In this episode we delve into the chilling disappearance of Donna Lass, a 25-year-old nurse who vanished under mysterious circumstances from the Sahara Tahoe Casino Hotel in 1970. As we weave through the sinister trails left by the infamous Zodiac Killer, this episode explores how a cryptic postcard sent to the San Francisco Chronicle might be linked to her disappearance.The card, filled with perplexing symbols and dire messages, hints at the possibility that Lass could have been one of Zodiac’s victims. Our investigation takes us through the eerie details of the postcard, the ongoing Zodiac investigation, and the haunting reality that Lass was never seen again after her shift at the casino.Check out Magic Mind: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code FOULPLAY20 at checkoutYou can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/foulplayOur Sponsors:* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.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 delve more into the unsolved murder of Cheri Jo Bates. On the night of October 30, 1966, Bates, an 18-year-old college student, met a tragic end on the campus of Riverside College in California. In this episode we discuss the Riverside Suspect and new evidence that came forward. Our Sponsors:* Check out mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.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 mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.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 mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.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 mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.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 mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.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 mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.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 mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.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 mylifeinabook.com and use code SHANE at checkout for 10% off. Create an unforgettable gift for your mom this Mother’s Day.* Discover your inner detective when you download June’s Journey for free today on iOS and Android. * You deserve a healthier way to unwind. Head to takearecess.com/SHANE and get 15% off Recess Mood, your go-to alcohol replacement.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/foul-play-crime-series/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy