Digest

This podcast delves into the enigmatic Zodiac Killer case, exploring various suspects and theories. The hosts, Nick and Cannonball Adderly, begin by discussing the challenges of using geographical profiling in this case due to the Zodiac's potential transience. They then explore the unusual nature of the Zodiac's self-chosen moniker, contrasting it with other serial killers who were given names based on their actions. The podcast then examines Arthur Lee Allen, a long-time suspect, analyzing the evidence that supports and contradicts his involvement. The hosts express skepticism about the Case Breakers' claim that Gary Poste is the Zodiac Killer, citing questionable evidence and a reliance on a composite sketch. They also dismiss Joseph James DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, as an unlikely suspect due to differences in their crime patterns and motives. Mark, a guest on the podcast, presents his theory that Theodore Kaczynski, the Unabomber, is the Zodiac Killer. He supports his conclusion with evidence such as similarities in their crime patterns, the use of bombs, and their shared interest in mathematics. The hosts engage in a hypothetical "speed date" scenario, presenting Mark's key arguments for Kaczynski being the Zodiac. They discuss the timeline of Kaczynski's life, his bomb-making skills, and his efforts to disguise his identity. The hosts also discuss John Douglas's profiling of the Zodiac Killer and his observations about Ted Kaczynski. They highlight Douglas's recognition of the Zodiac's intelligence and meticulousness, which aligns with Kaczynski's personality and skills. The episode concludes with an emphasis on the importance of open discussion and debate in unsolved cases, acknowledging the compelling evidence presented by Mark.

Outlines

00:00:13

Introduction and Beer Run

The podcast hosts introduce the episode, thank listeners, and mention their sponsor, Standard Deviant Brewing.

00:02:34

Discussing the Zodiac Killer

The hosts discuss the Zodiac Killer case, focusing on geographical profiling and the origin of the Zodiac moniker.

00:07:41

The Zodiac Moniker and its Meaning

The guest, Mark, explains the unusual nature of the Zodiac's self-chosen moniker and explores theories about its meaning.

00:15:14

Arthur Lee Allen: Evidence and Contradictions

The hosts discuss Arthur Lee Allen, a long-time suspect, analyzing the evidence that supports and contradicts his involvement.

00:26:00

The Case Breakers and Gary Poste

The hosts discuss the Case Breakers' claim that Gary Poste is the Zodiac Killer, expressing skepticism about their findings.

00:31:09

Joseph James DeAngelo: An Unlikely Suspect

The hosts discuss Joseph James DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, and conclude that he is unlikely to be the Zodiac.

00:36:12

Mark's Suspect: Theodore Kaczynski

Mark reveals his theory that Theodore Kaczynski, the Unabomber, is the Zodiac Killer, presenting evidence to support his conclusion.

00:47:47

Speed Dating with Ted Kaczynski

The hosts engage in a hypothetical "speed date" scenario, presenting Mark's key arguments for Kaczynski being the Zodiac.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the challenges of using geographical profiling in the Zodiac case?

  The Zodiac's potential transience and his deliberate efforts to create a sense of widespread fear make it difficult to pinpoint his likely location of residence.

• Why is the Zodiac's self-chosen moniker so unusual?

  Unlike other serial killers who were given names based on their actions, the Zodiac's name remains a mystery, adding to the intrigue of the case.

• What evidence supports Arthur Lee Allen's involvement in the Zodiac case?

  Allen possessed a Zodiac watch, a former coworker claimed he wanted to kill people and call himself the Zodiac, and his personality traits aligned with some aspects of the Zodiac's behavior.

• What are the main arguments against Gary Poste being the Zodiac Killer?

  The Case Breakers' reliance on a composite sketch with questionable accuracy and the lack of concrete evidence linking Poste to the crimes raise doubts about their findings.

• Why is Joseph James DeAngelo an unlikely suspect in the Zodiac case?

  DeAngelo's crime patterns and motives, including his involvement in burglary and rape, differ significantly from those of the Zodiac.

• What evidence supports Mark's theory that Theodore Kaczynski is the Zodiac Killer?

  Similarities in their crime patterns, the use of bombs, their shared interest in mathematics, and the timeline of Kaczynski's life all point towards a possible connection.

• What did John Douglas observe about the Zodiac Killer's intelligence and skills?

  Douglas recognized the Zodiac's intelligence and meticulousness, particularly his ability to create complex codes and his potential for bomb-making.

• Why is open discussion and debate important in unsolved cases?

  It allows for the exploration of different theories and perspectives, potentially leading to new insights and breakthroughs in the investigation.

Show Notes