The Zodiac Killer remains one of America’s most infamous unsolved mysteries. Terrorizing Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s, this unidentified serial killer instilled fear and captivated the public imagination. Beyond the gruesome crimes and cryptic messages, the very name “Zodiac Killer” has become synonymous with chilling anonymity. But why was he called the Zodiac Killer? The answer lies in the taunting letters he sent to local newspapers, filled with astrological references and complex ciphers.
The moniker “Zodiac” originated directly from the killer himself. In a series of letters mailed to the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Francisco Examiner, and the Vallejo Times-Herald starting in the summer of 1969, the unknown assailant began signing his messages with the symbol of a circle with a cross through it – resembling the astrological zodiac symbol.
This distinctive symbol, coupled with the content of his letters, solidified the name “Zodiac Killer” in the public consciousness. The letters themselves were not just confessions of murder; they were elaborate communications designed to taunt law enforcement and engage the media. He claimed responsibility for multiple murders and threatened further violence, demanding his messages be printed on the front pages of newspapers.
Furthermore, many of these letters contained cryptograms, or ciphers, complex puzzles that the Zodiac challenged authorities to solve. One of the most famous ciphers, the 408-character cipher, was sent in pieces to the three newspapers. In it, he promised to reveal his identity once the code was broken. The successful decryption of this cipher by a schoolteacher and his wife revealed disturbing and boastful language, but crucially, did not expose the killer’s name. The use of ciphers, combined with the Zodiac symbol, contributed to the mystique and intrigue surrounding the killer, reinforcing the Zodiac name.
The Zodiac Killer’s calculated use of media and cryptic communication was unprecedented for its time. By adopting the “Zodiac” name and incorporating astrological and cipher elements, he crafted a persona that was both terrifying and fascinating. This self-selected name, delivered through his chilling letters and symbols, is why the unidentified serial killer is forever known as the Zodiac Killer, a name that continues to echo through true crime history.
