Podcast Summary: True Crime Garage - "Zodiac Killer /// Part 2 /// 796"

Episode Information:

• Title: Zodiac Killer /// Part 2 /// 796
• Release Date: October 23, 2024
• Hosts: Nic and the Captain
• Guest: Dr. Mark Hewitt, Author of the Zodiac Serial Killer Trilogy

Introduction

In episode 796 of True Crime Garage, hosts Nic and the Captain delve deep into the enigmatic case of the Zodiac Killer. Joined by Dr. Mark Hewitt, the conversation explores advanced theories surrounding the Zodiac's identity, including a provocative connection to Ted Kaczynski, the infamous Unabomber.

Geographical Profiling of the Zodiac Killer ([03:13] - [07:39])

Nic: "When it comes to the profiling of this particular killer, did you factor in or attempt to use any geological profiling when attempting to unmask, as they say, the Zodiac?" ([03:13])

Mark Hewitt: Discusses the application of geographical profiling to the Zodiac case, highlighting that the Zodiac may have been strategically moving from remote areas to more populated ones like San Francisco to gain publicity. Hewitt suggests that if the Zodiac was moving frequently, it would render geographical profiling less effective.

Captain: "So the Zodiac is changing victims' locations and the manner in which he attacks his victims. Is that to create this overall threat to society?" ([07:08])

Mark Hewitt: Agrees, positing that the Zodiac's shifting patterns aimed to instill pervasive fear, suggesting that anyone could be a potential victim anywhere.

Arthur Lee Allen: A Suspect Under Scrutiny ([08:03] - [25:21])

Nic: Introduces Arthur Lee Allen, a suspect often linked to the Zodiac case, seeking Mark Hewitt's insights on his validity ([08:03]).

Mark Hewitt: Outlines the reasons Allen was considered a suspect:

• Symbolic Connections: Allen wore a Zodiac Seawolf watch, linking him to the killer's symbol.
• Behavioral Traits: A former coworker reported Allen's desire to be the Zodiac, enjoying the attention and taunting the police.
• Investigative Shortcomings: Despite thorough investigations, including search warrants, no conclusive evidence tied Allen to the crimes.

Nic: Expresses skepticism about the numerous individuals claiming personal connections to the Zodiac over the years ([13:09]).

Mark Hewitt: Confirms that despite widespread suspicions, Allen's personality and actions—particularly his openness about being investigated—contradicted the calculated and reserved nature attributed to the Zodiac.

Case Breakers and Gary Post Claim ([29:46] - [35:17])

Captain: Inquires about the 2021 Case Breakers' identification of Gary Post as the Zodiac Killer ([29:46]).

Mark Hewitt: Expresses skepticism towards the Case Breakers' claim, questioning the validity of matching forehead scars to composite sketches and highlighting inconsistencies in their evidence.

Nic: Criticizes the methodology and reliability of the Case Breakers' evidence, emphasizing the lack of concrete forensic proof ([33:30]).

Mark Hewitt: Points out that the revised Zodiac composite sketch added features not present in the original, weakening the Post hypothesis.

Connecting Ted Kaczynski to the Zodiac Killer ([40:14] - [67:42])

Nic: Encourages Mark to present his theory linking Ted Kaczynski to the Zodiac Killer ([40:14]).

Mark Hewitt: Presents a comprehensive argument for Theodore Kaczynski being the Zodiac:

• Timeline Overlap: Kaczynski's two-year gap between leaving UC Berkeley and moving to Montana coincides with the bulk of Zodiac activities.
• Modus Operandi: Similarities in bomb-making sophistication and the use of codes between the Zodiac letters and Kaczynski's manifesto.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Both individuals exhibited high intelligence and a penchant for mathematical concepts, evident in their communications.
• Disguises and Secrecy: Kaczynski's cabin contained materials reminiscent of Zodiac's modus operandi, including disguises and bomb diagrams.
• Handwriting Analysis: Both used block lettering for addresses and printed their letters, masking their true identities.

Captain: Notes additional similarities, such as the use of bomb diagrams ([44:11]).

Mark Hewitt: Elaborates on the meticulous nature of both criminals, emphasizing Kaczynski's efforts to disguise himself and eliminate evidence tying him to past crimes.

