This bonus episode unfurls the perplexing case of Cheri Jo Bates, murdered in 1966, whose death sparked not only grief but a series of sinister letters that shook the Riverside community. Delve into the dark twists of this case as anonymous letters once believed to be from the infamous Zodiac Killer come to light as a disturbing prank by a troubled teen. Explore how these revelations shift the focus back to the quest for the real killer, reigniting a cold case that refuses to be silenced.Uncover the interplay of fact and fiction in an investigation that spans over five decades. As detectives employ cutting-edge DNA technology to solve the puzzle of the 2016 confession letter, the story takes a startling turn, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human conscience and the shadows of past actions. Join us as we piece together the intricate details of this haunting tale, reminding us that sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction. Tune in to confront the enigma of Cheri Jo Bates's untimely death and the eerie aftermath that continues to echo through the corridors of time.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.comJoin our crime community at Patreon.com/itsfoulplayOur Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Explore the haunting details of Cheri Jo Bates's brutal murder in 1966, set against the backdrop of a society captivated by the likes of the Beatles and the debut of Star Trek. Delve into a meticulously detailed recounting of her last known hours, the gruesome crime scene, and the chilling letters that followed, which stoked the fear and fascination surrounding the Zodiac Killer.This episode takes a deep dive into the complex web of evidence, from the infamous confession letter to the sinister poems left behind, as investigative journalist Paul Avery links the murder to the Zodiac's cryptic messages. Journey through the twists and turns of a case that has perplexed investigators for decades, featuring interviews, forensic analyses, and a look at the prime suspect "Bob Barnett." Tune in to unravel the layers of this cold case and the shadowy figure of the Zodiac, whose taunting games with the police and media continue to intrigue and horrify.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.comJoin our Patreon community at Patreon.com/itsfoulplayOur Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this bonus episode we dive into a haunting chapter of the Zodiac killer saga when the notorious serial killer directly reaches out for help through a dramatic interaction with famed attorney Melvin Belli. On October 22, 1969, in an audacious move, the Zodiac demanded Belli appear on a popular morning TV show, igniting a series of events filled with hope and deception. The episode unravels this bizarre engagement through the lens of Belli and the call-in show, capturing the tense exchanges and the desperate pleas of a caller identifying himself as 'Sam,' claiming to suffer from unbearable headaches since committing his crimes.The narrative takes a darker turn as it explores the aftermath of the televised plea, detailing a planned but failed meeting between Belli and the Zodiac in Daly City, and the investigative twists that followed. This episode sheds light on the complexities of tracing the Zodiac's calls, the skepticism around the authenticity of 'Sam,' and the chilling realization that the Zodiac’s communication might just be another manipulative game in his terrifying spree. In December 1969, a letter arrives at Belli's office, accompanied by a piece of blood-stained clothing from victim Paul Stine, reinforcing the grim reality of the Zodiac's deadly actions and his cryptic interactions with the public figures he drew into his orbit.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.comJoin our Patreon and community at Patreon.com/itsfoulplayOur Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we delve into the cryptic and chilling world of the Zodiac Killer's communications through his letters and the infamous 340 Cipher. This episode unveils the terror that began with a series of menacing letters starting in November 1969, where the Zodiac threatened the lives of school children and baffled authorities with his complex ciphers. We explore how these letters not only continued to instill fear across California but also taunted the police with clues that seemed almost within reach yet remained unsolvable for decades.Further intensifying the narrative, the episode covers the evolution of Zodiac's threats from targeted public taunts to more sinister and broad threats, including a detailed plan to create a "death machine" aimed at a school bus. The capture of this period of terror is complemented by insights from law enforcement officials, cryptologists who later cracked the 340 Cipher, and chilling audio clips from the era. As we dissect the psychological warfare waged by the Zodiac through his communications, listeners are drawn into the complex puzzle that has captivated and horrified the public and investigators for over fifty years.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.comFollow me on Instagram.Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/itsfoulplayOur Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we delve into the haunting narrative of Paul Stine’s murder by the Zodiac Killer. On a seemingly ordinary night in the tranquil neighborhood of Presidio Heights in San Francisco, the silence is broken by a heinous act that propels Stine, a hopeful academic moonlighting as a cab driver, into the midst of a terrifying killing spree. Through detailed reconstructions, firsthand accounts, and police reports, this episode pieces together the events that led to Stine's untimely death, set against the backdrop of the Zodiac's reign of terror over the Bay Area.The investigation into Stine’s murder unveils a series of critical missteps and a chilling correspondence from the Zodiac, mocking the police and threatening further violence. We explore the dispatch error that misdirected the initial search efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement and the deepening mystery of the Zodiac's identity. Archival material enrich our understanding of this complex case, offering a compelling and disturbing glimpse into one of American criminal history's most perplexing unsolved cases.