Why is He Called the Zodiac Killer: Uncovering the Mystery Behind the Name

The Zodiac Killer, a name that has captured the public’s imagination for decades, was an infamous unidentified serial murderer who operated in the late 1960s and early 1970s in Northern California. Known for sending chilling, coded letters to the press, the Zodiac Killer’s unsettling correspondence and crimes both terrified and mystified the nation. But why is he called “the Zodiac Killer”? Let’s unravel this enigma together.

The name “Zodiac” was coined by the killer himself through the cryptic and taunting letters he sent to various newspapers, starting in 1969. In one of these letters, he referred to himself as “Zodiac” and used the well-known crossed circle symbol, commonly associated with the zodiac signs in astrology, as his signature or symbol. This choice of name and iconography seemed to have great significance for the killer, and it has subsequently played a large role in fueling public fascination and speculation.

While we still don’t know the true identity of the Zodiac Killer, the moniker has stayed in our collective consciousness. The cryptic nature of his nickname, his chilling correspondence, and the still unsolved mystery of his identity continue to intrigue amateur sleuths and professionals alike, as well as truly chilling us to the bone. As we delve deeper into the story of the Zodiac Killer, it becomes clear just how iconic and sinister his infamy remains today.

Understanding the Zodiac Killer

The Zodiac Killer is a name that sends shivers down the spines of true crime enthusiasts, mystery lovers, and anyone who has ever been fascinated by unsolved cold cases. In this section, we will dive into the chilling details of the Zodiac Killer’s actions and why he’s earned that notorious nickname.

• The Name: The killer’s self-referential name comes from a series of taunting letters and cryptograms he sent to the press and police. These letters contained astrological symbols and references to the Zodiac, a circle of twelve 30° divisions of celestial longitude.
• The Targets: Active in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Zodiac Killer claimed five confirmed victims, though he hinted at far more in his letters. Most of his victims were young couples attacked while in secluded areas.

The Zodiac Killer’s attacks initiated a wave of terror in Northern California, leaving the public in a state of unease and sparking widespread efforts to identify the mysterious criminal.

When trying to understand the mystique around the Zodiac Killer, it’s essential to consider a few key components:

1. The Letters: The killer sent multiple letters to newspapers, taunting investigators and cryptographers. Although many of these letters have been deciphered, a few remain uncracked, fueling the intrigue surrounding the case.
2. A Mysterious Identity: Despite thousands of tips and several high-profile suspects, the Zodiac Killer’s true identity has never been confirmed. The killer’s ability to elude identification for over half a century is both haunting and fascinating to true crime enthusiasts.
3. Unsolved Codes: Some of the Zodiac Killer’s cryptograms have never been solved. These remaining ciphers captivate the imagination and have spawned many conspiracy theories regarding the killer’s identity and motives.
4. Pop Culture Influence: The Zodiac Killer’s case has permeated popular culture in numerous films, books, and TV series. This continued exposure has helped cement the Zodiac Killer’s place in Cold Case infamy.

Confirmed Victims	Unconfirmed Victims
5	20-28

In unraveling the mystery of the Zodiac Killer, it becomes apparent how this twisted figure has managed to captivate and terrify those who delve into the world of unsolved crime. The killer’s penchant for cryptic messages, combined with his evasiveness, has made understanding the Zodiac Killer a topic of endless fascination.

Decoding the Name and Motives

The Zodiac Killer is a name that has long puzzled and intrigued true crime enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the origins of this complex nickname and the motives behind the grisly acts committed by this still unidentified criminal.

Why “Zodiac”?

The name “Zodiac” was actually coined by the killer himself. In a series of taunting letters sent to local newspapers and police departments, he signed off using a crossed-circle symbol, which resembles the astrological sign for the Zodiac:

╱┏╮
╲┃╰━━━━━━━━

In one communication, he explicitly wrote, “This is the Zodiac speaking.” From then on, the media and public started referring to him as the Zodiac Killer.

Code Creation

The Zodiac Killer was known for incorporating cryptograms into his letters, which he claimed held the key to his identity. A few well-known examples include:

• 408-symbol cipher (split into 3 parts), with one solved by a teacher and his wife in 1969
• 340-character cipher (remained unsolved for more than 50 years until cracked in 2020)
• Four unsolved ciphers, called the Z13, Z32, Z148, and Z361, named for the number of characters they contain

These cryptograms added an extra layer of mystery, as they invited the public and authorities to engage in the process of decoding his messages.

Zodiac Killer’s Motives

Although the Zodiac Killer’s motives were never concretely established, there are several theories. Some of the potential motives include:

• Notoriety: The Zodiac Killer sought attention, desiring to be both feared and respected by the public and police.
• Power & Control: He enjoyed the sense of power that came from manipulating and terrorizing people, even going as far as toying with the authorities.
• Mental Illness: It is possible that the killer was suffering from a mental disorder, driving him to commit these brutal acts, although this remains speculation.

So there we have it, a brief look into why the infamous criminal became known as the Zodiac Killer, and the potential motives behind his actions. This chilling cold case still elicits fascination and debate among true crime fans to this day.

The Cryptograms: Key to His Infamy

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Zodiac Killer case is the mysterious cryptograms he sent to newspapers and authorities. These complex codes generated a media frenzy and cemented his infamy. But what exactly are these cryptograms, and why did he use them?

