There are so many speculations about where and when Z started killing people, and some say it started with Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside(1966). Others speculate his first crime was the murder of Robert George Domingos and Linda Faye Edwards on June 6, 1963 north of Santa Barbara, California. I think if one wants to start with the latter then the murders of Johnny Ray and Joyce Swindle on February 5, 1964 in San Diego(Ocean Beach), California should be considered as a part of the pattern. A young, recently married, loving couple. I think Z’s biggest thrill was killing young couples, on the front end of life, and enjoying the ideaemotion of cutting off their bright futures that seemed possible for such young lovers. So, I would hope we can remember this couple if we see Z as a type of ‘anti-romantic avenger.’
Thanks Curious Cat.
There are so many speculations about where and when Z started killing people, and some say it started with Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside(1966). Others speculate his first crime was the murder of Robert George Domingos and Linda Faye Edwards on June 6, 1963 north of Santa Barbara, California. I think if one wants to start with the latter then the murders of Johnny Ray and Joyce Swindle on February 5, 1964 in San Diego(Ocean Beach), California should be considered as a part of the pattern. A young, recently married, loving couple. I think Z’s biggest thrill was killing young couples, on the front end of life, and enjoying the ideaemotion of cutting off their bright futures that seemed possible for such young lovers. So, I would hope we can remember this couple if we see Z as a type of ‘anti-romantic avenger.’
Bingo, I believe Z’s troubled relationships w/females led him to commit such acts. Anti-romantic avenger is a great description. D/E murders fit, Swindle fits, CJB as spurned love fits, etc. Only Stine is aberrant, and by then Z was a celebrity who wanted to exacerbate the terror.
