The Zodiac’s true motives remain unknown, but the study of his crimes reveals his signature. While some murderers may vary their methods of operation, a killer’s choices, actions, and words reflect his needs– even when he attempts to deceive and even when he does not realize that he is doing so. In this sense, the killer’s crimes will reveal his ps…

Decades after he terrified citizens with his shocking crimes and bizarre letters, the Zodiac is known as one of the most enigmatic serial killers in modern history. His motives are unknown, although many people have offered various theories to explain his behavior. Attempts to create a psychological profile often rely on speculation based on our kn…

The varying descriptions of the Zodiac have created confusion and fueled debate. Some eyewitnesses described the killer as short as 5'8" tall while others said he was approximately 6' tall. One witness thought the Zodiac weighed approximately 180 lbs. while another said he may have been as heavy as 250 lbs. Some estimates of the killer's age ranged…

The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, and other news outlets ran stories about a French engineer who claims that he has solved the Zodiac’s remaining ciphers, known as the Z13 and the Z32. The newly-proposed solutions point to long-time suspect Larry Kane and indicate a connection to a suspected Zodiac postcard and a possible victim who …

According to one persistent theory, authorities discovered evidence proving that Charles Manson and his infamous “family” of killers were responsible for the Zodiac murders but this evidence was withheld and suppressed for various reasons. The facts tell a very different story in this encore presentation of a segment from the previous episode “10 Z…

In the syndicated tabloid TV show Now It Can Be Told, Geraldo Rivera and Maury Terry claimed the evidence indicated that Zodiac victim Darlene Ferrin was targeted for death by members of a satanic cult. Terry also claimed that satanists were responsible for the 'Son of Sam' shootings in New York and other crimes across America. This theory of a nat…

Over the decades, persistent theories claimed that the Zodiac crimes were part of a conspiracy orchestrated by members of a satanic cult. One of the proponents of this theory was Maury Terry, a writer who became famous for his claims that the Son of Sam murders in New York were part of a satanic conspiracy. Now, the new documentary series on Netfli…

This episode of the ZODIAC: A TO Z podcast examines two questions: Was there any connection between the Zodiac victims? Was the Zodiac a police officer or somehow involved in law enforcement? Some theories may seem like compelling explanations, but the facts tell a very different story. Written and produced by MICHAEL BUTTERFIELD for ZodiacKillerFa…

This episode examines puzzling questions, including: Did two or more suspects commit the Zodiac crimes together? Was Arthur Leigh Allen the Zodiac? Why did police interview Allen shortly before the last known Zodiac murder? Will authorities discover “Zodiac DNA” which could finally solve the case? If so, what are some possible endgame scenarios? Wa…

On March 24th, 2019, I joined a discussion panel assembled at the "Death Becomes Us" true crime festival in New York for a live bonus episode of the Monster podcast titled MONSTER: From Atlanta to the Zodiac, with producer/narrator Matt Frederick, producer/host Payne Lindsey, executive producer Donald Albright, and producer Meredith Stedman. The fi…

This bonus episode examines other persistent myths about the Zodiac case, including claims about the attack at Lake Berryessa and the shooting at Blue Rock Springs Park, and, Robert Graysmith’s claim that he had discovered a “hidden” road which led from the crime scenes directly to the home of his suspect, Arthur Leigh Allen. Note: This episode inc…

This episode examines 10 popular myths about the case: The Zodiac was an expert marksman, the Zodiac crime scenes form a giant “radian angle,” the Zodiac crimes were linked to the Manson “family,” the Zodiac crimes were done by copycat killers or were a hoax, The Zodiac killed dozens of victims, The Zodiac took credit for crimes he did not commit, …

In this “unfiltered” review, Michael Butterfield (ZodiacKillerFacts.com) examines the FX/Hulu documentary series “The Most Dangerous Animal of All,” featuring Gary Stewart’s claims that his father Earl Van Best Jr. was the Zodiac killer. Stewart and his co-author Susan Mustafa claimed that their suspect was implicated by fingerprints and DNA eviden…

Listeners sent several messages requesting a new episode addressing various questions and thoughts about the new solution to the Zodiac's 340 cipher, which was recently solved by Jarl Van Eycke, Sam Blake, and David Oranchak (ZodiacKillerCiphers.com). Topics include: What does the new solution indicate about the Zodiac's skills as a code maker? Can…

51 years ago, the Zodiac sent his now-infamous "340 Cipher," a clue which became one of the most baffling mysteries in true crime cryptography. Many people claimed they had solved the cipher, but their solutions were not valid. Now, decades after the killer sent this hidden message, the Zodiac's "340 Cipher" has finally been solved by computer prog…

David Oranchak (ZodiacKillerCiphers.com) joins Michael Butterfield to talk about the new YouTube video series titled “Let’s Crack Zodiac,” an examination of the Zodiac’s ciphers as well as the proposed solutions, various theories, and possible methods to decipher the killer’s mysterious messages. Topics include: the solution to the killer’s 340 sym…

