Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer
Rodney Alcala was a serial killer who appeared on the popular television show "The Dating Game" in 1978.
- Convicted of seven murders
- Suspected of up to 130 murders
- Known for taking Polaroid photos of his victims
- Dubbed the "Dating Game Killer"
- Sentenced to death in 2010
- Died in prison in 2021
- Case remains one of the most notorious in history
Alcala's crimes shocked the nation and raised questions about the safety of reality television shows.
Convicted of seven murders
Rodney Alcala was convicted of seven murders in California between 1977 and 1979. His victims were young women and girls, ranging in age from 12 to 28. Alcala was a prolific serial killer who is believed to have killed many more people than he was ever convicted of.
- Cornelia Crilley
12-year-old Cornelia Crilley was Alcala's first known victim. She was kidnapped from her Simi Valley home in 1977 and her body was found dumped in the Angeles National Forest. Alcala was convicted of her murder in 2010.
- Ellen Jane Hover
23-year-old Ellen Jane Hover was a flight attendant who was killed in 1977. Her body was found in her West Hollywood apartment. Alcala was convicted of her murder in 2013.
- Jill Barcomb
18-year-old Jill Barcomb was a nursing student who was killed in 1979. Her body was found in her Santa Monica apartment. Alcala was convicted of her murder in 2010.
- Georgia Wixted
27-year-old Georgia Wixted was a fashion designer who was killed in 1979. Her body was found in her Malibu apartment. Alcala was convicted of her murder in 2011.
- Charlotte Lamb
32-year-old Charlotte Lamb was a photographer who was killed in 1979. Her body was found in El Segundo. Alcala was convicted of her murder in 2011.
- Marilyn Kindt
29-year-old Marilyn Kindt was a nurse who was killed in 1979. Her body was found in Burbank. Alcala was convicted of her murder in 2010.
- Dorothy Miller
18-year-old Dorothy Miller was a high school student who was killed in 1979. Her body was found in Westchester. Alcala was convicted of her murder in 2010.
Alcala was sentenced to death for the murders of Crilley, Hover, Barcomb, Wixted, Lamb, Kindt, and Miller. He died in prison in 2021 while awaiting execution.
Suspected of up to 130 murders
Rodney Alcala is suspected of up to 130 murders, although he was only convicted of seven. His victims were young women and girls, and he often targeted hitchhikers and runaways. Alcala's crimes were particularly heinous, and he was known for taking Polaroid photos of his victims, both before and after he killed them.
- Modus operandi
Alcala's modus operandi was to approach young women and girls, often offering them a ride or pretending to be a photographer. He would then take them to a secluded location and strangle them. Alcala would often take Polaroid photos of his victims, both before and after he killed them. He would also keep trophies from his victims, such as jewelry and clothing.
- Victimology
Alcala's victims were typically young women and girls, ranging in age from 12 to 28. Many of his victims were hitchhikers or runaways, making them easy targets for a predator. Alcala would often target women who were alone and vulnerable.
- Polaroid photos
Alcala is known for taking Polaroid photos of his victims, both before and after he killed them. These photos were often used as evidence against him in court. Alcala's Polaroid photos are chilling and disturbing, and they provide a glimpse into the mind of a serial killer.
- Trophies
Alcala would often keep trophies from his victims, such as jewelry and clothing. These trophies were a way for Alcala to remember his victims and to relive his crimes. Alcala's trophies were found in his storage locker after his arrest.
The true number of Alcala's victims may never be known. However, he is one of the most prolific serial killers in American history, and his crimes have left a lasting impact on the communities where he operated.
Known for taking Polaroid photos of his victims
Rodney Alcala is known for taking Polaroid photos of his victims, both before and after he killed them. These photos were often used as evidence against him in court, and they provide a chilling glimpse into the mind of a serial killer.
- Modus operandi
Alcala would often use Polaroid photos as part of his modus operandi. He would approach young women and girls, often offering them a ride or pretending to be a photographer. He would then take them to a secluded location and strangle them. Alcala would often take Polaroid photos of his victims before and after he killed them.
- Evidence
Alcala's Polaroid photos were often used as evidence against him in court. The photos showed the victims both before and after they were killed, and they provided a clear link between Alcala and the crimes. Alcala's Polaroid photos were a key factor in his conviction.
- Psychology
Alcala's Polaroid photos provide a glimpse into the psychology of a serial killer. The photos show that Alcala was a sadistic and predatory individual who enjoyed torturing and killing his victims. Alcala's Polaroid photos are a chilling reminder of the darkness that can exist in the human heart.
- Legacy
Alcala's Polaroid photos have become a part of the legacy of serial murder. The photos are a reminder of the horrors that can be inflicted on innocent victims, and they serve as a warning to be aware of the dangers that lurk in the shadows.
Rodney Alcala's Polaroid photos are a chilling and disturbing reminder of the darkness that can exist in the human heart. The photos are a testament to the evil that Alcala inflicted on his victims, and they serve as a warning to be aware of the dangers that lurk in the shadows.
Dubbed the "Dating Game Killer"
Rodney Alcala was dubbed the "Dating Game Killer" after he appeared on the popular television show "The Dating Game" in 1978. Alcala was a contestant on the show, and he was chosen by bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw. However, Bradshaw later learned that Alcala had been convicted of assault and battery, and she refused to go on a date with him.
- Publicity
Alcala's appearance on "The Dating Game" generated a lot of publicity, and it helped to raise awareness of his crimes. The show's producers were unaware of Alcala's criminal history, and his appearance on the show shocked and horrified viewers.
- Nickname
After Alcala's crimes were discovered, the media began to refer to him as the "Dating Game Killer." The nickname stuck, and it has become synonymous with Alcala's crimes.
- Notoriety
Alcala's appearance on "The Dating Game" has contributed to his notoriety. The show's popularity has ensured that Alcala's crimes will never be forgotten. Alcala's nickname, the "Dating Game Killer," has become a part of the cultural lexicon, and it serves as a reminder of the dangers that can lurk in plain sight.
- Legacy
Alcala's appearance on "The Dating Game" has had a lasting impact on the show and on the way that people view reality television. The show's producers have since implemented stricter background checks on contestants, and viewers are more aware of the potential dangers of meeting strangers online or on television.
Rodney Alcala's appearance on "The Dating Game" is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can hide behind a charming smile. Alcala's nickname, the "Dating Game Killer," has become a part of the cultural lexicon, and it serves as a warning to be aware of the dangers that lurk in plain sight.