Ep 8. The Horrifying Murders of the Zodiac Killer

BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime is a chilling and addictive docuseries that delves into some of the most shocking and mysterious crimes in history. In season 1 episode 8, titled "The Horrifying Murders of the Zodiac Killer," hosts Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej investigate one of the most notorious cold cases in American history: the Zodiac Killer.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Zodiac is believed to have killed at least five people, although he claimed to have killed many more. He was known for his cryptic letters and codes sent to police and newspapers, which have never been fully deciphered.

Ryan and Shane start their investigation by exploring the first known murder associated with the Zodiac, that of high school students Betty Lou Jensen and David Faraday in December 1968. The hosts visit the site of the murder, a secluded lovers' lane near Lake Herman Road, and reconstruct the events leading up to the killings. They examine the evidence found at the scene, including tire tracks and bullet casing, and speculate about the killer's motives and methods.

The episode then moves on to the Zodiac's second known murder, that of Darlene Ferrin and her acquaintance Michael Mageau in July 1969. The hosts visit the scene of the crime, a parking lot at Blue Rock Springs Park in Vallejo, and again attempt to piece together the events leading up to the killing. They discuss the Zodiac's unusual behavior during this murder, including his decision to approach the victims before shooting them and his decision to let Mageau live.

Ryan and Shane then turn their attention to the Zodiac's infamous letters and codes. They examine some of the more well-known code decipherment attempts, including those made by the United States Navy and the FBI, and discuss the ongoing efforts of amateur sleuths to crack the codes. They also touch on some of the more outlandish theories about the Zodiac's identity, such as the idea that he was a CIA agent or a Hollywood actor.

Finally, the episode ends on a chilling note as Ryan and Shane detail the Zodiac's final known murder, that of cab driver Paul Stine in San Francisco in October 1969. They discuss the bizarre circumstances surrounding the murder, including the Zodiac's decision to call the police himself and the fact that he was seen by several witnesses who were unable to identify him. They also touch on some of the Zodiac's later communications with the media and law enforcement, including his claim to have committed over 30 murders.

Overall, "The Horrifying Murders of the Zodiac Killer" is a captivating and unsettling exploration of one of the most notorious unsolved mysteries in American history. Ryan and Shane's mix of skepticism and curiosity makes for an engaging and thought-provoking investigation, and their attention to detail and empathy for the victims make them compelling hosts. Viewers will be left wondering whether the Zodiac's identity will ever be revealed and whether justice will ever be served for his victims.