The next episode of the ZODIAC: A TO Z podcast features an interview with David Oranchak (ZodiacKillerCiphers.com) about his new YouTube series “Let’s Crack Zodiac,” an examination of the Zodiac’s ciphers as well as the proposed solutions, various theories, and possible methods to decipher the killer’s mysterious messages. Produced by Michael Butte…

In his book The Most Dangerous Animal of All, Gary Stewart claims that his father was the Zodiac. Now, Stewart's theory is the subject of a new documentary/reality TV series airing on the FX Network and also available on Hulu. According to Stewart, he discovered his father's name in the Zodiac codes, matched his father's fingerprint to a suspected …

The strange case of Arthur Covell involving codes, astrology, and murder. Written and produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copyright 2020 All music licensed and used by permission. “Ghost” composed and produced by JM Scherf.By zodiacatoz

Did the Zodiac imitate other elusive and notorious killers? Was the Zodiac inspired by popular culture, including fiction, film, and television? This episode examines possible inspirations, including the Batman comic books and series, TV shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Ironside, the films The Most Dangerous Game and Charlie Chan at Trea…

No one knows the motives behind the Zodiac's shocking crimes or what may have inspired him to choose that name and the crossed-circle symbol as his signature. The name and symbol had origins in astrology, and the Zodiac's crimes indicated that he may have been influenced by other killers in history. Was he also inspired by popular culture, includin…

Comments about various topics, including questions about the possibility that DNA evidence could implicate a known suspect such as Arthur Leigh Allen, and, the upcoming television mini-series The Most Dangerous Animal of All, about Gary Stewart's theory that his father was the Zodiac. Produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copy…

On October 22, 1969, a man who claimed to be the Zodiac called in to a Bay Area TV show and talked with lawyer Melvin Belli by telephone. A surviving victim and two police dispatchers who talked with the real Zodiac all agreed that the caller known as "Sam" was an impostor, but decades of confusion and popular myths in the books written by Robert G…

On October 22, 1969, the Oakland police department received a telephone call from a man who claimed to be the Zodiac. He demanded that famed attorney F. Lee Bailey or celebrity lawyer Melvin Belli appear on a Bay Area television talk show. Hours later, Belli and TV host Jim Dunbar spoke by telephone with a man called "Sam" who claimed to be the Zod…

The Zodiac claimed that he left the scene of his last known murder and encountered two police officers who asked if he had seen anyone acting "suspicious or strange." According to the killer's version of events, he replied that he had seen a man running by waving a gun and then directed the officers in search of the phantom gunman. The Zodiac's sto…

On the night of his last known murder in San Francisco, the Zodiac narrowly escaped when two police officers passed him as he walked away from the crime scene. He mocked police for failing to capture him. Police then called the Zodiac a clumsy criminal, a liar, and a latent homosexual. The killer was clearly angered by these statements and this app…

On the night of his last known murder in San Francisco, the Zodiac narrowly escaped when two police officers passed him as he walked away from the crime scene. He mocked police for failing to capture him. Police then called the Zodiac a clumsy criminal, a liar, and a latent homosexual. The killer was clearly angered by these statements and this app…

On the night of his last known murder in San Francisco, the Zodiac narrowly escaped when two police officers passed him as he walked away from the crime scene. He then bragged about the attack in his next letter and mocked police for failing to capture him. Police then called the Zodiac a clumsy criminal, a liar, and a latent homosexual. The killer…

Mike Morford (ZodiacKillerSite.com) and David Oranchak (ZodiacKillerCiphers.com) join Michael Butterfield (ZodiacKillerFacts.com) to talk about the 50th anniversary of the Zodiac's still-unsolved "340 Cipher." Produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copyright 2019 All music licensed and used by permission. “Run and Hide” and “Fr…

David Oranchak talks about proposed solutions to the Zodiac's still-unsolved 340 symbol cipher, known as "the Z340," including solutions created by Zodiac author Robert Graysmith, Corey Starliper, and Gary Stewart (The Most Dangerous Animal of All). Written and produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copyright 2019 All music lic…

50 years ago, the Zodiac sent a greeting card with a cipher consisting of 340 symbols. Today, the cipher remains one of the most baffling clues in true crime history. Computer programmer and Zodiac cipher expert David Oranchak (ZodiacKillerCiphers.com) talks about the enduring mystery of the "Z340." Click here to view the Zodiac's 340 cipher, the o…

50 years ago, the Zodiac sent a greeting card with a cipher consisting of 340 symbols. Today, the cipher remains one of the most baffling clues in true crime history. In the next episode of the ZODIAC: A TO Z podcast, computer programmer and Zodiac cipher expert David Oranchak (ZodiacKillerCiphers.com) talks about the enduring mystery of the "Z340.…

