The Binge Crimes: The Doodler | Episode 6: A Sketch for the Street Cops

Host: Sony Music Entertainment

Introduction to The Doodler

In the mid-1970s, San Francisco's vibrant gay community was terrorized by a serial killer dubbed "The Doodler." Unlike the more notorious Golden State Killer or Ted Bundy, The Doodler's name remains less recognized despite potentially matching the Zodiac Killer's victim count. This episode delves into the complex investigation that ultimately went cold, allowing the perpetrator to evade justice for nearly half a century.

Police Investigation and the Composite Sketch

The investigation into The Doodler gained momentum in late October 1975 when the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) released a composite sketch based on a diplomat's harrowing attack at Fox Plaza earlier that year.

James Andre Boles (00:42): "The San Francisco Chronicle published the sketch in a short story in November 1975 and then again months later... The San Francisco Sentinel, the gay newspaper, published the sketch about a week before the Chronicle."

This strategic release aimed to engage the public in the hunt for the serial murderer, encouraging tips and increasing community vigilance.

Media Involvement and Public Response

The media played a pivotal role in bringing The Doodler's case to the forefront. Publications like the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Sentinel not only disseminated the composite sketch but also highlighted the ongoing threat to the gay community.

Kevin Fagan (00:42): "The Doodler couldn't hide in the shadows anymore. I'm Kevin Fagan from the San Francisco Chronicle... This is the untold story of the Doodler."

By fostering public awareness, the media hoped to generate leads that could break the case open.

The Suspect Arrested and Its Implications

Officer James Andre Boles, fresh from a brief stint in homicide, took an active role in the investigation. In November 1975, he pursued a suspect matching the composite sketch in the Castro District.

Officer (03:01): "I was an officer, driving a black and white with my partner."

Boles apprehended a man carrying a kukri, a curved knife resembling a scimitar, and other incriminating items. While this arrest seemed promising, doubts lingered about the suspect's true identity.

James Andre Boles (07:10): "A kukri is more like a machete than a stabbing knife... But Bowles is remembering this just a little hazily."

Despite the initial evidence, the connection between the suspect and The Doodler remained inconclusive, leading to further investigative pursuits.

Racial and Cultural Context of the Investigation

The SFPD's approach to the case was marred by prevalent racial and sexual prejudices of the 1970s. Profiling and biased attitudes complicated the investigation, particularly when targeting black men.

Officer (07:28): "There are certain guys you get that feeling from... Seldom have I been wrong with that."

Inspectors Rotay and Sanders, who were actively challenging the department's inequities, faced the dilemma of pursuing a suspect within a biased policing environment.

Community Response: The Butterfly Brigade

Frustrated by the lack of effective police protection, the gay community in San Francisco took matters into their own hands by forming the Butterfly Brigade.

Ann Cronenberg (12:57): "We had to come up with our own system of... neighborhood watch... we started the whole whistle movement."

This volunteer group patrolled the Castro District, armed only with whistles and a commitment to safeguard their community. Their efforts provided a sense of security amid growing fears.

Mike Taylor (13:40): "We were armed with whistles, nothing else... Harvey Milk came out on one or two occasions with us."

The Butterfly Brigade's presence served as a deterrent, although The Doodler remained elusive, ensuring his victims were isolated from any protective oversight.

Renewed Leads and Potential Breakthroughs

As the investigation progressed, anonymous tips began to surface, suggesting a potential confession from a psychiatrist's patient.

Dan Cunningham (16:59): "An anonymous woman called twice... provided a license plate of the suspect."

These leads pointed towards Dr. Priest at Highland Hospital, who allegedly had a patient confessing to the murders. However, accessing crucial records proved challenging.

Mike Taylor (19:57): "Highland Hospital is still in operation today... Everything before the 90s had been purged."

The uncertainty surrounding Dr. Priest's identity and the missing records hampered efforts to follow this promising lead.

Challenges in Solving the Case

The investigation into The Doodler was fraught with obstacles, including:

• Broad Suspect Description: The composite sketch was detailed yet vague enough to target a wide range of individuals.

• Racial and Sexual Prejudices: Profiling and biases within the SFPD impeded objective policing.

• Missing Evidence: Essential records from Highland Hospital were unavailable, leaving critical connections unresolved.

James Andre Boles (21:29): "Why didn't Rotea and Earl write down the full name of this psychiatrist? Was Dr. Priest shorthand for something else?"

These factors collectively contributed to the case remaining unsolved, allowing The Doodler to evade capture.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Despite renewed efforts and compelling leads, The Doodler's identity remains a mystery. The case underscores the complexities of serial killer investigations, especially within marginalized communities facing systemic biases. As the podcast promises, future episodes will delve deeper into the interrogations and potential breakthroughs that could finally bring The Doodler to justice.

Produced by Sony Music Entertainment in association with The Binge. For more true crime stories, subscribe to The Binge Crimes on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com.