The Zodiac Killer is one of the most infamous unsolved serial killer cases in history. In this episode of Dead Ends, we break down the confirmed murders, the 408 cipher, the letters sent to the press, and the main suspects including Arthur Leigh Allen and Richard Hoffman.

From Lake Herman Road and Blue Rock Springs to Lake Berryessa and Presidio Heights, this is a full deep dive into the Zodiac case, the timeline, the evidence, and the theories that still surround it today.

0:00 Introduction

10:27 Case Overview: The Zodiac Killer

15:43 First Zodiac Murder: Lake Herman Road (David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen)

21:44 Second Zodiac Murder: Blue Rock Springs (Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau)

30:30 The 408 Cipher

40:28 Third Zodiac Murder: Lake Berryessa (Bryan Hartnell and Cecelia Shepard)

50:50 Fourth Zodiac Murder: Presidio Heights (Paul Stine)

1:06:08 Suspects, Theories & Investigation

1:08:09 Richard Hoffman

1:12:06 Arthur Leigh Allen

The Zodiac Killer terrorised Northern California in the late 1960s, leaving behind murdered couples, a dead cab driver, cryptic letters, and ciphers that still fascinate investigators today. In this episode, we examine the canonical attacks, the surviving victims, the cipher sent to the press, and the suspects most often linked to the case.

Join the conversation in the comments — who do you think was the Zodiac Killer?

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In 1947, one month after the Murder of the Black Dahlia, Jeanne French was murdered in what would come to be known as the Red Lipstick Murder.

Were these murders linked?

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#truecrimestories #coldcase #unsolvedmystery

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In this episode, we dive into one of Unsolved Mysteries’ most unsettling cases — The Ghost in Apartment 14. What starts as a seemingly classic haunting quickly spirals into something far more disturbing, blurring the line between paranormal fear and real-world danger.

• The reported haunting of Apartment 14 - escalating disturbances and unexplained injuries
• Witness accounts from friends and family
• The apartment’s violent history - the disappearance of Marie Elizabeth Spennhake
• The kidnapping and escape of Colleen Stan
• Why this case remains unsolved

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As we close out the year, we’re stepping away from a single case and opening the files on Dead Ends itself. This Christmas special is a looser, more reflective episode — a chance to look back at the stories that stayed with us, the moments that shocked us, and the cases we still can’t stop thinking about.

We revisit some of the most memorable investigations we’ve covered this year, share our favourite moments behind the scenes, and reflect on how researching these cases has changed the way we see true crime.

But this episode isn’t just about endings. To balance the darkness, we also shine a light on something we don’t talk about often enough — the people who survived. We explore powerful stories of near misses, quick thinking, and sheer resilience — cases where victims escaped, fought back, or trusted their instincts and lived to tell the story.

It’s a reminder that while many trails go cold, not all stories end in tragedy.

• A recap of the cases we covered this year
• The moments that shocked, frustrated, or stayed with us the longest
• Behind-the-scenes reflections and unexpected discoveries
• Listener interactions and the impact of the community
• Stories of victims who escaped attempted murder
• Why survival stories matter in true crime

This week’s mini episode explores two haunting cases that continue to raise the same question: how can something so shocking remain unresolved?

Erica covers the disappearance of Suzie Lamplugh, a 25-year-old London estate agent who vanished in broad daylight in 1986 after arranging a house viewing with a man she referred to as “Mr Kipper.” Despite a prime suspect and decades of investigation, Suzie was never found — and her case forever changed personal safety practices across the UK.

Pete takes us back to 1912 Iowa, to the Villisca Axe Murder House, where eight people — including six children — were brutally murdered in their sleep. The crime shocked a nation, produced a long list of suspects, and remains one of America’s most infamous unsolved mass murders.

Two cases. Two eras. And suspects that many believe were hiding in plain sight.

This mini episode includes discussion of abduction, murder, and violence against adults and children. Listener discretion is advised.

Do you think these cases had obvious suspects from the start? We want to hear your thoughts.

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