The Ciphers

The Zodiac Killer sent four ciphers during his killing spree. Each cipher contained a series of symbols, letters, and numbers that hid a secret message:

• Z408: A 408-character cipher split into three parts, sent to three different newspapers
• Z340: A 340-character cipher sent to the San Francisco Chronicle
• Z13: A 13-character cipher included with a letter claiming the Zodiac had killed a police officer
• Z32: A 32-character cipher sent as part of a letter suggesting the location of a bomb

A Glimpse into His Motivations

The Zodiac used these cryptograms to taunt the media, police, and public. He claimed that solving them would reveal his identity, although this has never been proven. By crafting these complex ciphers, the Zodiac demonstrated:

• A deep knowledge of cryptography and codes
• A desire for recognition and notoriety
• A need to control and manipulate the narrative of his crimes

Solving the Codes

Despite the best efforts of codebreakers and cryptographers, only one of the Zodiac’s cryptograms has been officially solved:

Cipher	Status
Z408	Solved
Z340	Solved¹
Z13	Unsolved²
Z32	Unsolved²

¹ In 2020, a team of codebreakers announced a solution to this cipher, although the FBI has neither confirmed nor denied its accuracy.

² Many proposed solutions exist for these ciphers, but none have been accepted as definitive.

The Zodiac’s cryptograms have fascinated amateur sleuths and professionals alike for decades. His use of codes appealed to a wide audience and made it easy for everyone to feel part of the investigation. By incorporating cryptograms into his murderous exploits, the Zodiac ensured that his crimes would haunt popular culture and spark debates long after the initial investigations seemingly ran cold.

Impact on Media and Public Perception

The Zodiac Killer has captured the imagination of the public and media for decades. This fascination continues even today, as people still discuss and investigate this unsolved mystery. In this section, we will explore the influence of the Zodiac Killer on media and the public perception.

Movies and Documentaries

The Zodiac Killer has been the subject of numerous movies, documentaries, and TV shows over the years. Some of the most well-known films based on or inspired by the Zodiac case include:

• Dirty Harry (1971): A fictionalized film inspired by the Zodiac case.
• Zodiac (2007): A film adaptation of Robert Graysmith’s book that delves into the police investigation and the hunt for the killer.
• The Most Dangerous Animal of All (2020): A documentary mini-series exploring Gary L. Stewart’s claim that his father was the Zodiac Killer.

Books and Articles

Many books and articles have been written about the Zodiac case, ranging from in-depth investigative pieces to conspiracy theories:

• Zodiac (1986) and Zodiac Unmasked (2002) by Robert Graysmith: Graysmith’s true-crime books on the case, based on his own investigation and experiences as a cartoonist working for the San Francisco Chronicle.
• The Most Dangerous Animal of All (2014) by Gary L. Stewart: A book claiming that Stewart’s father, Earl Van Best Jr., was the Zodiac Killer.
• Various articles published by the San Francisco Chronicle: Coverage of the case, including the original publication of the Zodiac Killer’s coded letters.

Public Perception

The Zodiac Killer’s cryptic messages and taunts to the police have led to a sense of unease and fear in the public:

• The repeated references to “slaves” and “killing” created a sense of dread and fascination around the case.
• The idea that the Zodiac Killer could strike at any moment fueled public apprehension.

Internet Sleuths and Amateur Detectives

The unsolved nature of the Zodiac case has inspired numerous internet sleuths and amateur detectives to investigate the killer’s identity:

• Online forums and message boards dedicated to discussing theories, analyzing evidence, and sharing insights related to the case.
• The widespread availability of information regarding the case has made it accessible to a larger number of people interested in exploring the mystery.

The impact of the Zodiac Killer on media and public perception is undeniable. The ceaseless interest surrounding this mysterious figure continues to draw people’s curiosity and fascination, influencing countless movies, books, and documentaries, as well as motivating many amateur sleuths to embark on their own investigations.

Conclusion: Solving the Mystery

In putting together the pieces of the puzzle on why he was called the Zodiac Killer, let’s revisit the main points that led to this chilling name:

• Ciphered Letters: The Zodiac Killer sent a series of encrypted messages to newspapers, which included astrological symbols along with his chosen name.
• Astrological Obsession: His ciphers and letters repeatedly contained astrological and astronomical references, alluding to the zodiac signs.
• Signature Symbol: The killer marked his crimes using a circle with a cross – a symbol that eventually became synonymous with his horrifying acts.

Despite numerous investigations and suspects over the years, the true identity of the Zodiac Killer remains an enigma to this day. With advancements in technology and DNA analysis, there is hope that one day, the mystery will finally be solved. Here are some key factors that could potentially lead to a breakthrough:

1. Advanced Forensic Technology: The use of DNA and forensic genealogy may offer new insights into previously untraceable evidence.
2. Awareness and Public Interest: The continued fascination with the Zodiac Killer’s story leads new generations to scrutinize this cold case, possibly bringing fresh perspectives and leads.
3. Collaboration Between Law Enforcement and Amateurs: Various teams of experts, both professional and amateur, have dedicated their time and resources to solving the case. Often, they’ve shared their findings online to reach a larger audience of collaborators.

In the end, the search for the identity of the Zodiac Killer only adds to the unsettling aura surrounding this notorious criminal. Though much effort has gone into solving this mystery, the killer remains shrouded in darkness. However, the dedication of countless investigators and crime enthusiasts remains fervent. It is the hope of many that, eventually, the Zodiac Killer’s true identity will be revealed and the terror of the past brought to light.

References and Sources:

• https://www.foxnews.com/us/cold-case-zodiac-killer-identified-murder
• https://www.tmz.com/2021/10/06/zodiac-killer-death-certificate-cause-revealed/
• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zodiac-killer
• https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2007/march/zodiac_030207