo Bates—a bright college student brutally killed in Riverside, California, in 1966. While her murder has never been officially tied to the Zodiac Killer, many theorists, investigators, and true crime followers have connected the dots, making this one of California’s most persistent and debated cold cases. The hosts break down the tragic details, explore viable suspects, and dig deep into the possible Zodiac connection, ultimately leaving listeners with haunting questions about the true identity of the killer.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Background on Cheri Jo Bates
- Cheri Jo Bates (born February 4, 1948) was a friendly, popular cheerleader and student at Riverside City College (RCC) after graduating Ramona High in 1966.
- Her family moved from Nebraska to Riverside when her father took a machinist job at the Naval Ordinance Laboratory.
- Cheri lived at home with her father at the time, her mother was in assisted care, and she was recently engaged (secretly) to her boyfriend, Dennis Hyland.
- She documented feelings about a mysterious other man (known as "BB" or "Bob Barnett") in her journal (04:01–07:48).
“She was a very popular and friendly girl who was active in many activities.” – Daphne (04:30)
Timeline of Cheri’s Last Night
- On October 30, 1966, Cheri went to church with her dad, then breakfast at Sandy’s, then left home in the evening, leaving a note for her father stating she was going to the college library.
- She checked out three books but, strangely, no library patrons remembered seeing her inside.
- Her Volkswagen Beetle was later found outside the library with her books and keys inside—the car had been deliberately disabled (distributor cap removed) (08:26–12:44).
- Her body was discovered Halloween morning, stabbed and beaten, fully clothed, face-down on her purse—in a rarely traversed campus alley (10:54–12:44).
Crime Scene Evidence
- Cheri suffered multiple stab wounds and a slit throat; her attacker put up a struggle and may have been injured.
- Items of interest: a men’s Timex watch (with paint spatters, possibly military-issue), oily palm print on her car, fingerprints, shoe prints (military-issued boots), and a tuft of hair in her hand.
- Evidence suggested premeditation—the attacker disabled her car to trap her (12:01–13:41).
“It’s almost like she was specifically targeted... They wanted to isolate her.” – Daphne (12:25)
- Witness heard a "blood-curdling scream" around 10:30pm, then the sound of an old car engine turning over—could match a reported light-colored Studebaker seen at the scene (14:34–15:24).
The Puzzling Timeline
- Despite checking out books, almost no one saw Cheri at the library that evening. Some speculate she waited in her car for hours, perhaps because the car wouldn’t start or she waited for someone (16:18–20:14).
- Police struggled to piece her movements together, missing crucial timeline details (20:11–20:31).
“The case is pretty static. We’re pretty much still in the dark.” – Unnamed officer via Daphne (20:14)
Suspects
Dennis Hyland (Fiancé)
- Alibi confirmed in San Francisco on the night of the murder (21:09–22:14).
“BB” / Bob Barnett
- Friend of Cheri (or more), possible fixation on her, had means to disable car (automotive experience and history of related crimes).
- No confirmed alibi for the timeframe; clocked into local work after midnight—ample time to commit the crime (22:31–23:36).
- Friends alleged he made incriminating comments:
- “That bitch is going to the library.” (25:22)
- Claimed to have had breakfast with Cheri and her dad (disputed by Cheri’s father).
- Initially refused, then reportedly consented to provide fingerprints and a polygraph (results unclear); possibly eliminated by palm print and hair analysis, but nothing is officially confirmed (26:05–27:09).
Ross Sullivan
- Local RCC student, worked in the library, fit the Zodiac sketch, and known for military-style dress including boots consistent with crime scene prints.
- Disappeared after murder and changed appearance upon return.
- Later lived in Northern California—coinciding with Zodiac killings (55:00–57:31).
- Studied English and cryptology—skills reflected in Zodiac communications.
Arthur Leigh Allen
- Notorious Zodiac suspect; convicted pedophile with connections to Riverside and evidence circumstantially linking him to Zodiac but DNA and palm print do not match available evidence (53:13–54:48).
