Morbid Episode 668: The Zodiac Killer (Part 2)
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Hosts: Elena & Ash
Podcast Network: Morbid Network | Wondery
Introduction
Morbid returns with Part 2 of their deep dive into the enigmatic case of the Zodiac Killer. Hosts Elena and Ash continue to unravel the twisted narrative, exploring new evidence, suspect profiles, and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to capture the elusive murderer.
Recap of Part 1
The episode begins with a brief recap of the Zodiac Killer's initial crimes. In Part 1, Elena and Ash detailed the murders of:
- David Faraday (17) and Betty Lou Jensen (16): A tragic first date that ended in horror.
- Darlene Fen (22) and Mike Moe (19): Another couple targeted by the Zodiac.
- Cecilia Shepherd (22) and Brian Hartnell (20): Both men survived their attacks, adding mystery to the killer's intentions.
The hosts highlighted the Zodiac's theatrical methods, including taunting letters, complex ciphers, and his distinctive executioner's hood and clip-on sunglasses, which left a lasting impression on investigators and the public alike.
The Attack at Lake Berryessa
Transitioning into Part 2, Elena and Ash recount the Lake Berryessa attack, which provided more substantial evidence than previous incidents:
- Paul Stein (29), a cab driver and PhD candidate, was brutally murdered after accepting a fare from a mysterious passenger.
- The killer's meticulous actions—wiping down the cab, moving Paul's body, and leaving behind gloves and shell casings—suggested premeditation and an attempt to cover his tracks.
Notable Quote:
Ash (14:41): "What happened next is really just based off of speculation based on evidence found at the scene."
The Zodiac's Letter Linking to Stein's Murder
Two days following Stein's murder, a letter arrived at the San Francisco Chronicle, signed by the Zodiac:
- Content: The letter claimed responsibility for Stein's death and threatened further violence, including a bomb on a school bus.
- Evidence: A blood-stained piece of Stein's shirt was included, validating the claim.
Notable Quote:
Ash (23:25): "He could be old Mrs. So and so's boy who never says boo."
AM San Francisco Show Interaction
In an unprecedented move, the Zodiac reached out to the morning show AM San Francisco:
- Initiative: The killer called in, insisting he was the Zodiac and threatening to harm schoolchildren.
- Attempted Meeting: He proposed meeting Melvin Belly, the show's host, which ended in failure when the killer did not show up at the agreed location.
- Outcome: The Zodiac temporarily ceased communication, further deepening the mystery.
Notable Quote:
Ash (35:18): "It's like, Oh, yeah, I'll just do something. That's the way to go about that."
Subsequent Letters and Escalation
The Zodiac continued to terrorize San Francisco with a series of increasingly aggressive letters:
- The Dripping Pen Card (October 1970): A peculiar greeting card with minimal content and hints at more victims.
- November and December Letters: Introduced threats of bombings and escalated the number of claimed victims to seventeen.
- Final Letter (January 1974): Marked by cryptic messages referencing popular culture and vague threats, leaving investigators puzzled.
Notable Quote:
Ash (46:03): "He was just like, I think, shooting the kitties as they bounce out of school. Will be fun. And then here he's like, I need help."
Investigation and Suspect Profiles
Despite extensive efforts, the Zodiac Killer remained uncaught. Elena and Ash explore the three most prominent suspects:
-
Richard Gaikowski
- Profile: Editor at Good Times, lived near multiple crime scenes.
- Evidence: Resembles police sketches, circumstantial links including witness statements and a penchant for violence.
- Quote:
Elena (64:46): "He looks exactly like the sketch. That's like really wild."
-
Gary Francis Poste
- Profile: Former U.S. Air Force member with a violent history.
- Evidence:
- Physical traits matching crime scene evidence (e.g., boot prints, watch bands).
- Link to the murder of Sherry Jo Bates (1966), though officially cleared.
- Quote:
Ash (68:31): "He remains a popular suspect with the Case breakers and just people who enjoy true crime in general."
-
Arthur Lee Allen
- Profile: Former elementary school teacher with a criminal past.
- Evidence:
- Presence at key crime scenes and possession of a bloody hunting knife.
- Behavior indicative of a potential perpetrator, including prior violent remarks.
- Ultimately ruled out by DNA and fingerprint analysis.
- Quote:
Ash (77:14): "Arthur Lee Allen was the most compelling suspect and the only person to ever be publicly identified by investigators."
Conclusion and Reflections
Elena and Ash reflect on the enduring mystery of the Zodiac Killer:
- Impact: The case remains one of America's most infamous unsolved mysteries, with a vast number of suspects but no definitive conclusion.
- Public Fascination: The Zodiac's cunning and media manipulation have cemented his place in true crime lore.
- Ongoing Investigation: Despite advancements in forensic science, the Zodiac case continues to elude closure, leaving both hosts and listeners pondering over the unanswered questions.
Notable Quote:
Ash (79:12): "We hope you keep listening... because can you imagine if that's solved within our lifetimes?"
Final Thoughts
Mordid skillfully navigates the complex narrative of the Zodiac Killer, balancing detailed research with engaging commentary. Hosts Elena and Ash provide a comprehensive overview of the case's progression, the suspects under scrutiny, and the lingering questions that keep true crime enthusiasts captivated.
Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript of Morbid Episode 668 and aims to encapsulate the episode's key discussions and insights without including non-content segments such as advertisements or intros.