Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer

Send us a textThe camera flash was just a distraction. Behind the lens stood one of America's most prolific serial killers - Rodney Alcala, a man whose charm and seemingly legitimate profession as a photographer allowed him to approach women in broad daylight and lure them to their deaths.We trace Alcala's disturbing evolution from troubled military serviceman to calculated predator. Discharged from the Army after a psychiatric diagnosis, Alcala's first known attack came in 1968 when he lured eight-year-old Tali Shapiro to his apartment, nearly killing her before escaping justice. After assuming a new identity as "John Berger," he continued his reign of terror across both coasts, leaving a trail of victims while developing his signature approach - approaching women with the promise of modeling opportunities.Perhaps most chillingly, at the height of his killing spree in 1978, Alcala appeared as a contestant on national television. Competing on "The Dating Game," he won the affection of bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw with his witty responses and charismatic presence. Fortunately, Bradshaw's instincts warned her something was off, and she declined their date - a decision that likely saved her life. Just one year later, Alcala would be arrested for the murder of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe, leading investigators to a storage locker containing over 1,000 photographs of unidentified women and girls, many in vulnerable positions.Though convicted of five murders, authorities believe Alcala's true victim count may exceed 130. His case exemplifies how predators can hide behind legitimate occupations and charming personalities, moving through society undetected for years. Follow along as we unravel how this monster in plain sight was finally brought to justice after decades of legal battles.Support the show