Going West: True Crime - Episode 468: The San Francisco Doodler

Release Date: January 14, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Produced by: Dark West Productions

Introduction: Amidst Devastation

The episode begins with Daphne and Heath addressing the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, expressing their sympathy for those affected and acknowledging the heroic efforts of firefighters from various regions. This somber backdrop sets the stage for their exploration of a haunting true crime case.

• Daphne (00:21): "We have never seen anything like this here. It is unreal."

Case Overview: Introducing the Doodler

Transitioning from current events, the hosts shift focus to the San Francisco Doodler, a lesser-known serial killer who targeted the city's gay community in the mid-1970s. They highlight the eerie similarities between the Doodler and the more infamous Zodiac Killer, both operating in San Francisco around the same time.

• Heath (01:46): "This killer's M.O. was extremely specific and very, very cryptic."

Victims and Modus Operandi

The Doodler's pattern involved meeting victims in gay bars, charming them by sketching their portraits, and then murdering them. The episode details six confirmed victims, each with unique backgrounds but all connected by their association with the gay community.

1. Gerald Earl Kavanaugh (49)

   • Discovery: Found bludgeoned near Ocean Beach on January 27, 1974.
   • Background: Canadian immigrant, solitary life in San Francisco.
   • Details: Sustained 17 stab wounds; remained unidentified for months.

2. Joseph Stevens (27)

   • Discovery: Found near Spreckles Lake on June 25, 1974.
   • Background: Renowned drag performer and comedian in San Francisco’s vibrant gay scene.
   • Details: Blunt force trauma with poisoning signs; experienced a high-visibility lifestyle.

3. Klaus Christman (30)

   • Discovery: Found near Ocean Beach on July 7, 1974.
   • Background: German immigrant, married with children, worked in a gay bar in Germany.
   • Details: Nearly decapitated with severe stab wounds; unique as the only married victim.

4. Frederick Elmer Capen (32)

   • Discovery: Stabbed to death near Ocean Beach on May 11, 1975.
   • Background: Vietnam War veteran and nurse with a passion for painting.
   • Details: 16 stab wounds with evidence of a struggle.

5. Harold Goldberg (66)

   • Discovery: Found in Lincoln Park Golf Course area on June 4, 1975, ten days post-mortem.
   • Background: Swedish merchant sailor, oldest victim.
   • Details: Bludgeoned and dismembered; unique in victimology.

6. Warren Andrews (52)

   • Discovery: Initially survived an attack on April 27, 1975, later died from injuries.
   • Background: Lawyer for the postal service, from Illinois.
   • Details: Bludgeoned with rocks and tree branches; connected to the Doodler in 2022.

• Daphne (05:21): "As many as 17 of those men can be attributed to one murderer who is still shrouded in anonymity."

Community Impact and Challenges

The murders significantly impacted San Francisco's gay community during a turbulent time when homosexuality was still stigmatized. The victims often lacked support systems, leading to delayed or unnoticed disappearances.

• Heath (04:35): "It's disturbing that it was there in the first place."

Investigative Efforts and Suspects

Despite multiple efforts, the Doodler evaded capture for decades. Key points include:

• Initial Investigation:

  • Challenges due to the social climate and multiple concurrent investigations, including the Zodiac and Zebra murders.
  • Difficulty in connecting victims due to their marginalized status.

• Possible Suspects:

  • Lawrence Robinson: Arrested in 1976 for a separate murder; matched the police sketch but later dismissed by Inspector Dave Toski.
  • Dr. Priest: A psychiatric patient who allegedly confessed to the murders but denied involvement during a lineup.
  • Butcher Knife Suspect: Another unidentified individual who exhibited similar behavior during encounters.

• Survivor Accounts:

  • Three survivors provided critical, albeit incomplete, descriptions that fueled police sketches and theories.
  • Daphne (48:36): "The diplomat is the only one we know who is still alive."

• Recent Developments:

  • In January 2022, Warren Andrews was posthumously linked to the Doodler murders, prompting renewed investigative efforts.
  • Heath (54:21): "In early 2022, when they publicly linked Warren Andrews to the murders, they also announced that they were closer than ever to solving the murders."

• San Francisco Police Department (SFPD):

  • Continues to offer a $250,000 reward for information leading to the Doodler’s arrest.
  • Daphne (54:50): "If you know anything about this case, please use that tip line."

Psychological Profile and Motives

The Doodler is believed to have had complex motivations, potentially rooted in internal conflicts regarding his sexuality. The theory suggests he was both attracted and repelled by the gay community, leading to a cycle of guilt and violence.

• Charles Lee (Journalist): "The doodler is attracted and repelled by gays. This set up a guilt syndrome. The only way he can assuage his guilt is by killing."

• Daphne (46:58): "We still very much see that happening today, unfortunately, for people who can't accept who they truly are."

Conclusion: The Unsolved Mystery

Fifty years have passed since the Doodler's reign of terror began, and the case remains unsolved. The SFPD maintains hope for a breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of public assistance.

• Heath (54:12): "It's so crazy to think that now in 2025, they are closer than ever to solving these murders."

• Daphne (54:44): "Let's hope they can make a conclusive discovery."

Final Remarks: Community and Reflection

The hosts conclude by reiterating their support for those affected by recent fires and expressing hope that the Doodler case will eventually see justice. They also acknowledge the enduring impact of these unresolved crimes on the victims' families and the broader community.

• Daphne (55:29): "We love you guys so much and we will see you on Friday."

• Heath (55:56): "Stay safe and don't be a stranger."

Key Quotes

• Daphne (00:21): "We have never seen anything like this here. It is unreal."

• Heath (01:46): "This killer's M.O. was extremely specific and very, very cryptic."

• Daphne (05:21): "As many as 17 of those men can be attributed to one murderer who is still shrouded in anonymity."

• Heath (04:35): "It's disturbing that it was there in the first place."

• Daphne (46:58): "We still very much see that happening today, unfortunately, for people who can't accept who they truly are."

• Heath (54:12): "It's so crazy to think that now in 2025, they are closer than ever to solving these murders."

• Daphne (54:44): "Let's hope they can make a conclusive discovery."

Final Thoughts

Episode 468 of Going West: True Crime delves deep into the enigmatic and tragic case of the San Francisco Doodler, shedding light on a series of murders that have remained in the shadows for decades. Through meticulous storytelling and empathetic narration, Daphne and Heath honor the victims while challenging listeners to seek justice for those lost. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the lingering effects of unresolved crimes and the importance of community support and engagement in solving cold cases.