In November 1967, the Riverside Press-Enterprise newspaper received a letter in response to a story about the murder of Cheri Jo Bates. Sent by the name "Patricia Hautz," the letter became the subject of speculation and debate about its possible connection to other writings associated with the Bates case which were attributed to the Zodiac killer. …

Cheri Jo Bates was murdered 53 years ago in Riverside, California, and the strange writings in the case have been linked to the Zodiac. The unsolved mystery remains a controversial chapter in the Zodiac story, and this episode includes an expanded look at the Bates murder and the so-called "Riverside connection" to the Zodiac killer. Written and pr…

The next episode of the ZODIAC: A TO Z podcast features an expanded look at the still-unsolved murder of Cheri Jo Bates and the origins of the so-called "Riverside connection" to the Zodiac. A handwriting expert concluded that writings in the Riverside case, including letters and a poem written on a desk, were the work of the Zodiac. Other experts …

Mike Morford (ZodiacKillerSite.com) talks about Ross Sullivan, the man he believes was responsible for the murder of Cheri Jo Bates and the Zodiac crimes. Produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copyright 2019By zodiacatoz

53 years ago, Cheri Jo Bates was murdered on a college campus in Riverside, California, on October 30, 1966. After the crime, someone sent a typed "Confession" letter and other strange writings were also linked to the case, including a note that read, "Bates had to die. There will be more." Some investigators, researchers, and amateur sleuths belie…

53 years ago, Cheri Jo Bates was murdered on a college campus in Riverside, California, on October 30, 1966. After the crime, someone sent a typed "Confession" letter and other strange writings were also linked to the case, including a note that read, "Bates had to die. There will be more." Some investigators, researchers, and amateur sleuths belie…

Writer/producer DAVID EICK talks about serial killers and theories about their motivations and compulsions. Produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copyright 2019By zodiacatoz

Writer and producer David Eick (Battlestar Galactica, Steven Spielberg's Falling Skies) and Michael Butterfield talk about the Zodiac's last known murder in San Francisco and the killer's influence on pop culture, including the classic crime movie Dirty Harry and the horror film The Exorcist III. Topics include: the Zodiac's possible escape route, …

Writer and producer David Eick (Battlestar Galactica, Steven Spielberg's Falling Skies) and Michael Butterfield talk about the Zodiac's last known murder in San Francisco and the killer's influence on pop culture, including the classic crime movie Dirty Harry and the legendary horror film The Exorcist. Written and produced by Michael Butterfield fo…

This bonus clip includes deleted material: Writer and producer David Eick talks about how the Manson murders and the killing during the Rolling Stones concert at the Altamont Speedway marked the violent end of the 1960s. Produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copyright 2019By zodiacatoz

Writer and producer David Eick (Battlestar Galactica, Steven Spielberg's Falling Skies) talks about his early inspirations, his career in the sci-fi and horror genres, his interest in true crime, the Zodiac mystery, the Manson murders, and the impact of true crime stories on pop culture. Produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / C…

In the next episode, Hollywood Horror, writer and producer David Eick (Battlestar Galactica, Steven Spielberg's Falling Skies) joins Michael Butterfield (ZodiacKillerFacts.com) for an extended conversation about his early inspirations, his career in the sci-fi and horror genres, his interest in true crime, the Zodiac mystery, the Manson murders, an…

In this bonus clip, Mike Morford (owner of ZodiacKillerSite.com and co-host of the podcasts The Murder in My Family and Criminology) talks about the murder of the Zodiac's last known victim and the 50th anniversary of the still-unsolved case. Produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copyright 2019…

50 years ago, the Zodiac murdered cab driver Paul Stine in the wealthy San Francisco neighborhood of Presidio Heights in a drastic departure from his previous pattern of attacking couples. This crime was followed by another taunting letter and threats to attack a school bus full of children. The unprecedented threat caused widespread fear and cemen…

50 years ago, the Zodiac murdered cab driver Paul Stine in the wealthy San Francisco neighborhood of Presidio Heights in a drastic departure from his previous pattern of attacking couples. This crime was followed by another taunting letter and threats to attack a school bus full of children. The unprecedented threat caused widespread fear and cemen…

50 years ago, on September 27th, 1969, the Zodiac attacked a young couple at Lake Berryessa. Bryan Hartnell was stabbed several times yet survived, but his companion, Cecelia Shepard, died days later. The episode "Lake Berryessa: By Knife" examines one of the most bizarre and terrifying crimes in history. Written and produced by MICHAEL BUTTERFIELD…

The trailer for Episode #2 of the new podcast ZODIAC: A TO Z titled "Lake Berryessa: By Knife." This episode examines the Zodiac's third attack on a young couple at Lake Berryessa on September 27th, 1969. Written and produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copyright 2019 All music licensed and used by permission. “Run and Hide” …

By zodiacatoz