Morbid Podcast Summary: Episode 642 - Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer (Part 2)

Introduction

In Episode 642 of Morbid, titled "Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer (Part 2)," hosts Ash and Dave delve deeper into the chilling case of Rodney Alcala, a notorious serial killer whose heinous crimes and manipulative charm allowed him to evade justice for years. This installment continues the exploration of Alcala's disturbing history, his manipulative appearance on a popular television show, and the glaring failures of the legal system that enabled his continued spree of violence.

Recap of Part One

The episode begins with a brief recap of Part One, where Ash and Dave introduced Rodney Alcala's early life, his initial violent assaults, and his infamous appearance on the television show The Dating Game. Alcala's capture in New Hampshire while posing as John Berger, an employee at a children's summer camp, marked a significant moment in Steve Hodel's relentless pursuit of the killer.

Legal System Failures and Minimal Sentencing

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the legal system's mishandling of Alcala's case. Despite the severity of his crimes, including the brutal attack on 8-year-old Tali Shapiro, Alcala faced minimal consequences:

• Attempted Murder Charge and Sentencing: Alcala was charged with attempted murder but was only sentenced to 34 months in prison. This lenient sentencing stemmed from crucial witnesses, like Tali's family, unwilling to testify due to the trauma it would inflict on the child ([12:13] Ash).

• Parole Board's Decision: While serving his sentence, a prison psychologist declared Alcala "considerably improved," leading to his parole in 1974 ([13:00] Dave). This decision was catastrophic, as Alcala resumed his killing spree shortly after his release.

• Second Parole and Subsequent Crimes: Alcala's second parole in 1977, granted after merely two visits with his parole officer, resulted in further murders, including that of 23-year-old Ellen Hover and 18-year-old Jill Barkham. The parole board's oversight and the lack of stringent monitoring allowed Alcala to continue his atrocities unabated ([25:02] Ash).

Rodney Alcala's Manipulative Charm on "The Dating Game"

One of the most unnerving aspects of Alcala's profile is his participation in The Dating Game, a popular 1970s television show:

• Alcala's Appearance: On the show, Alcala presented himself as a charming, adventurous photographer with interests in skydiving and motorcycling. His responses were calculated to endear him to the contestant, Cheryl Bradshaw, and the audience ([47:58] Ash).

• Cheryl Bradshaw's Intuition: Despite his smooth demeanor, Cheryl felt an immediate unease upon meeting Alcala in person. She sensed something deeply unsettling about him, which led her to decline the date. Her intuition proved life-saving, as she later avoided becoming a victim ([49:11] Ash, [55:46] Dave).

• Public Perception vs. Reality: The audience and other contestants were initially charmed by Alcala, unaware of his dark tendencies. His ability to mask his true nature allowed him to continue manipulating and selecting victims ([56:40] Ash).

Alcala's Continued Crimes and Escalation of Violence

After his release, Alcala's actions became increasingly violent and brazen:

• Murder of Charlotte Lamb: In June 1978, Alcala murdered 31-year-old Charlotte Lamb in Riverside, California. The brutality of the crime scene, with extensive lacerations and signs of strangulation, underscored Alcala's escalating violence ([45:15] Ash).

• Murder of Georgia Marie Wixted: Just days after being released from a petty drug charge, Alcala brutally attacked 27-year-old nurse Georgia Marie Wixted. The scene was particularly gruesome, with signs of severe trauma and evidence pointing towards Alcala's involvement. Despite carrying critical evidence, including a partial palm print, Alcala remained elusive until further DNA advancements ([40:58] Ash).

• Murder of Monique Hoyt: In February 1979, Alcala targeted 15-year-old Monique Hoyt on her way to school. Through manipulation and physical assault, he attempted to coerce her into participating in illicit activities. Monique's quick thinking and survival instincts led her to escape, ultimately resulting in Alcala's arrest ([60:31] Ash).

Notable Quotes

• Ash on Legal Failures: "He was gonna plead to that in exchange for an indeterminate sentence of anywhere from one year to life in prison. So this could go so many ways." ([12:32] Ash)

• Dave on Parole Decisions: "Well, they should be ashamed of themselves." ([13:30] Dave)

• Ash Reflecting on the Case: "It's a huge failure of the legal system, allowing someone like Rodney Alcala to continue hurting people." ([24:35] Ash)

• Dave on Victim Blame: "Even if the girl is lying and she snuck out with an older man to do this, why is this older? That's the older man's fault." ([23:29] Ash and Dave)

• Ash on Alcala’s Personality: "He is a fucking monster to children. Everybody would have if not for a good Samaritan, literally would have. She'd be gone." ([13:14] Ash)

Emotional Impact and Coping Mechanisms

Throughout the episode, Ash and Dave share their emotional responses to the gruesome details of Alcala's crimes:

• Ash's Struggles: Ash admits to having nightmares and difficulty sleeping due to the disturbing nature of Alcala's case. He discusses strategies recommended by his therapist, such as acknowledging intrusive thoughts and redirecting focus, to cope with the psychological toll ([02:36] - [07:55]).

• Dave's Supportive Insights: Dave shares his methods for managing intrusive disturbing thoughts, including visualizing erasing unwanted images from a dry erase board or computer trash, which not only helps him but also his children who experience nightmares ([04:17] - [07:22]).

Conclusion and Tease for Part Three

The episode concludes with Alcala's arrest following Monique Hoyt's courageous escape. Despite mounting evidence, systemic failures continued to allow Alcala temporary freedom, highlighting the need for systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies. Ash and Dave emphasize the importance of justice and the enduring impact on the victims and their families. They hint at more harrowing details to be covered in Part Three, promising listeners a continuation of Alcala's disturbing narrative and the ultimate pursuit of justice.

Final Thoughts

Episode 642 of Morbid underscores the terrifying reality of Rodney Alcala's manipulative nature and the profound shortcomings of the legal system in handling such a dangerous individual. Through detailed recounting and emotional reflections, Ash and Dave offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of Alcala's reign of terror and the critical need for vigilance and systemic change to protect potential victims.

Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript of Episode 642: Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer (Part 2) from the Morbid podcast by the Morbid Network | Wondery.