In this two-part series, in Part One we break down the chilling beginnings of the Zodiac Killer case. We cover the known crimes, the victims whose lives were taken far too soon, and the letters that turned this case into a national obsession. From cryptic ciphers to taunting messages sent directly to the media, we walk through how one unidentified killer was able to spread fear across California and leave behind one of the most haunting mysteries in true crime history.

In the New Mexico desert, a man named David Parker Ray hid a nightmare behind closed doors—a place he chillingly called his “toy box.” What happened inside that trailer remains one of the most disturbing mysteries in true crime, with stories so dark they still unsettle investigators today. With the help of Cindy Hendy, Ray is believed to have preyed on countless victims, many of whom may never be identified. It’s a case defined not just by what we know, but by what may never be uncovered.

In this episode, we cover the long awaited capture of the Golden State Killer and the decades long investigation that led to his identification. From the use of genetic genealogy to finally put a name to the crimes, to the ethical questions surrounding that method, we break down how this case was ultimately solved. We also walk through the emotional courtroom moments where victims were given the opportunity to share their statements, despite there being no trial due to a plea deal and COVID.

After years of silence, the victims were finally able to be heard—and their stories will always matter.