Rodney Alcala, a man with a deceptively charming exterior, was a convicted serial killer who terrorized California and other parts of the US in the 1970s. His crimes were marked by brutality and a chilling ability to blend in, earning him the moniker “The Dating Game Killer” after a 1978 appearance on the popular TV show.
Early Life and Crimes:
Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1943, Alcala’s early life was marked by instability. After his father abandoned the family, he moved with his mother and siblings to Los Angeles. Alcala was intelligent, even graduating from UCLA, but he also displayed troubling signs early on. He joined the army but was discharged after a breakdown and a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder.
His criminal career began with the sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl in 1968. He served 34 months in prison for this crime, but upon release, his predatory behavior escalated. Throughout the 1970s, he embarked on a cross-country killing spree, targeting young women and girls.
Modus Operandi:
Alcala often lured his victims by posing as a professional photographer. He would gain their trust, take their pictures, and then brutally assault and murder them. He was known to strangle his victims until they lost consciousness, then revive them to continue the torture. Many of his victims were found posed, suggesting a disturbing desire to capture their final moments.
The Dating Game Appearance:
In a chilling twist, Alcala appeared as a contestant on “The Dating Game” in 1978, in the midst of his murder spree. He even won the date, though the woman later declined to go out with him, finding him “creepy.” This appearance cemented his nickname and highlighted his ability to present a normal facade while harboring a dark secret.
Capture and Conviction:
Alcala was finally apprehended in 1979 after a 12-year-old girl escaped his apartment and alerted the police. Inside, they found a collection of photographs of women and girls, many of whom were later identified as his victims. He was convicted and sentenced to death in California for five murders, but his true victim count remains unknown. Authorities believe he may have been responsible for many more deaths.
Death and Legacy:
Rodney Alcala died of natural causes on death row in 2021 at the age of 77. His case continues to fascinate and horrify, serving as a reminder of the dark side of human nature and the importance of vigilance. The photographs he took, many of which have been released to the public, offer a haunting glimpse into the mind of a serial killer and may yet help identify more of his victims.