The Letter and the Zodiac Connection
The “Confession” Letter
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30 days after the murder, a typed, graphic letter was sent to both police and the press, apparently from the killer. It described disabling her car, waiting for her, and detailed the attack, including:
- “I first pulled the middle wire from the distributor. Then I waited for her in the library and followed her out after about two minutes... I then finished the job by cutting her throat. I am not sick. I am insane. But that will not stop the game.” (26:26–31:31)
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A set of handwritten letters followed in April 1967 to the police, press, and Cheri’s father, each signed with a “Z"-like squiggle: "Bates had to die, there will be more." (44:05–44:57)
Zodiac Parallels
- The confession letter’s tone, intimidation tactics, and detail recall Zodiac correspondence.
- Handwriting, phraseology, and even certain misspellings are similar to later confirmed Zodiac letters (49:38–51:40).
- In 1971, the Zodiac appeared to take credit with:
- "I do have to give them credit for stumbling across my riverside activity, but they are only finding the easy ones. There’s a hell of a lot more down there.” (52:09)
Police Viewpoint
- Officially, Riverside Police do not believe the Zodiac killed Cheri Jo Bates. Evidence is circumstantial; DNA/palm prints/fingerprints from the scene are not, to public knowledge, a match with Zodiac evidence (41:22, 49:49, 61:14).
Other Case Developments
- Large-scale reenactment involving all 60+ people in the library that night, collecting samples and seeking a heavyset bearded man who never came forward (42:14–43:30).
- Potential suspects eliminated; possible DNA recovered over years (99, 2017) but nothing conclusive or publicized (59:47–60:12).
- In 2016, an anonymous writer confessed to hoaxing the brief "Bates had to die" letters, but not the original confession letter (58:14–59:44).
- Prominent suspects (Bob, Ross, Arthur) have all evaded direct ties due to lack of concrete evidence.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the premeditation:
“It’s almost like she was specifically targeted... They wanted to isolate her.” – Daphne (12:25)
- Describing the investigation’s struggles:
“The case is pretty static. We’re pretty much still in the dark.” – Unnamed officer via Daphne (20:14)
- On the confessional letter’s disturbing tone:
“She went to the slaughter like a lamb. She did not put up a struggle. But I did. It was a ball.” – Letter excerpt read by Daphne (26:54)
- On the suspicion and legacy:
“I would be so surprised if it was not one of those three guys.” – Heath (61:14)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Cheri's Background and Last Day: 04:01–12:44
- Discovery, Crime Scene, and Timeline Issues: 12:44–20:14
- Investigation, Suspects, Polygraph, and Evidence: 20:14–31:31
- Full “Confession” Letter Read: 26:26–31:31
- The Zodiac Connection, Letters, and Suspect Parallels: 37:37–54:48
- Ross Sullivan and Deep Dive into Suspect Pool: 55:00–62:37
- Modern Investigative Efforts and Listener Reflections: 62:37–70:17
Investigative Takeaways and Modern Updates
- Despite substantial physical evidence (DNA, prints, hair, watch, boot prints), advances in forensic technology have yet to solve the case.
- The Riverside PD claims to "know who the killer is" but lacks the evidence for an arrest; speculation centers on BB/Bob Barnett or Ross Sullivan, both of whom present strong circumstantial yet unproven links (62:51–66:14).
- A $50,000 reward was offered in 2021 but lapsed with no new leads; Ross Sullivan died young, making post-mortem DNA complex.
- Important: Riverside Police remain open for tips at cjbriversideca.gov (67:51).
Conclusion
This nuanced, atmospheric episode draws both seasoned Zodiac theorists and those new to the case into the chilling uncertainties around Cheri Jo Bates’s murder—possibly an early Zodiac killing, or a tragic crime of opportunity, obsession, and jealousy. All suspects have their defenders and detractors; all the evidence remains tantalizingly out of legal reach. The case persists as one of California’s most enduring mysteries, and listeners are invited to weigh in with their own theories.
Contact for tips: cjbriversideca.gov
Further discussion: @GoingWestPodcast
Summary prepared by: [Your Podcast Summarizer]
For listeners: This summary covers all important case details, key suspects, investigative twists, and cultural context for the murder of Cheri Jo Bates and its possible Zodiac ties.