7: The Letters and the 340 Cipher

In 1971, a new suspect emerged in the Zodiac case—Arthur Leigh Allen, a man with chilling coincidences tying him to the infamous killer. As we explore the first part of his story, we dive into the eerie similarities between Allen’s life and the Zodiac’s crimes. From disturbing conversations with friends about his twisted fantasies to the infamous Zodiac watch that seemed to link him to the killer’s identity, Allen became the prime focus of law enforcement. But was he truly the Zodiac, or just another man caught in the web of suspicion? Join us as we unravel the unsettling evidence that brought Arthur Leigh Allen into the spotlight.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we turn our focus to Ross Sullivan—a name that has become a key piece in the Zodiac puzzle for many amateur sleuths and true crime enthusiasts. Working at Riverside City College library when Cheri Jo Bates was murdered, Sullivan’s strange behavior, disturbing writings, and sudden disappearance after her death made him a person of interest. We dive into the connections, coincidences, and circumstantial evidence that led some to believe Ross Sullivan could have been the Zodiac. Was he just a troubled individual, or was there more to his story than anyone suspected?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we continue our journey into the chilling events at Lake Berryessa. On September 27, 1969, Bryan Hartnell and Cecelia Shepard were enjoying a peaceful afternoon when they were approached by a hooded figure—the Zodiac Killer. This time, he attacked in broad daylight, changing his modus operandi and bringing a new level of brutality. Against all odds, Bryan Hartnell survived and shared his harrowing account of the assault. Join us as we explore Bryan's perspective and the details he provided that offered a rare glimpse into the Zodiac's terrifying methods.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we focus on Richard "Rick" Marshall, one of the most intriguing suspects in the Zodiac Killer case. In the 1970s, an anonymous letter to the Sheriff’s office and a series of bizarre clues pointed towards this silent film enthusiast and radio station engineer. From strange handwriting similarities to explosive claims involving hidden evidence, Marshall became an unexpected person of interest. But was he truly the Zodiac, or was he just another victim of circumstantial speculation and media frenzy? Join us as we dive into the clues, suspicions, and false leads that placed Richard Marshall in the spotlight of this chilling mystery.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this bonus episode, we explore the mysterious April 1978 Zodiac letter and the controversy that ensued. After four years of silence, a letter claiming to be from the Zodiac surfaced, reigniting fears and questions. But the plot thickened when journalist Armistead Maupin noticed unsettling similarities between this letter and the fan mail he had received from Detective Dave Toschi, the lead investigator on the Zodiac case. Was Toschi fabricating Zodiac communications to keep the case alive? We dive into the details of the scandal that threatened to tarnish a respected investigator’s career, leaving behind even more unanswered questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In 1966, the brutal murder of Cheri Jo Bates left Riverside, California in shock. A year later, a series of handwritten letters added confusion and fear to an already tragic case. In this bonus episode, we explore the story behind these hoax letters—revealed decades later to be the work of a misguided teenager seeking attention. Discover how this revelation impacted the investigation, as DNA analysis led to a surprising confession. We untangle the web of false leads and mischief that clouded Cheri Jo's case, ultimately narrowing the focus back on finding justice for this young woman.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On September 6, 1970, 25-year-old Donna Lass vanished from the bustling Sahara Tahoe Casino, leaving behind nothing but unanswered questions. The Zodiac Killer later hinted that she may have been his twelfth victim, sending a chilling postcard that pointed towards Lake Tahoe. But the truth behind Donna's disappearance remained elusive—until recently, when human remains were identified as Donna's, bringing the case back into the spotlight. In this episode, we explore the mysterious circumstances of her disappearance, the cryptic Zodiac postcard, and the long-awaited discovery that raises even more questions about her fate and the possible involvement of the Zodiac.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 20, we dive into two of the most compelling suspects in the Zodiac case: Lawrence Kane and Gary Francis Poste. Both men have eerie connections to the Zodiac's timeline, unsettling pasts, and behavior that seemed to match the killer's profile. Harvey Hines spent years investigating Kane, linking him to multiple victims, including the disappearance of Donna Lass. Decades later, the Case Breakers turned their attention to Poste, a seemingly mild-mannered man whose dark past hid possible ties to Zodiac crimes. Join us as we unravel the evidence, sift through the theories, and try to determine if either of these men was truly the Zodiac Killer.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 24, we explore one of the most controversial theories in the Zodiac case: the Zodiac Hoax Theory, proposed by Professor Thomas Henry Horan. Horan suggests that the Zodiac killer wasn't a real person but a constructed myth—a series of unrelated crimes that the media and law enforcement tied together, spurred by a hoax. From analyzing inconsistencies at the crime scenes to questioning the authenticity of the infamous Zodiac letters, Horan challenges everything we thought we knew about the case. Was the Zodiac an elaborate myth, and could the real truth be far simpler? Join us as we delve into the unsettling theory that aims to rewrite Zodiac history.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Part 2 of the New York Zodiac Copycat, we explore the chilling aftermath of the attacks. After years of stalking the streets, claiming victims in a twisted attempt to mirror the original Zodiac Killer, Heriberto Seda's actions led to a dramatic hostage situation that would ultimately end his reign of terror. From his shocking arrest to the trial that followed, we delve into how the NYPD finally cornered the man responsible for eight shootings and three deaths. Tune in as we unravel the motives, the confessions, and the courtroom drama that brought an end to the New York Zodiac's deadly game.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy