Has the Zodiac Killer Been Found in 2021?

The case of the Zodiac Killer has captivated true crime enthusiasts and amateur sleuths for over five decades. The unidentified serial killer, who operated in Northern California during the late 1960s and early 1970s, terrorized the public and taunted law enforcement with cryptic messages. Despite numerous suspects and countless theories, the question of whether the Zodiac Killer has been found persists in 2021. In this blog post, we will delve into the latest developments and explore the evidence and claims surrounding the potential identification of the notorious Zodiac Killer.

The Unsolved Mystery

Before we dive into the recent developments, let’s briefly recap the Zodiac Killer case. The Zodiac Killer is believed to be responsible for at least five confirmed murders: David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen in December 1968, Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau in July 1969, and Paul Stine in October 1969. The Zodiac Killer gained notoriety through anonymous letters sent to newspapers, in which he claimed responsibility for the crimes and provided cryptic codes for investigators to decipher.

The case took a new twist in 1969 when three newspapers received nearly identical letters from an individual claiming to be the Zodiac Killer. These letters contained a cipher, which the sender demanded be printed on the front pages of the newspapers. The cipher was eventually cracked, leading to intense speculation and investigations that have continued to this day. Although several suspects emerged over the years, none were conclusively linked to the crimes.

Theories and Suspects

Over the years, a multitude of theories and suspects have been put forward in an attempt to solve the Zodiac Killer case. Some claimed that Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, was responsible for the murders. However, no concrete evidence has emerged linking Kaczynski to the crimes, and law enforcement agencies have not identified him as a suspect.

Another potential suspect is Arthur Leigh Allen. Allen came under scrutiny due to alleged circumstantial evidence, such as his interest in cryptography and his resemblance to the composite sketches of the Zodiac Killer. However, DNA testing conducted in 2002 failed to link Allen to the crime scenes, leaving room for doubt regarding his involvement.

In recent years, a team of independent investigators led by former police officer turned true crime author, Gary L. Stewart, claimed to have identified the Zodiac Killer based on their extensive research. According to Stewart, his biological father, Earl Van Best Jr., was the Zodiac Killer. Stewart’s book, “The Most Dangerous Animal of All,” details his journey and the evidence he believes implicates his father.

The Latest Developments

While Stewart’s book generated significant media attention, it is important to note that his claims were met with skepticism from many experts and authorities. DNA testing is often considered the most reliable method of identifying suspects, and thus far, no DNA evidence conclusively links Van Best Jr. to the Zodiac murders.

Despite the lack of genetic evidence, Stewart’s investigation brought renewed attention to the case and led to a reexamination of existing evidence. In 2018, the Vallejo Police Department announced that they had submitted letters received during the original investigation for additional DNA analysis. The hope was that advancements in forensic technology could potentially yield a breakthrough in the case.

While the results of the DNA analysis have not been publicly released, the Zodiac Killer’s identification remains an open question. It is worth noting that the case is still actively being investigated, with law enforcement agencies and private individuals working tirelessly to solve the mystery.

The Legacy of the Zodiac Killer

The Zodiac Killer case continues to capture the imagination of true crime enthusiasts and amateur sleuths around the world. The killer’s ability to elude capture and maintain anonymity has fueled countless books, documentaries, and online forums dedicated to solving the case. The cryptic codes and letters left by the Zodiac Killer remain a subject of fascination and have inspired numerous individuals to decipher and analyze them.

In conclusion, while several suspects and theories have emerged over the years, the identity of the Zodiac Killer remains unconfirmed as of 2021. Advances in forensic technology and ongoing investigations offer hope for a breakthrough in the future. Until then, the mystery of the Zodiac Killer remains one of the most enduring unsolved cases in American history.