Killer Minds: Inside the Minds of Serial Killers & Murderers
Episode: SERIAL KILLER: The Dating Game Killer Pt. 1
Release Date: September 22, 2025
Hosts: Vanessa Richardson & Dr. Tristin Engels
Episode Overview
This gripping two-part episode begins a deep exploration into the life and crimes of Rodney Alcala, infamously known as the “Dating Game Killer.” Through a blend of detailed true crime storytelling and expert psychological analysis, hosts Vanessa Richardson and clinical/forensic psychologist Dr. Tristin Engels dissect Alcala’s early life, behavioral patterns, the development of his predatory tendencies, and the factors that allowed him to evade justice for so long. The episode traces Alcala’s transformation from a seemingly promising young man to a manipulative, violent predator, delving into early warning signs, his methods of luring victims, and the chilling escalation of his crimes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Early Life and Family Instability
[04:16–07:03]
- Rodney Alcala was born in 1943 in San Antonio, Texas; moved with his family to Mexico, then Los Angeles after his grandmother died and his father abandoned the family.
- Despite upheaval, he excelled academically and socially, showing no early signs of violence.
- After joining the army as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg, a series of personal losses (grandmother, father) coincided with shifts in his behavior: going AWOL, engaging in harassment and assault of women.
- Dr. Engels:
"Even when someone seems to have it all together, they can be deeply affected by sudden loss and early life instability..." [07:03]
She connects his later risk-taking and emotional dysregulation to childhood instability and military structure amplifying his need for control.
2. Diagnosis and Early Signs of Psychopathy
[10:05–11:40]
- After going AWOL, Alcala underwent psychiatric evaluation and was diagnosed at age 19 with severe antisocial personality disorder—a rare and significant finding for someone so young.
- Dr. Engels clarifies that this diagnosis implies ingrained, enduring behavioral patterns, with traits like lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and chronic rule-breaking.
3. Grooming with Photography & Predatory Tactics
[11:40–14:43]
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Post-discharge, Alcala frequented underage clubs in LA, using his camera to flatter and lure young girls under the guise of modeling opportunities.
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Dr. Engels explains:
"Photography provided a socially acceptable facade... He could appear charming, creative, and nurturing, while subtly grooming and exerting control over his subjects." [12:47]
-
Vanessa connects Alcala's tactics to other serial predators like Jeffrey Dahmer, noting the calculated use of photography as both bait and trophy.
4. Escalation of Violence – Case of Morgan Rowan
[14:43–20:34]
- Alcala severely assaulted teenage Morgan Rowan twice over three years; both incidents went unreported, and he faced no consequences.
- Emboldened by a lack of accountability, Alcala’s behavior escalated.
5. Attempted Murder of Tali Shapiro and Escape
[20:34–22:04]
- In 1968, Alcala kidnapped and brutally assaulted 8-year-old Tali Shapiro; she was rescued thanks to the intervention of a witness and LAPD officer Chris Camacho.
- In his apartment, police found disturbing nude photographs of women and children—evidence of compulsive predation and trophy-keeping.
- Dr. Engels:
"A collection of photographs like these reflects compulsive predatory interests and a psychological fixation on control and exploitation." [20:34]
6. Starting Over in New York as "John Berger"
[24:43–26:25]
- Alcala fled to NY, enrolls in NYU film school under an alias, resumes predatory behavior.
- Used photography jobs and a summer camp post to access new victims.
- Dr. Engels:
"He crafted a persona that was persuasive and trustworthy to others, especially authority figures. That's strategic intelligence." [24:56]
7. Murder of Cornelia Crilley & Forensic Signatures
[27:45–29:54]
- In 1971, Alcala murdered 23-year-old Cornelia Crilley; her body was found posed and sexually assaulted, with evidence of being revived multiple times.
- Posing of bodies is discussed as a “signature behavior,” reinforcing the perpetrator’s fantasies and need for control.
"Control is the primary motivator. Whether it's control of the victim and their body even after the crime... or control over the narrative." – Dr. Engels [28:26]
8. Apprehension—The Summer Camp Discovery
[31:16–33:48]
-
Alcala's arrest comes after a sharp-eyed camper recognizes him from an FBI Most Wanted poster; he is returned to LA to face charges in the Tali Shapiro case.
