Speaking of DNA one thing that as a Detective I was always surprised by was how much DNA evidence has trashed the idea of an MO for criminals. Once we get the DNA back from a bunch of crimes they were all over the map. A vehicle burg, a cat burg, robbery, anything you can think of. No real MO just a guy looking for any opportunity. I think the same applies to murderers. If there is a sexual component in the satisfaction element, then think about your own sexual fantasies. Does anyone have just one fantasy? GSK is a good example of that, maybe the best.
Bumped for truth.
Zodiac was a screwup. He left behind five breathing victims, two survivors, bootprints, possibly fingerprints and palmprints, tiretracks, eyewitnesses, and earwitnesses. If the APB had gone out for a WMA he would have been locked up in ’69.
Indeed Zteve, I respect Pauld’s expertise and am intrigued by his insight.
I don’t think we should discount Zodiac being a sex offender like GSK or involved in crimes beyond random murder. Just look at the criminal records of chief suspects. Arthur Leigh Allen was a pedophile. Lawrence Kane was a voyeurist, stalker and burglar. Zodiac’s communications suggest a sexual thrill from murdering young couples ("better than getting your rocks off with a girl").
The main issue for me is that are too many disparities in terms of identifiable characteristics. No similarities in available handwriting and GSK’s brags to the media were limited compared to Zodiac. No bomb threats. Nothing about collecting slaves for the afterlife. GSK was described as immature and manic in his mannerisms (high-pitched voice, bizarrely crying like a child) while Zodiac was cold and collected. GSK’s phone calls to police were obscene rants, unlike Zodiac who calmly reported his own murders. Would the mature Zodiac evolve into the childish GSK? Seems unlikely.
GSK did not design an elaborate name or symbol, he just claimed the title "East Area Rapist". GSK seems to have murdered primarily to eliminate witnesses while murder was Zodiac’s fixation.
If it turned out that Joseph DeAngelo was a Gilbert & Sullivan fan or interested in cryptography, then I might think differently. DeAngelo’s brother-in-law stated Joseph would randomly bring up the EAR mid-conversation. I imagine he would have mentioned Zodiac to someone if he had any connection.
For the record, I do think the young DeAngelo resembles Zodiac composite sketches.
How many POIs have been twinned with Zodiac composite sketches? It seems virtually any white male could be Z. Comparing a POI with a sketch drawn from the recollections of a frightened witness is, at best, chancy.
How many POIs have been twinned with Zodiac composite sketches? It seems virtually any white male could be Z. Comparing a POI with a sketch drawn from the recollections of a frightened witness is, at best, chancy.
I agree. If you put glasses on a young DeAngelo he might look like the sketches, but this was just a postscript to my overall skepticism.
Has it been confirmed that GSK wrote the Mad is the World letter? I’ve been waiting for confirmation on this for a couple years now, and I haven’t heard any news on this since the arrest.
Has it been confirmed that GSK wrote the Mad is the World letter? I’ve been waiting for confirmation on this for a couple years now, and I haven’t heard any news on this since the arrest.
Looks like he did.
1968.
Is that Zodiac right next to DeAngelo ?
Just kidding !
Is that Zodiac right next to DeAngelo ?
Huh…interesting. 
Report from May speculating on DeAngelo as a Zodiac suspect: https://video.foxnews.com/v/5784719142001/ (Not a fan of Fox but I feel duty to share)
Interestingly one of the SFPD detectives who worked the case thinks this should be taken seriously.
Last year the GSK forum had a long, interesting discussion on the Zodiac question: http://earonsgsk.proboards.com/thread/6 … elo-zodiac
Interesting details on JJD’s early life in this LA Times piece. https://www.latimes.com/projects/man-in … er-serial/
– walked with a gait
– described as "thick-muscled and dough-faced" in the 1960s
– loved hunting wild game in the forest
Interesting details on JJD’s early life in this LA Times piece. https://www.latimes.com/projects/man-in … er-serial/
– walked with a gait
– described as "thick-muscled and dough-faced" in the 1960s
– loved hunting wild game in the forest
That is an excellent news report, you get to hear from his fiancée Bonnie, and early friends, long but well worth the time to read. You really learn a lot.
And I give this guy about a 1% chance of being the Zodiac, but like yourself, I noticed things in that story that correlate with Z, like the strange walk. I noticed other things as well…
DeAngelo was determined to join the California Highway Patrol
I’ve always thought Zodiac was a wanna be cop. Deangelo was at the same time, but went on to be one.
This description of Deangelo’s personality sounds Zodiac like…
Bonnie began to believe Joe felt superior to those around him. He acted as though he was above the rules. He courted risk and thrills — speeding on the road, poaching game. And he enjoyed instilling fear.
This sort of stood out…
At Sierra College, DeAngelo did not come off as a particularly strong student; Bonnie tutored him to a passing grade in astronomy.
Astronomy is a different thing than astrology, but interesting still.
Interesting details on JJD’s early life in this LA Times piece. https://www.latimes.com/projects/man-in … er-serial/
– walked with a gait
– described as "thick-muscled and dough-faced" in the 1960s
– loved hunting wild game in the forestThat is an excellent news report, you get to hear from his fiancée Bonnie, and early friends, long but well worth the time to read. You really learn a lot.
And I give this guy about a 1% chance of being the Zodiac, but like yourself, I noticed things in that story that correlate with Z, like the strange walk. I noticed other things as well…
DeAngelo was determined to join the California Highway Patrol
I’ve always thought Zodiac was a wanna be cop. Deangelo was at the same time, but went on to be one.
This description of Deangelo’s personality sounds Zodiac like…
Bonnie began to believe Joe felt superior to those around him. He acted as though he was above the rules. He courted risk and thrills — speeding on the road, poaching game. And he enjoyed instilling fear.
This sort of stood out…
At Sierra College, DeAngelo did not come off as a particularly strong student; Bonnie tutored him to a passing grade in astronomy.
Astronomy is a different thing than astrology, but interesting still.
All these little details do make me a little less skeptical about JJD as a Zodiac suspect.
I wasn’t sure whether to mention the astronomy studies as it seemed like a stretch, so I’m glad you spotted it.
