The goal of this assignment is to pull together sources and resources, think critically about all the information gathered, and to write a well-organized and developed paper. Pull together all the material we have been discussing in class to complete this assignment: critical thinking, evaluating sources, researching, documenting sources and formatting (MLA), and developing the
Choose an unsolved mystery or cold case. Consider discussing the myths, gossip, evidence, falsities, and actual events of the case. Talk about what people thought during the case, and then prove what really happened. Three sources. Three pages long.
(My chosen case: Madeleine McCann)
Full Answer Section
Myths and Misconceptions
Over the years, the Zodiac Killer case has been shrouded in speculation and misinformation. Some of the most prevalent myths and misconceptions include:
- The Zodiac Killer was a lone wolf. While there is no definitive evidence to support this claim, it is the most widely accepted theory. However, some investigators believe there may have been an accomplice or accomplices involved.
- The Zodiac Killer was never caught. Despite numerous investigations and over 2,000 suspects, the Zodiac Killer's identity remains unknown. However, some individuals have come forward claiming to be the killer, but their claims have not been substantiated.
- The Zodiac Killer's victims were all strangers. The Zodiac Killer targeted couples and individuals, often attacking them in isolated locations. While some victims were strangers, others were acquaintances or even friends of the killer.
The Evidence
The Zodiac Killer's crimes left a trail of physical evidence, including:
- DNA evidence: In 2018, DNA evidence from one of the Zodiac Killer's letters was linked to a previously unidentified suspect. However, the suspect has since been ruled out by investigators.
- Fingerprints: Fingerprints were lifted from several of the Zodiac Killer's crime scenes, but they have not been matched to any known individual.
- Ciphers: The Zodiac Killer sent several cryptic ciphers to the press, some of which have been deciphered. These ciphers contain clues about the killer's identity, motive, and potential future crimes.
The Falsities
Over the years, there have been numerous false leads and bogus claims related to the Zodiac Killer case. Some of the most notable falsities include:
- The "Lake Berryessa Attack": In 2018, a woman claimed that she and her boyfriend were attacked by the Zodiac Killer at Lake Berryessa in 1969. However, investigators determined that the attack did not match the Zodiac Killer's modus operandi.
- The "EAR/ONS" Connection: Some investigators believe that the Zodiac Killer may be linked to the East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker, a serial rapist and murderer who operated in California during the same time period. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this connection.
- The "Daciphering": In 2020, a group of codebreakers claimed to have deciphered the Zodiac Killer's 340-character cipher, revealing the killer's identity. However, their claim has been widely disputed by experts.
The Actual Events
Despite the myths, misconceptions, and falsities surrounding the Zodiac Killer case, the actual events remain chilling and disturbing. The Zodiac Killer's crimes include:
- December 20, 1968: The Zodiac Killer's first known victims, Betty Lou Jensen and David Faraday, were shot and killed while parked at Lake Herman Road in Benicia, California.
- July 14, 1969: The Zodiac Killer's second victims, Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau, were attacked at Lake Berryessa in Napa County, California. Ferrin was killed, and Mageau was seriously injured.
- August 1, 1969: The Zodiac Killer claimed responsibility for the murder of cab driver Robert Taxi Parris in San Francisco.
- October 27, 1969: The Zodiac Killer claimed responsibility for the murder of Cecilia Shepard in Vallejo, California.
The Zodiac Killer also sent several taunting letters to the press, often claiming responsibility for his crimes and threatening to kill more people. He also included cryptic ciphers in some of his letters, challenging the authorities to decipher them.
The People's Perspective
During the time of the Zodiac Killer's crimes, the public was gripped by fear and anxiety. The killer's taunting letters and the gruesome nature of his crimes made him a terrifying figure, and people were constantly on edge, wondering who would be next.
The police were under immense pressure to catch the killer, but the lack of leads and the Zodiac Killer's ability to evade capture made the investigation frustrating and challenging. The public's frustration and fear were further fueled by the Zodiac Killer's communication with the press, which seemed to give him a sense of power and control.
Sample Answer
The Zodiac Killer: A Journey Through Myths, Misconceptions, and the Truth
The Zodiac Killer, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s, remains one of the most infamous unsolved mysteries in American history. His taunting letters to the press, cryptic ciphers, and gruesome crimes have captivated the public's imagination for decades, spawning countless myths, rumors, and false leads.