-
When asked why he assaulted a child, Alcala chillingly says:
"I don't want to talk about Rod Alcala and what he did." [33:48]
-
Dr. Engels:
Explains this as psychological compartmentalization—not multiple personalities, but a calculated disassociation to avoid responsibility.
9. Failures of the Justice System & Continued Offenses
[36:24–43:08]
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Alcala avoids the most serious conviction due to lack of testimony; serves only three years for child molestation, is then paroled and swiftly reoffends.
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In 1974, he kidnaps another 8-year-old, Julie, within months of release, but is caught and imprisoned again—only to be paroled after three more years.
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Dr. Engels:
"Individuals with severe antisocial personality disorder...often have little regard for rules or consequences. A prison sentence does not deter them..." [40:46]
10. Escalation and New York Murders (Ellen Hover)
[43:08–46:45]
- Alcala, using his “John Berger” alias, is linked to the disappearance of Ellen Hover in 1977. Despite circumstantial evidence, lack of direct proof leads to his release.
- Dr. Engels:
"Every time Rodney gets away with his crimes, it's unfortunately giving him feedback that his strategies are working ... and may seek greater thrills or control as a result." [46:45]
11. Increasing Violence Amid Serial Killer Chaos in LA
[47:40–52:53]
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Amidst the Hillside Strangler panic, Alcala commits additional murders (Jill Barcomb, Georgia Wickstead, Charlotte Lamb), the MOs often misattributed to other killers.
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He grows bolder—showing nude photos of children at work, testing and violating boundaries unchecked.
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Dr. Engels:
"Each time he tests boundaries and faces little or no consequence, again, it reinforces the belief he’s above accountability..." [51:25]
12. Pattern of Manipulation, Escalation, and Near-Total Evasion
[52:53–End]
- Despite alarming behavior and ties to multiple murders, Alcala is repeatedly overlooked or dismissed as merely “strange.”
- His cycle of escalating violence and successful manipulation sets the scene for his infamous appearance as a contestant on "The Dating Game," to be explored in Part 2.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On psychological consequences of early loss:
"Early deficits and connections could have contributed to maladaptive relational patterns where women became symbolic of connection, validation, or a domain over which he could exert control." – Dr. Engels [08:43]
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On the significance of trophy photos:
"The photographs are a tool for manipulation ... they serve a dual purpose: physical reminders of control or conquest ... trophies too." – Dr. Engels [20:34]
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On the justice system's failings:
"He knew how to play the system. So unsurprisingly, he was once again declared rehabilitated and was released." – Vanessa Richardson [43:08]
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On boundary-testing and thrill-seeking:
"Offenders like this derive arousal or excitement from exposing themselves or displaying prohibited material ... it adds risk and novelty, which can be thrilling to someone like Rodney." – Dr. Engels [51:25]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:46–04:16 | Alcala’s early family background and move to LA
- 07:03 | Dr. Engels on instability, trauma, and behavior
- 10:56 | Diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder
- 12:47 | Alcala’s manipulation through photography
- 20:34 | Analysis of trophy photographs and sadistic escalation
- 24:56 | Strategic use of charm and manipulation enrolling at NYU
- 28:26 | Posing crime scenes: signature behavior and psychological meaning
- 33:48 | Alcala: "I don't want to talk about Rod Alcala and what he did"
- 36:24 | Legal loopholes, plea deals, re-offending
- 40:46 | Dr. Engels on re-offense and disregard for consequences
- 46:45 | Psychological feedback loop—growing sense of invincibility
- 51:25 | Public boundary-pushing, sexual deviance at the LA Times
- 52:53–End | Continuation of murders, lead-up to his "Dating Game" television appearance
Episode Tone & Style
The episode maintains a suspenseful, analytical tone. Vanessa’s rich narrative storytelling is paired with Dr. Engels’ precise, clinical explanations, offering both the shocking case details and a deep dive into the twisted psychology behind each action. Listeners are guided through both historical context and forensic insight, making complex psychological concepts approachable and relevant.
Summary
Part 1 of the Killer Minds exploration into Rodney Alcala systematically reveals how a "charming" and "handsome" man, armed with intelligence and social skills, became one of the most sinister predators in American criminal history. Through failures in the justice system, exploitative use of social camouflage, and a chilling escalation in violence, Alcala not only preyed on dozens of innocent women and children, but became a cautionary study in the interplay between psychopathy, manipulation, and missed warning signs.
Stay tuned for Part 2, which will focus on Alcala's notorious TV appearance, further crimes, and eventual capture.