The Zodiac Killer was a serial killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s. He is responsible for at least five murders and two attempted murders. The killer communicated with the police and newspapers through coded letters and ciphers, demanding publicity for his crimes. His case remains unsolved to this day, making him one of the most infamous serial killers in history.
The Zodiac Killer's first known attack occurred on December 20, 1968, when he shot and killed a young couple, Betty Lou Jensen and David Faraday, in Benicia, California. Two months later, he attacked another couple, Michael Mageau and Darlene Ferrin, in Vallejo, California. Mageau survived the attack but Ferrin succumbed to her injuries. After these attacks, the Zodiac Killer began sending coded letters to the police and newspapers, claiming responsibility for the murders and threatening more violence if his demands were not met.
The Zodiac Killer's case remains open to this day, with no suspect ever being identified. Despite extensive investigations and public interest, the killer's identity and motives remain a mystery.
who was the zodiac killer
Serial killer terrorized San Francisco Bay Area.
- At least 5 murders, 2 attempted murders
- Coded letters, ciphers to police, newspapers
- Demanded publicity for crimes
- Case remains unsolved
- One of most infamous serial killers in history
- First attack: December 20, 1968
- Final known attack: October 11, 1969
The Zodiac Killer's identity and motives remain a mystery.
At least 5 murders, 2 attempted murders
The Zodiac Killer is known to have committed at least five murders and two attempted murders in the San Francisco Bay Area between December 1968 and October 1969.
- December 20, 1968: Betty Lou Jensen and David Faraday were shot and killed in Benicia, California.
Details: Jensen and Faraday were parked in a lovers' lane when they were attacked by the Zodiac Killer. Jensen was killed instantly, while Faraday survived long enough to give police a description of the killer.
- December 22, 1968: Michael Mageau and Darlene Ferrin were shot in Vallejo, California.
Details: Mageau and Ferrin were parked in a lovers' lane when they were attacked by the Zodiac Killer. Ferrin died at the scene, while Mageau survived and was able to give police a description of the killer.
- July 4, 1969: Darlene Ferrin was shot and killed in Vallejo, California.
Details: Ferrin was walking home from work when she was attacked by the Zodiac Killer. She was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
- August 1, 1969: Bryan Hartnell was stabbed in Napa County, California.
Details: Hartnell was walking home from work when he was attacked by the Zodiac Killer. He was stabbed multiple times but survived the attack.
- September 27, 1969: Paul Stine was shot and killed in San Francisco, California.
Details: Stine was a taxi driver who was shot and killed by the Zodiac Killer. His body was found in Presidio Heights.
- October 11, 1969: Kathleen Johns was shot and killed in Riverside, California.
Details: Johns was sitting in her car when she was attacked by the Zodiac Killer. She was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
The Zodiac Killer's motives remain unknown, and his case remains unsolved.