Only a few people have survived or witnessed the Zodiac Killer in action, but thankfully they've been able to provide a detailed physical description of what he looks like. The killer has been described as being roughly 5'8” to 5'10” with curly brown hair styled in a crew cut.
His letters, sent from 1969 to 1974, were signed with a symbol resembling the crosshairs of a gunsight and typically began with the phrase, “this is the Zodiac speaking.” Included among the letters were four ciphers or cryptograms, the first of which was sent in three parts to three Bay Area newspapers in July 1969.
Case Breakers said it found DNA on a hiking mat once owned by Poste and connected it to him after securing DNA from a relative of Poste's. The group wants law enforcement to compare that DNA to hairs found on Cheri Jo Bates, who it believes was a sixth victim of the Zodiac killer in 1966.
Whether it was Gary Francis Poste or not, one thing that is clear according to the authorities is that the Zodiac killer would now be around 90 years old.
There's no clear-cut DNA evidence
Even decades-old evidence can be re-examined with modern technology for blood or semen. But detectives aren't as lucky with Zodiac. Most of his murders involved him shooting the victim and running away.
The FBI has consistently rejected reports and conclusions that the case has been solved and told Fox News Digital in October 2021 that the case was still open.
The Zodiac Killer's identity has been reportedly found by the FBI, they believe that although the infamous murderer that was active during the 1960s has passed away, the main suspect is thought to be Air Force veteran Gary Francis Poste.
'Old associates of the housepainter/alleged serial killer claim that, a few years prior to Poste's 2018 death at 80, he had quietly given away his weapons, pistol parts, gunpowder, bullets and shell casings – more than a thousand, involving 25 different calibers – to his favorite locals,' they added.
He actually gave himself the title “Zodiac” in the cryptic letters he sent to the press during his murder spree. The letters often began with the words “This is the Zodiac speaking,” and contained various cryptograms and taunts alluding to his planned murders. Most of the cryptograms remain unsolved to this day.
Serial killers with the highest known victim count. The most prolific modern serial killer is arguably doctor Harold Shipman, with 218 probable murders and possibly as many as 250 (see "Medical professionals", below). However, he was actually convicted of a sample of 15 murders.
The FBI believe that they have finally discovered the identity of the Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who was active in the 1960s and murdered five people. Although the killings stopped, the person behind the crimes was never caught.
The Zodiac Killer is one of America's most infamous serial killers. During the 1960s and 1970s, Zodiac murdered at least five people, often couples in secluded areas, near San Francisco. His first victim was Cheri Jo Bates. He wrote a confession about her, including a message to “beware…”
The last murder confirmed to have been committed by the Zodiac killer was on October 11, 1969. The killing, which took place in San Francisco, claimed the life of Paul Stine, a 28-year-old taxi driver.
Earlier in the year, DNA evidence emerged that suggests we can identify the true identity of Jack the Ripper. A shawl found by the body of Catherine Eddowes that contains 'forensic stains' has been used to identify the killer as Aaron Kosminski, a 23-year-old barber from Poland.
Many theorise that he died just after the killings stopped, or his death was the reason the killings stopped. He was incarcerated on another crime. Believable theory, that the reason the killings stopped was because he got put away for another crime.
The Zodiac Killer is confirmed to have murdered five people in 1968 and 1969. He gave himself the name, and sent ciphers and cryptograms to regional newspapers, threatening to kill more people if they were not printed. The killer claimed that he was collecting his victims as slaves for the afterlife.
Darlene Ferrin and Michael Renault Mageau
Mageau survived the shooting, helping investigators piece together what happened that night.
From the late 1960s to the early 1970s the Zodiac killer sent four coded letters. Of the four ciphers, only one has actually been solved. His letters were written in two parts. The first part was usually written in plain text, while the other was in cipher text, in which he claimed contained his identity.
From the letters they had a handwriting sample, fingerprints and DNA; beyond that the Zodiac Killer left very little physical evidence. The FBI never formally opened their own investigation, but they did consult with the San Francisco Police with the forensic evidence.
Mike Renault Mageau and Bryan Calvin Hartnell are the only two known survivors of the Zodiac. Mageau was conversing in a car with her co-worker, Darlene Ferrin, when the Zodiac shot and killed Ferrin. Mageau was shot four times and survived.
Gwennie, a neighbor child who was babysat by Gary and his wife in 1970 claimed him to be the Zodiac killer in 2021. Gary has a son who got married to Michelle. In 2016 February 22, Gary was arrested for assaulting and injuring Mary and was charged with one count of corporal injury to a spouse.
From Australia's first serial killer (William MacDonald) to its worst (the "Snowtown" murders), Australia has suffered a wide range of homicidal psychopaths who were compelled to keep killing until they were caught.
In 2007, India earned a world record for having the Youngest Serial Killer. It was never a record to be proud of. Unlike other serial killers, Amarjeet Sada was only seven years old when he committed three brutal murders. Amarjeet's poor parents were happy when they were blessed with a son.