The Dating Game Killer’s Dark Heart: Unmasking Rodney Alcala

hi guys this is just a quick trigger warning this episode does contain discussions of violence murder and mental illness that may be disturbing to some listeners now if you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and seek some help I'm going to provide some resources at the end of the episode if you want to skip [Music] ahead hello and welcome back my culty crime crew I'm bubbles your host and I'm so excited to have you back for another episode of cozy Co and crimes now here in Australia as the nights are starting to grow colder there is nothing quite like a captivating True Crime Story to get lost in I've got a steaming mug of tea in hand though tonight's story might have me reaching for something a bit stronger to be honest whatever could drink you're cozied up with take a sip and settle in because tonight we're diving into the bone chilling story of Rodney aala this man's charming smile concealed a monstrous Darkness known as The Dating Game Killer a Cara's story is a stark reminder that evil can work in the most unexpected places but before we begin I want to remind each and every one of you that the stories we share are about real people real lives affected by these unimaginable events we always aim to honor their memory with respect and compassion now a Carla's life story is a ma tapestry woven from threads of childhood trauma psychological turmoil and escalating predatory behavior we're going to trace his path from a troubled childhood to his horrific crimes exploring the factors that shaped him into a monster [Music] Rodney aala was born Rodrigo Jac aala Bor I hope I've said that correctly in 1943 in San Antonio Texas his early years were far from idic though his childhood was marred by instability and emotional deprivation his father ra abandoned the family when Rodney was young leaving his mother Anna Maria to raise him and his siblings in pretty much poverty you can only imagine the strain and hardship of a single mother trying to provide for her children in such difficult circumstances Anam Maria struggled to make ends meet and the family moved frequently even spending time in Mexico this constant upheaval disrupted a Cara's Social Development and education depriving him of the stability and security that children need to survive and thrive it is so heartbreaking to think of a young child being uprooted so many times never having a place to truly call home this lack of stability can have a profound impact on a child's sense of self and their ability to form healthy relationships now it's not an excuse for Cara's later actions but it is a p pie of the puzzle that does help us understand the complex factors that shaped him into who he was or the more like the monster he was now research does suggest that childhood trauma like what a Cara experience can significantly increase the risk of antisocial behavior and aggression in adulthood it's like planting little black seeds for a bleak Bleak future the lack of a stable home environment coupled with the emotional turmoil of his father's abandonment may have left very deep scars on a Cara's young psyche as a Cara entered adolescence his behavioral problems only got worse he engaged in petty theft skipped school and ran away from home disregarding any rules and any Authority it was during this time that he became interested in photography a hobby that would lat to become probably the most Sinister tool in his Arsenal this fascination with capturing and controlling images might have been an early sign of his desire to manipulate and control others some experts also believe that his early delinquency stemmed from a combination of environmental factors like a lack of Parental Guidance and underlying psychological vulnerabilities it's a complex interplay of nature versus nurture a recipe for a troubled soul it's chilling to think that a seemingly innocent hobby such as photography can be twisted into something so wrong and dark and Sinister a Cara's use of Photography to lure and control his victims is a stark reminder of how easily everyday objects and activities can be weaponized by those with delicious intent now at 17 aala joined the army perhaps seeking a sense of purpose and structure that his life had lacked up until then however his time in the military was shortlived he was medically discharged after suffering a nervous breakdown and going awall on more than one occasion during his service he was also diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder a condition categorized by the lack of empathy remorse and disregard for social norms this diagnosis is often associated with a higher risk of violent Behavior it's as if a switch had been flipped in a Carla's brain removing the brakes on any and all his impulses and Paving the way for the darkness that would consume him despite this ominous diagnosis a Cara's story was far from over in fact sadly it was just the beginning despite his troubled past and a diagnosis that foreshadowed his violent tendencies aala managed to gain admission to UCLA's prestigious film school this was the late 1960s a time of cultural upheaval and artistic expression a Cara with his car Charisma and intelligence seemed to fit right in but beneath the surface his relationships with women were far from healthy a Cara's relationships often followed a disturbing pattern he would idolize a woman