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.comFollow me on Instagram.Our Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we explore the sinister shift in the Zodiac killer's methods during the daylight attack on Bryan Hartnell and Cecelia Shepard beside the tranquil yet foreboding shores of Lake Berryessa. This encounter, marked by the killer's transition to a more personal and horrifying mode of assault, unveils the chilling audacity of a murderer willing to confront his victims face-to-face. As the episode unfolds, the narrative captures the initial bliss of the victims' day out, spiraling into the terror that ensues when they realize they're not alone.The aftermath focuses on Bryan Hartnell's miraculous survival and the critical information he provides, offering a rare insight into the Zodiac's psyche. The episode is further enriched by a haunting anecdote about three young women who unknowingly escaped a potential encounter with the Zodiac earlier that day. Through a blend of suspenseful storytelling and detailed analysis, the episode not only delves into the horror inflicted by the Zodiac but also highlights the eerie courage and calculated preparation behind one of history's most elusive serial killers, leaving listeners pondering the depth of his malice.Visit me online at itsfoulplay.comFollow me on Instagram.Our Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this harrowing episode of Foul Play, we delve into the bone-chilling Lake Berryessa attack by the enigmatic Zodiac Killer. Late September 1969, amidst the serene backdrop of Lake Berryessa's sprawling waters in California, a young couple's peaceful day turns into a nightmare. The Zodiac, craving attention and control, executes one of his most brutal assaults, stabbing and leaving them for dead. The attack sends shockwaves through the local community and law enforcement, escalating the urgency to capture this elusive predator. Our narrative reconstructs the events of that fateful day, drawing from firsthand accounts, police reports, and the Zodiac's own cryptic communications, immersing listeners into the depth of this terrifying mystery.The episode not only recounts the physical aftermath of the attack but also the emotional and societal ripples it created. The detailed investigation, led by determined detectives, unravels amidst a backdrop of fear and fascination with the Zodiac's macabre game of cat and mouse. As the story unfolds, the tragic loss of Cecelia Shepard, the resilience of Bryan Hartnell, and the relentless pursuit of justice by Napa County police paint a vivid picture of a community united in the face of horror. Through meticulous research and gripping storytelling, this episode of Foul Play brings to light the Zodiac's reign of terror at Lake Berryessa, offering insights into the investigation and the lasting impact of these heinous crimes.Visit us online,View photos and additional content that goes along with this series by supporting our show. Join us on Patreon.Our Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dive into the chilling world of The Zodiac, the elusive predator who terrorized Northern California in the late 1960s. With five confirmed victims and a claim of thirty-seven, his taunting letters, cryptic ciphers, and menacing calls left an indelible mark of fear.This season on Foul Play: Crime Series, The Zodiac takes you on a dark journey through the killer's mind and the decades-long quest to uncover his identity. From the detectives on his trail to the cryptographers decoding his messages, we explore every facet of the case that continues to fascinate and horrify.Join us for a season of deep dives into the abyss of one of America's most haunting mysteries. Our Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this gripping episode we focus on the chilling events surrounding the first Zodiac letters and ciphers sent by this enigmatic murderer. July 1969 marked not just a monumental achievement in human history with the moon landing but also a dark period in California's history as fear gripped the communities of Benicia and Vallejo.The Zodiac's brutal attacks on young couples, his cold and calculated demeanor, and the mysterious phone call to the Vallejo Police Department declaring responsibility for these horrifying acts set the stage for a terrifying game of cat and mouse. As we unravel the twisted mind behind these crimes, the episode takes a deeper look into the killer's desire for attention and control, shedding light on his cryptic messages to the press and the police.Visit us online at Foul Play: Crime SeriesView photos and additional content that goes along with this series by supporting our show. Join us on Patreon at http://Patreon.com/itsfoulplayOur Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this chilling episode we delve into the harrowing night of July 4th, 1969, when the city of Vallejo, California, became the backdrop for a devastating attack by the infamous Zodiac Killer. As the festive atmosphere of Independence Day faded, Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau found themselves in the serene setting of Blue Rock Springs Park, unaware of the horror that awaited them. This episode meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to the shooting, painting a vivid picture of a peaceful night turned nightmare. Through details and analysis, we explore the immediate aftermath of the attack, the emergency response, and the cryptic call that linked this act of violence to the Zodiac's reign of terror.The investigation unfolds with gripping detail as we follow the law enforcement response to the Blue Rock Springs attack, the painstaking efforts of medical personnel to save the victims, and the subsequent police work that connected this brutal shooting to the Zodiac Killer's series of crimes.Visit us online at itsfoulplay.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Recess and use my code SHANE for a great deal: http://www.takearecess.com* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Go to badlandsfood.com/SHANE to get up to 50% off your regular-priced dog food order with a 90-day money-back guarantee with Badlands Ranch Pets.* This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FOUL and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy