The Binge Crimes: The Doodler | Episode 3: The Zebra Diversion

Introduction

In Episode 3 of "The Binge Crimes: The Doodler," titled "The Zebra Diversion," listeners are delved deeper into the harrowing investigation of a forgotten serial killer who terrorized San Francisco's gay community in the mid-1970s. Hosted by Sony Music Entertainment and produced in association with The San Francisco Chronicle and Ugly Duckling Films, this episode uncovers the complexities that allowed the Doodler to evade capture amidst a climate of widespread fear and systemic oversight.

The Third Victim: Klaus Christman ([00:57] – [09:38])

The episode begins on a fateful night, July 7, 1974, when Klaus Christman, a 31-year-old German tourist, becomes the Doodler's third known victim. The narrative sets a chilling scene:

"4am on July 7, 1974... Taube Weiss was walking on Ocean Beach with her German shepherd Moondance before she went to work. And all of a sudden I see." ([00:57])

Taube Weiss recounts chasing her dog and discovering the lifeless body, leading to a brutal discovery where Christman's throat was slashed multiple times and he was stabbed at least fifteen times. Despite the gruesome nature of the murder, the lack of immediate identification due to the absence of ID and inadequate records complicated the investigation.

Inspector Dan Cunningham provides crucial insights into Christman's background:

"He had been working for an automotive company back in Germany... living with a man and his wife somewhere in the area of Church Street, I believe, over the Castro." ([07:11])

The victim's attire, including a wedding ring and a makeup tube, suggested homosexual tendencies, aligning with the Doodler's targeted attacks on gay men. However, the SFPD struggled to connect the dots due to prevailing societal prejudices and systemic inefficiencies.

SFPD's Struggle with Concurrent Zebra Murders ([10:23] – [16:10])

Simultaneously, San Francisco was gripped by the Zebra murders, a violent spree perpetrated by a group known as the Death Angels, targeting predominantly white individuals. Former SWAT Sergeant Bob Del Torre reflects on the chaos:

"When we went back to the station... we felt like, oh my God, five people got shot and we couldn't catch them." ([11:19])

The Zebra murders demanded significant police resources, causing the Doodler case to be sidelined. Despite recognizing patterns in the murders targeting gay men, the SFPD's lack of communication and absence of a centralized database hindered the investigation. Criminologist Mike Rustigan emphasizes the impact of societal attitudes:

"The status of the victim is extremely important in terms of mobilizing both law enforcement and the media." ([14:21])

The episode underscores how discriminatory biases and limited investigative tools of the 1970s prevented a robust pursuit of the Doodler, allowing him to remain elusive.

Investigative Shortcomings of the 1970s ([15:11] – [16:10])

Frank Falzon, a former SFPD homicide inspector, highlights the operational challenges:

"We weren't doing that." ([16:00])

He elaborates on the lack of inter-departmental communication:

"You could have a case and the guy sitting right across from you could have a related case and you wouldn't know it." ([15:37])

This fragmentation, combined with the absence of advanced forensic techniques like DNA analysis, made it nearly impossible to link the Doodler's crimes efficiently.

Mike Taylor's Renewed Investigation ([18:15] – [23:23])

Fast forward nearly 50 years later, private investigator Mike Taylor embarks on a renewed quest to uncover the truth behind the Doodler. His journey leads him to Helen Christman, the daughter of Klaus Christman, who provides personal insights into her father's life and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his murder.

Helen shares poignant memories:

"He wanted to give his children a better life than he had in the 60s. The United States still had a post-war presence in Germany." ([20:55])

The narrative reveals Klaus Christman's connections to Booker T. Williams, an American soldier, suggesting a complex network of relationships that might hold clues to the Doodler's identity and motives.

Insights from Relatives and Possible Motivations ([22:55] – [23:23])

Helen grapples with the possibility that her father might have been targeted due to his perceived sexuality:

"But Klaus was found at a known hookup spot, killed by someone who targeted gay men. We had to broach the subject." ([22:55])

The episode raises critical questions about the Doodler's motivations, speculating whether he might have been gay himself or driven by internal conflicts about his sexuality. This exploration underscores the intricate interplay between personal identity and criminal behavior.

Conclusion and Teasers for Next Episode ([24:46] – End)

As the investigation progresses, the SFPD assigns Rotay Guilford and Earl Sanders to the case, symbolizing a glimmer of renewed hope. Bob Del Torre shares anecdotes about these dedicated investigators:

"They always were in a suit... a presence like, oh, here they are, man, homicide's here." ([24:46])

The episode concludes by hinting at upcoming developments, promising deeper exploration into the lives of those involved and the elusive nature of the Doodler.

Production Credits

"The Doodler" is meticulously crafted by a team of dedicated professionals:

• Reported by: Kevin Fagan and Mike Taylor
• Produced and Written by: Tanner Robbins
• Co-Producer: Natalie Wren
• Supervising Producer: Odelia Rubin
• Associate Producers: Bennett Purser, Chloe Chobel, and Ryan J. Brown
• Sound Designer and Composer: Hansdale Su
• Editor: Nick White
• Executive Editor: Kathryn St. Louis
• Editorial Support: King Kaufman and Tim O'Rourke for the San Francisco Chronicle
• Executive Producers: Sophia Gibberish and Lena Bowseger for Ugly Duckling Films and Jonathan Hirsch for Neon Hum Media

Reflections

Episode 3, "The Zebra Diversion," adeptly highlights the intersection of two terrorizing forces in 1970s San Francisco—the Doodler and the Zebra murderers. It underscores how societal prejudices and investigative shortcomings can allow heinous crimes to go unresolved. The episode not only revisits a dark chapter in true crime history but also chronicles a modern-day quest for justice and closure, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging exploration of a case that time nearly forgot.