Persons observing the popular reality show of the 1970s, ‘The Dating Game,’ admired the magnetic appeal of contestant Rodney Alcala, a tall and striking bachelor. Alcala’s swift repartee and charismatic manner enchanted Cheryl Bradshaw, the show’s bachelorette, leading to his triumphant conclusion. Nevertheless, Bradshaw perceived an unnerving aspect of Alcala’s demeanor and opted to spurn the final date, a resolution that potentially preserved her life.
In 1978, at 35 years of age, Alcala already held a sinister secret behind his irresistible veneer; he had been involved in the killings of at least five individuals, including a child and a pregnant woman. Known as ‘The Dating Game Killer,’ Alcala orchestrated the ruthless murders of eight females across New York, California, and Wyoming between 1971 and 1979.
While the confirmed victim count stands, law enforcement officials suspect a higher figure. They believe the serial killer’s actions led to the deaths of upwards of 100 unrelated individuals. Nevertheless, during the recording of ‘The Dating Game’ in 1978, none could fathom the gruesome deeds of this seemingly amiable participant.
The unsuspecting Bradshaw, serving as a drama teacher, was chosen to perform on ‘The Dating Game’ and became progressively drawn to Alcala’s appeal. However, after the taping of the show, she followed her instincts and rejected the opportunity to date him. Bradshaw’s instinctual decision might have saved her from a grim fate.
Alcala, born Rodrigo Jacques Alcala-Buquor on August 23, 1943, was a Mexican native who migrated to Los Angeles with his kin at the age of eight. Attempting a stint in the Army at age 17, Alcala was dismissed in 1964 following a mental breakdown and allegations of sexual misbehavior. Subsequently, he attained his university degree from the University of California and proceeded to study film at New York University in 1971.
Following a memorable appearance on ‘The Dating Game’ on September 13, 1978, Alcala drew attention with his lively responses. When probed about what meal he embodied, Alcala responded quirkily, likening himself to a banana, delightful to behold and inviting to peel.
Alcala’s reign of terror eventually came to a halt in July of 1979 when he was apprehended for the assault and murder of Robin Samsoe, a 12-year-old girl. His genetic markers matched those found on crime scenes related to four additional murders in Orange County, verifying his sinister involvement.
One of Alcala’s victims was 18-year-old Barcomb, who had relocated to Los Angeles from New York with hopes of carving a successful acting career. Tragically, she was found violently demised on November 10, 1977, bearing wounds inflicted by multiple ligatures and her facial features disfigured by a rock.
Alcala faced justice in 2012 when he was condemned to a minimum of 25 years in prison for the killings of Cornelia Crilley and Ellen Jane Hover, two innocent women from the 1970s. In a horrific episode from June 1971, Alcala violated, bit and strangled 23-year-old Crilley, a TWA flight attendant, inside her Manhattan residence.
Investigators later discovered that Alcala utilized his profession as a photographer to snare unsuspecting women and girls, some of whom were unlucky enough to be his victims. The following month, Alcala claimed the life of another victim, the 23-year-old music hopeful Ellen Jane Hover, who disappeared soon after departing her Manhattan dwelling on July 15.
In 2010, Alcala faced the ultimate punishment with a death sentence for committing five murders in California between 1977 and 1979. Prosecutors exposed Alcala’s modus operandi, describing how he relentlessly pursued his victims, stalking them like prey before executing his dreadful intentions.
Creepily, Alcala’s storage locker revealed a collection of over 100 photographs of young females, raising chilling suspicions that some may be photographs of his victims. The pictures served as a grim testament to the far-reaching horror inflicted by the predator.
Ending his days on death row, Alcala succumbed to natural causes at the age of 77 on July 24, 2021. His demise brought about a sense of closure for the individuals affected by his horrific actions.
Amongst these individuals was survivor Tali Shapiro, who expressed her relief at Alcala’s death, stating the world was undoubtedly better off without him. Emphasizing her resilience, Shapiro mentioned the incident hadn’t overshadowed her life and, after a long wait, Alcala finally faced his reckoning.