showering her with attention and affection but as the relationship progressed he would devalue her criticizing her appearance or her personality eventually he would throw her aside discarding her and moving on to his next Target this pattern of idealization devaluation and discard is often seen in individuals with narcissistic personality disorder the pattern that many survivors of this narcissistic abuse can sadly relate to the emotional roller coaster of being adored one moment and criticized the next can be incredibly damaging it's a testament to a Cara's manipulative nature that he could keep this pattern hidden from those around him maintaining a facade of normaly while exploiting and abusing his Partners shows how manipulative he [Music] was a Cara's manipulative Behavior extended Beyond romantic relationships as well he was known to isolate his victims from their friends and family controlling their movement and communication another classic tactic used by abusers to marry maintain power and control over their victims it's a chilling reminder that abuse often thrives in isolation when victims are cut off from their support systems they become vulnerable to manipulation and violence it's essential to recognize the signs of coercive control and to reach out for help if you or someone you know might be experiencing it in 1968 a Cara's predatory instit inks took a horrifying turn he kidnapped and sexually assaulted 88-year-old T Shapiro luring her into his apartment under the guise of a photography session this act was a turning point revealing the depths of a Cara's depravity but T miraculously survived the assault and her testimony led to a Cara's arrest and conviction in her own words she later recounted quote I knew that if I didn't fight for my life I would die end [Music] quote Charlie's story is a testament to the resilience of the human Spirit despite the unimaginable trauma she endured She Found the courage to speak out against her attacker her bravery not only helped put aala behind bars but also saved countless other potential victims from his CL watches a Cara was initially sentenced to one year to life in prison for the assault on T Shapiro however he was paralled after only 34 months a decision that would have the most devastating of consequences upon his release aala fled to New York under the Alias John Burger he enrolled in nyu's film School blending into the new environment and continuing on with his predatory behavior one of the most Twisted facts of this case to me is the fact that he even worked as a counselor at a Girls Camp exploiting his position of trust to gain access to potential victims it's so infuriating to me to think that someone with a caros criminal history could be allowed to work with children I get at the time the laws weren't as strict but still this case highlights that importance of thorough background checks and vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations from predators like aala now during his time as John Berger aala continued to pray on young women using his charm and photography skills to lure them into dangerous situations he was like a chameleon adapting to his surroundings and leaving a trail of terror in his wake in the late 1970s while still living under the Alias of John Berger a Cara embarked on a ruthless murder spree that would terrorize the state of California and solidify his place in the annals of True Crime between 1977 and 1979 a Cara targeted young women across estate using his charm and photography skills to lure them into his trap he often p osed as a professional photographer offering free photo shoots to unsuspecting women once alone with them he would unleash his violence often strangling beating and sexually assaulting them his first known victim during this time was 18-year-old Jill barcom a free-spirited young woman who had recently moved to California from New York in search of a new life JW was found strangled in a Los Angeles Ravine her body posed in a way that suggested a Cara had actually taken disturbing pleasure in remain in like arranging her remains makes my skin cruel and just a few months later 27-year-old Georgia Wicked a kind and passionate nurse was discovered brutally murdered in her Malibu apartment she had been beaten strangled and sexually assaulted her life tragically short by a Cara's senseless violence the following year in June 1978 31-year-old Charlotte lamb a legal secretary known for her intelligence and wit was found murdered in the laundry room of her El Sendo El Segundo apartment complex and like jillan Georgia Charlotte had been subjected to aala as brutal and Incredibly degrading attacks in the February of 1979 aaa's violence escalated even further I don't know how much further it could go when he kidnapped and assaulted 15-year-old manique ho he subjected her to a horrific ordeal of rape and torture but manique miraculously managed to escape and report him to the police tragically though her report was not taken seriously and aala remained free to continue his reign of terror it's a heartbreaking reminder of how often victim's voices are ignored or dismissed especially when the perpetrator is a charming and seemingly trustworthy individual like a Cara this case underscores the importance of believing survivors and taking their Sports super seriously just a few months later in June of 1979 21-year-old jel Pento a bright and ambitious