Los Angeles, California – Rodney Alcala, known as the “Dating Game Killer,” was a notorious serial killer linked to over 130 murders and assaults on women and children. Despite his heinous crimes, how did he manage to evade capture for so long before being convicted in 2010?

Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1943, Alcala moved to Los Angeles as a child. His troubled upbringing included his father abandoning the family and relocating to Mexico with his mother and siblings. Despite a fine arts degree from UCLA and studying film under Roman Polanski at NYU, Alcala’s dark side emerged as he lured victims by posing as a fashion photographer.

His murderous spree began with the brutal attack of 16-year-old Morgan Rowan in 1968, followed by the abduction and assault of an eight-year-old girl. Alcala’s disturbing pattern continued, leading to the rape and murder of multiple women, including flight attendant Cornelia Michel Crilley in Manhattan in 1971.

Alcala’s capture finally came in 1979 after the abduction and murder of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe. A sketch and a receipt found in a Seattle storage locker tied him to the crimes. Subsequent investigations revealed hundreds of photos and trophies from his victims, solidifying his identity as a serial killer.

Convicted in 2010 for five murders in California and two in New York, Alcala faced death sentences and additional charges through the years. His death in June 2021 at the age of 77 in a California hospital marked the end of a reign of terror that may have spanned up to 130 victims.

The case of Rodney Alcala, the “Dating Game Killer,” serves as a chilling reminder of the horrors committed by individuals hiding in plain sight, preying on the vulnerable with impunity for years. It stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors to bring justice to the victims and their families, shedding light on the darkness that lurks within society.