Nic: Highlights the logical consistency in Mark's theory, arguing that Kaczynski's profile aligns with the Zodiac's behaviors and motivations ([51:38]).

Mark Hewitt: Details the extensive research required to establish this connection, categorizing evidence into six clusters that collectively support the theory.

Comparative Analysis: Zodiac vs. Unabomber ([51:57] - [67:42])

Nic: Encourages swift summarization of Mark's main points linking Kaczynski to the Zodiac ([51:57]).

Mark Hewitt: Addresses key similarities:

• Bomb Expertise: Both utilized intricate bomb designs with fail-safes.
• Communication Style: Use of codes and mathematical terminology in their correspondence.
• Psychological Profiles: Both exhibited a desire for control and manipulation through their communications.
• Symbolism: Shared use of specific symbols and a calculated approach to instill fear.

Captain: Observes that unlike typical serial killers who maintain consistent profiles, the Zodiac's evolution mirrors Kaczynski's own transformation into the Unabomber ([44:54]).

Mark Hewitt: Reinforces that the evolution from Zodiac to Unabomber represents a strategic shift in criminal tactics while maintaining underlying similarities in intelligence and communication methods.

John Douglas's Perspective ([62:09] - [64:11])

Nic: References John Douglas's profiling of the Zodiac Killer and his thoughts on the intelligence of the perpetrator ([62:09]).

Mark Hewitt: Shares Douglas's observations:

• Intelligence: The Zodiac exhibited more intelligence than initially presented in his letters.
• Bomb-Making Skills: Demonstrated meticulousness in creating bombs, aligning with the Unabomber's approach.

Nic: Notes that Douglas never connected Kaczynski to the Zodiac directly, maintaining professional boundaries in his profiling ([61:38]).

Mark Hewitt: Agrees, emphasizing that while similarities exist, Douglas did not formally propose that Kaczynski was the Zodiac.

Conclusion: Evaluating the Theory and Final Thoughts ([70:32] - [75:42])

Nic: Summarizes the theory and its implications, expressing enthusiasm for the connections drawn between Kaczynski and the Zodiac Killer ([70:32]).

Mark Hewitt: Highlights additional evidence from Kaczynski's cabin and his efforts to purge incriminating evidence, drawing parallels to what would be expected if he were the Zodiac ([67:42]).

Captain: Encourages listeners to explore Mark Hewitt's extensive work on the Zodiac Killer through his books ([75:06]).

Mark Hewitt: Promotes his Zodiac Serial Killer Trilogy and memoir, inviting listeners to engage further with his research ([73:02]).

Nic: Wraps up the episode by acknowledging the depth of the discussion and recommending Mark Hewitt's books for those interested in further exploration ([74:53]).

Captain: Closes with a reminder to "be good, be kind, and don't litter," maintaining the show's signature tone ([75:42]).

Key Quotes:

• Mark Hewitt ([12:38]): "The Zodiac was given three monikers within the press prior to him giving us his own moniker...it remains a mystery what he meant by this is the Zodiac speaking other than to terrify people."

• Captain ([07:08]): "The Zodiac is changing victims' locations and the manner in which he attacks his victims. Is that to create this overall threat to society?"

• Mark Hewitt ([40:14]): "The only way to understand the Zodiac case is to understand its continuation as that of the Unabomber."

• Nic ([51:38]): "He's a better person of interest than a lot of other ones...You can see that Kaczynski's profile aligns with the Zodiac's behaviors and motivations."

• Mark Hewitt ([67:24]): "When they took apart Kaczynski's cabin, they found many books, disguises, codes, bomb creation material...these are precisely the things that we would expect from the Zodiac."

Recommended Reading:

Mark Hewitt’s Books:

1. Hunted (Book 1 of the Zodiac Serial Killer Trilogy)
2. Profiled (Book 2 of the Zodiac Serial Killer Trilogy)
3. Exposed (Book 3 of the Zodiac Serial Killer Trilogy)
4. Obsessed: My Relentless Pursuit of the Zodiac Killer (Memoir)

Availability: All books are available through drhewitt.com and major book retailers.

Final Note: This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the Zodiac Killer case, presenting a unique perspective that intertwines historical investigations with contemporary theories. Listeners interested in unsolved true crime mysteries will find Dr. Mark Hewitt’s insights both compelling and challenging conventional narratives.