The Zodiac Killer
Let’s begin with one of the most infamous and illusive serial killers in American history. Countless books and movies have posited numerous theories on the identity of this most cryptic of killers, such as Gary L. Stewart’s New York Times best-selling book The Most Dangerous Animal of All or David Fincher’s 2007 movie, both purporting to have identified the Zodiac.
Active in northern California between the 1960’s and 70’s, the Zodiac Killer claimed responsibility for 37 murders, investigators agree on only seven confirmed attacks: a cab driver and three different sets of male-female couples. Of the seven attacks, two men survived, bringing the Zodiac’s official body count to five.
He would taunt authorities by sending numerous letters to both them and the press. Most intriguing however, were the four cryptograms they received. Ciphers he would claim would identify him by name if they were cracked. Unfortunately just one was deciphered, by a history professor and his wife.
Chillingly the deciphered message would reveal that the Zodiac killed in order to collect slaves for his afterlife. Whether he died, got arrested on unrelated charges or just stopped for whatever reason, the Zodiac Killer’s identity remains unknown.
