The Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who terrorized Northern California in the late 1960s, became infamous for his cryptic communications with the police. He used a series of taunting messages to mock the authorities, revel in his crimes, and even challenge them to solve his identity.
Here's a breakdown of how the Zodiac Killer taunted the police:
1. Cryptic Cipher Messages:
The Zodiac Killer sent several letters to newspapers, often including ciphers or coded messages that he demanded be deciphered. These ciphers were a direct challenge to the police, a way to show his intellectual superiority and his enjoyment of the game.
- Example: In one famous cipher, the killer wrote, "I like killing people because it is so much fun." This message, sent to the San Francisco Chronicle, was only deciphered by a couple in 1969.
2. Mocking Phone Calls:
The Zodiac Killer also made phone calls to police departments, often taunting them with details of his crimes or threatening future attacks. These calls were often laced with dark humor and sarcasm, further demonstrating his twisted sense of amusement.
- Example: In one call, the killer told a San Francisco police dispatcher, "I'm going to kill again." He then laughed and hung up.
3. Publicly Displayed Messages:
The Zodiac Killer also sent letters to newspapers with threats and demands, forcing them to publish his messages and spread his notoriety. These messages often included clues about his identity or future plans, effectively turning the newspapers into a public platform for his taunts.
- Example: In one letter, the killer demanded that his message be published on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle, threatening to kill again if it wasn't.
4. Mocking the Investigation:
The Zodiac Killer frequently mocked the police investigation, often claiming to be smarter than the authorities or making fun of their efforts to catch him. He would frequently taunt the police, even boasting about his crimes.
- Example: In one letter, the killer wrote, "You guys are getting really good at this detective work."
The Zodiac Killer's taunting messages served a dual purpose: they allowed him to revel in his crimes and mock the police while also fueling his notoriety and creating a sense of fear and paranoia in the public.