computer programmer became a Cara's next victim she was found murdered in her Burbank apartment her life stolen by a man she considered a friend an Orange County investigator reflecting on the case described a Cara as a man a quote master manipulator he was Charming intelligent but underneath that facade he was a coldblooded killer these women were more than just statistics they were daughters sisters friends and colleagues they had dreams aspirations and loved ones who were devastated by their loss their stories are a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of women in a society that often fails to protect us from predators like Carla I like to think in the years since then Society she has come a long way but still happens a Cara's ability to blend in and deceive was chillingly evident before his capture in the most bizarrest Twist of probably any carme case that I've come across he appeared as a contestant on a popular TV show at the time called The Dating Game and please take it to note he was doing these attacks during this time he presented himself as a Charming Bachelor a photographer with a love of skydiving and motorcycles obviously unbeknown to the audience and other contestants This Charming Bachelor was a serial killer actively praying on young women and probably the scariest part he even won the episode The Bachelorette chose him but the woman he was supposed to go on the date with did decline after finding him quite creepy tragically a Cara's crimes continued after his television appearance in 1979 12-year-old Robin samso disappeared from Huntington Beach while riding her bicycle to ballet class an extensive search started and Robin's body was tragically discovered 12 days later in the foothills of San Gabriel mountains now a crucial piece of evidence was found near Robin's remains an earring and it was linked to aala and led to his arrest the investigation into Robin's disappearance uncovered a trove of disturbing evidence including hundreds hundreds of photographs taken by a Cara depicting women and children in various poses some suggestive others just outright disturbing one of these photographs showed Robin among the collection further solidifying aa's guilt the legal battles that followed were a roller coaster of convictions and appeals aala was initially sentenced to death in 198 for Robin's murder it makes me so mad but the sentence was overturned on appeal due to procedural errors he faced multiple retrials with his case becoming one of the longest and most complex in Californian history aala however maintained his innocence throughout the trials his attorney argued quote Mr Cara maintains his innocence the evidence against him is circumstantial and there are many unanswered questions in this case end quote not until 2003 did DNA evidence link a Cara to several cold cases including the murder of four other women in Los Angeles County in the late 1970s this led to a new trial and in 2006 Yes you heard me 2006 aala was once again sentenced to the death however his legal team continued to appeal and the case dragged on for more years and then in 2010 another chilling Discovery was made a storage locker rented by a Cara in Seattle was found to contain over 1,000 more photographs many depicting women and children in many various states of undress and distress this horrifying collection raised the possibility that aala may have had many more victims that were previously unknown the photographs sparked a nationwide effort to identify the individuals in the pictures and determine their Fates some of the photos led to the identification of additional victims While others remained Unsolved Mysteries to this very day the sheer number of photographs and the chilling nature of their content painted a picture of a predator who had been operating undetected and unsupervised for years finally in 2010 after Decades of legal battles and appeals aala was convicted of murder five times in California and sentenced to death for the third and final time he was also charged with two murders in New York in which he plad guilty to in 2013 unfortunately in my opinion aala died of natural causes in 2021 while awaiting execution leaving behind such a legacy of pain suffering and unanswered questions prosecut Matt Murphy who fought so so tirelessly to bring aala to Justice asserted this quote this is a man who stalked and killed women for sport he got a thrill out of it and he deserved the death penalty end quote his appearance on the dating game serves as a haunting reminder that Darkness can lur beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary individuals it's a chilling chapter in a story filled with tragedy and unanswered questions it also raises disturbing questions about the nature of evil and its ability to hide in plain sight how could someone so dangerous appear so normal how could he charm his way onto a dating show well simp multaneously committing these heinous crimes the chilling discovery of Robin Sam's photograph among a Cara's collection Young Life tragically cut short leaves us grappling with a haunting question how could a seemingly ordinary man a Charming contestant on The Dating Game Harbor such unspeakable Darkness within to unravel this Enigma we must delve into the social contacts that shaped Cara's Twisted path the late 1960s and early '70s were a time of immense cultural upheaval in the United States often dubbed the