One of the world’s most iconic and mysterious serial killers is the Zodiac Killer. Since the 1960s, this criminal has been taking the lives of innocent victims, yet his motives and identity remain unknown and unexplained.
To this day, we still do not know why he is called the Zodiac Killer or why he chose this name. But, throughout this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind the Zodiac Killer’s name and how it ties in to his mysterious life. So, if you’re curious to find out the answers to these questions and discover the origins of the enigmatic killer, keep on reading!
Why is the Zodiac Killer Called That?
The Zodiac Killer is an infamous serial killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area, leaving behind victims, and a trail of bizarre letters and codes. But why is the Zodiac Killer called that?Here we will explore the answer and all the history of the Zodiac Killer, giving insight into one of the most mysterious cases in history.
The History of the Zodiac Killer
The Zodiac Killer began his reign of terror in 1968 and forged a legacy of fear and mystery.Between 1968 and 1969 the killer murdered five people and attempted to murder two more. The killer’s victims ranged in ages from 16 to 29 and were both men and women. He chose his victims randomly and with little discrimination.
The Zodiac Killer sent several letters to the media, local authorities, and citizens with ciphers, symbols, and threats. He taunted the Bay Area of San Francisco with curiously coded answers about his identity that remains unsolved to this day.
The killer eventually stopped in the middle of 1969 and there has been no evidence of him since.
The Zodiac Killer’s Name
The Zodiac Killer’s name comes from a cryptic message he wrote in one of his letters. “My name is.. .
#415 SFPD” was written in the letter, which refers to the area code in San Francisco. Additionally, the letter mentioned a “zodiac”— This symbol was used in the letter that mentioned the name “Zodiac” and was signed off with a circle with a cross in the middle. The Zodiac cross symbol has been linked to both astrology, sun worship, and to a book called “The Zodiac” by Robert Graysmith. Some have theorized this was why the killer chose his name: the cross so like his signature, the astrology in signifying murder and the book written by Robert Graysmith that mentioned the murder of the Zodiac Killer.