MovieChat Forums > Zodiac (2007) Discussion > Do you think he's still alive?

Do you think he's still alive?

posted 9 years ago by BlimeyCharlie
19 replies | jump to latest

I've posted this topic on this message board before, a while back, but I'd like to ask the question again, after having read the continuing discussion about this case in recent years.

Let me state for the record that I don't believe that Zodiac is/was any of the suspects whose names are regularly bandied around, and particularly not Arthur Leigh Allen (DNA/handwriting/fingerprints/eyewitness descriptions = all negative).

Quite seriously, I just want to know everyone's opinions here on whether or not Zodiac may still be alive, and have left evidence behind to reveal who he really is after he dies. Supposedly, Dennis "BTK" Rader had done the same thing before he was caught back in 2005.

The eyewitnesses at the Paul Stine murder scene put Zodiac at around 35-45, Mike Mageau put him at around 30, and Bryan Hartnell said he sounded like he was in his late twenties or early thirties. Based on all this, Zodiac would today probably be around 70 to 85 years old. That means it's very likely he's dead - but *doesn't* rule out the possibility of him still being alive.

What are your thoughts?

[–] benntura 9 years ago

I don't know.

[–] BlimeyCharlie 9 years ago

Erm...I was hoping for a little more than that.

[–] slidell333 9 years ago

Well, I agree that often these people have a desire to remain relevant, ala the BTK killer. I'm convinced he wanted to get caught. He had gotten away with it but he had to write a letter after all those years...SO it is a possibility he's alive and might write a letter or something BUT I believe he knew he got away with it and is happy he did so...what puzzles me is his cypher claims to hold his identity. Very odd. IMHO probably dead. I'd love to read a FBI psych. profile on the Zodiac.

Dave "Crown Time" Blankenship for Time Man of the Year.

[–] soonerpike697 9 years ago

I think you're right on both accounts. I think he's probably dead, I'm not convinced he's one of the suspects, and I have to believe he left evidence linking himself to the crimes somewhere. Whether it still exists or not though is anyone's guess...

[–] daughterofolaf 9 years ago

I have always wondered if he is someone who will take this secret to his grave or if he has left something in a will or whatever that will reveal his identity upon his death.

For that reason and potential scenario, I hope he is still alive because it means we may still get an answer someday.

"Why couldn't the monkey arrange this from INSIDE the garbage can?"

[–] Gabe1972 9 years ago

Due to perceived age and life expectancy of someone from those days, it's more than likely that he is dead. The life expectancy of a white male born in 1940 is the early to mid 60s. I tend to believe the young men vs the kids in assuming the age of the Zodiac.

Doing nothing is hard. You never know when you're done.

[–] costelloband 9 years ago

And it doesn't rule out the possibility that, if alive, he has read this very post.

Creepy huh?

[–] jonafx 9 years ago

I think he died in the 70s.

[–] JackBourassa 9 years ago

He died in 1977 in Santa Cruz, CA.

[–] BlimeyCharlie 9 years ago

Would that be Ross Sullivan you're talking about?

[–] JackBourassa 9 years ago

Yes. He killed Cheri Jo Bates and was the Zodiac killer, maybe killed others.

[–] taran-rod 8 years ago

Way to make assumptions about a case that even experts never solved...

[–] InjunNose 9 years ago

It's been more than twenty-five years since the last communication that even might have come from Zodiac, so in all likelihood he's dead. That being said, I think there's probably someone still living who knew the killer, is aware that he was the killer, and might even be sitting on a piece of Paul Stine's shirt. Just a gut feeling.

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] original-T-byrd 9 years ago

i believe he is dead, though i have nothing to base that on other than that i doubt he was a person who looked after his health. most people didn't in those days, not like they do now.

i doubt he deliberately left evidence or a confession. for whatever reason, he lost interest in his murder game. once he lost interest and some time had passed and other interests took it's place, he would have been much invested in making sure nothing came up to cause himself to get caught. a written or taped confession could possibly be found while he was still alive, so was a pointless danger for him.

as he aged, it may well be that within his heart he became ashamed of what he had done. that might sound impossible, but it's not at all. whoever the zodiac was, he was only human.

but i hope i'm wrong and a confession turns up, with a piece of paul stine's shirt. we could learn so much!

but he's probably dead and enjoying his eternal rewards.