The Zodiac Killer's First Strike: The Lake Herman Road Murders
Crime Time Inc20 Des 2025

The Zodiac Killer's First Strike: The Lake Herman Road Murders


On December 20th, 1968, the serene atmosphere of rural Northern California became the backdrop for a chilling double murder that would mark the beginning of one of history's most infamous unsolved mysteries: The Zodiac Killer. In this gripping episode, we delve into the tragic deaths of teenagers David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen, who were brutally attacked while on their first date. Explore the intricate details of the crime scene, the cryptic evidence, and the early investigative challenges that foreshadowed a series of unsolved killings. True crime enthusiasts and those captivated by criminal psychology will uncover the initial steps of a predator who would later taunt police and the media, becoming a figure of grim fascination. Join us as we dissect the first clues of the Zodiac's reign of terror in this captivating true crime podcast episode.


00:00 A Quiet Night in Solano County

04:54 The First Encounter

06:35 The Zodiac Killer's First Victims

08:15 The Aftermath and Investigation

09:19 Witness Accounts and Early Theories

23:31 Challenges in 1960s Forensic Investigation

27:46 Speculations and Theories

32:03 The Killer's Profile and Future Attacks

36:23 The Lake Herman Road Murders: A Cold Case Begins

38:06 The Zodiac's Second Attack: July 4th, 1969

38:43 The Zodiac Letters: A Killer's Confession

40:25 Introducing Crime Time Inc.: Tom and Simon's Analysis

45:50 The Zodiac's Weapon of Choice: The .22 Caliber

56:34 Jurisdictional Challenges in the Zodiac Case

01:05:19 The Media's Role in the Zodiac Case

01:08:04 Looking Ahead: The Blue Rock Springs Attack

About Crime Time Inc.

Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic.

This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history.

Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work.

Two crime worlds. One podcast.

New episodes released regularly throughout the season.




Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/


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Episoder(287)

Why the Zodiac Killer Was Never Caught | Final Case Review

Why the Zodiac Killer Was Never Caught | Final Case Review

In this episode, we delve into the intricate case of the Zodiac Killer, reflecting on the thorough investigation and narrative crafted by Alex, who's been pivotal in summarizing the key elements of th...

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Zodiac Killer Final Episode: The Remaining Suspects, The Failed Investigation, and Why the Case Is Still Unsolved

Zodiac Killer Final Episode: The Remaining Suspects, The Failed Investigation, and Why the Case Is Still Unsolved

In the final episode of our Zodiac Killer series, we move beyond the best-known suspects and examine the bigger question at the heart of this case: why has the Zodiac investigation produced so many na...

22 Apr 44min

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19 Apr 21min

Was Earl Van Best Jr the Zodiac Killer? The Gary Stewart Theory Examined

Was Earl Van Best Jr the Zodiac Killer? The Gary Stewart Theory Examined

In this episode, we examine one of the most emotionally powerful and controversial theories ever attached to the Zodiac case: the claim that Earl Van Best Jr was the killer.At the centre of the story ...

15 Apr 28min

How Forensics Might Solve the Gary Poste Enigma

How Forensics Might Solve the Gary Poste Enigma

In this episode of Crime Time Inc, hosts Tom Wood and Simon McLean take a detailed look at Gary Francis Post as a suspect in the Zodiac killer case, continuing their in-depth series on one of America'...

12 Apr 21min

The Man With the Hammer: Gary Poste and the Zodiac Killer Theory Explained

The Man With the Hammer: Gary Poste and the Zodiac Killer Theory Explained

In this episode, Simon and Tom examine one of the most controversial modern Zodiac Killer suspects: Gary Francis Poste.The story begins with a chilling moment—an elderly man, a simple question, and a ...

8 Apr 16min

Richard Gaikowski Review: Was the Zodiac Killer Hiding in Plain Sight?

Richard Gaikowski Review: Was the Zodiac Killer Hiding in Plain Sight?

In this review episode, Simon and Tom take a measured look at Richard Gaikowski, one of the most frequently discussed suspects in the Zodiac case. After Alec’s suspect profile, they break down what is...

2 Apr 12min

Richard Gaikowski: The Zodiac Suspect Built on Coincidence or Hidden Truth?

Richard Gaikowski: The Zodiac Suspect Built on Coincidence or Hidden Truth?

In this episode, we examine one of the most controversial and debated Zodiac Killer suspects — Richard Gaikowski.A journalist with ties to San Francisco’s counterculture scene, Gaikowski has long fasc...

1 Apr 12min

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