sexual Revolution free love was promoted in popular songs like get together by the young Bloods and Easy Rider and even mainstream news outlets the atmosphere of Liberation and experimentation while empowering for many also provided a smoke spren for predators like a Cara the era's emphasis on casual dating and sexual exploration could easily be manipulated by those with Sinister intentions the buring women's Liberation movement also played a complex role women were breaking free from traditional roles embracing their independence and challenging social societal Norms this new found Freedom while empowering also made some women vulnerable in a society still largely dominated by men aala a master manipulator prayed on this vulnerability targeting young women who were eager to embrace their Newfound freedoms the Enigma of evil is a question that has haunted Humanity for centuries what transforms a normal ordinary person into a monster in a Cara's case experts believe it was a perfect storm of factors his diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder when he was in the Army characterized by a lack of empathy and disregard for social norms certainly played a role in this but it's crucial to remember that a diagnosis doesn't absolve an individual of responsibility aala made conscious choices to inflict pain and suffering on others I think criminal profile Pat Brown further explained this well aa's crimes were about power and control he enjoyed the process of hunting and capturing his victims and he took pleasure in their suffering some experts draw a distinction between psychopathy often considered innate and character characterized by lack of conscience an antisocial personality disorder which may be influenced by environmental factors while aala exhibited traits of both of the the extent to which each contributed to his crimes remains a subject of debate forensic psychologist Dr Park Diz offered his expert opinion stating a Cara fits the profile of a psychopath he lacks empathy remorse and a conscience he is a predator who D derives pleasure from inflicting pain on [Music] others his troubled childhood marked by neglect and abandonment likely also played a role in shaping his warped sense of self however it's important to note again that many individuals who experience trauma don't become Killers It's a combination of various factors biological psychological and social that can create a breeding ground for evil such as his ultimately a Carla's case reminds us that evil can wear a Charming mask his intelligence Charisma and even his arti artistic talents allowed him to manipulate and deceive making him all the more dangerous the legacy of Rodney a Cara is a haunting one a testament to the devastating consequences of unchecked evil but it is also a story of resilience survival and the Relentless pursuit of Justice the courage of aa's survivors who brav shared their stories and helped bring him to Justice are an inspiration to all of us today organizations like the national Center for victims of crime in the United States continue to activate for the rights and support of Survivors by learning from the past we can strive together to create a safer future for everyone this story also forces us to confront uncomfortable truths of about the nature of evil and the challenges of Seeking Justice but again it's a story of resilience survival and the unwavering Pursuit Of Truth as we close this chapter on The Dating Game Killer let's take a moment to remember the victims their families and the countless fat lives forever scarred by a Cara's heinous crimes let their stories serve us as a reminder to remain Vigilant to trust our instincts and to always seek the life even in the darkest of times now as we prepare to part ways my culty crime crew I want to extend a heartfelt and warm invitation to you guys if there is a crime or a cult story that you're curious about that you feel needs to be told I implore and invite you to email me at cozy. colts. crimes gmail.com that's c o zy. c l ts. c mes gmail.com or you can message me on Instagram at the same cozy. cs. crims your interests and insights help me shape these episodes and I hope together we can continue to uncover the Mysteries that lie hidden in the shadows and do it in a way that's cozy and comfy and makes us all happy also if today's episode has touched you or stirred something within please take a moment for yourself practice some self-care reach out to a friend or simply enjoy a warm cup of tea wrapped in your dressing gown not going to lie I'm literally wrapped in mine right now again Honestly though if you or someone you know needs support please don't ever hesitate to reach out to life line Australia you can call them at 131114 or you can text them even at 047 13114 they offer confidential Crisis Support and are available 24/7 remember guys there is always help available and you're never never alone you've got me and your culty crime crew here behind you every step the way and with that until next time keep that flame of curiosity burning but never forget the warmth of the fires that keep us all connected be well stay cozy and remember in pursuing the truth we hope to always find that light thank you for joining in my guys I'm Bubbles and I can't wait to welcome you back next time for another journey into the shadowy Y strangely comforting world of cozy Cults and crimes I'll see you next time bye