In 1968, a disturbing crime marked the beginning of Rodney Alcala’s notorious reign of terror. An 8-year-old girl was found brutally beaten and raped in his apartment, sparking a decade-long trail of violence against women and young girls. Alcala’s ability to evade justice for so long remains chilling.
Before his eventual capture, Alcala made a shocking appearance on The Dating Game in 1978, hiding his dark past behind a charming facade. This TV stint earned him the infamous moniker “The Dating Game Killer.” However, his sinister actions continued unabated.
Rodney Alcala (1943-2021), ‘The Dating Game Killer,’ died of natural causes at 77, ending his twisted game of cat and mouse with the law
Alcala’s first arrest came in 1971 for rape and attempted murder. Yet, due to the witness’s absence, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault. This pattern of arrest and release repeated, allowing Alcala to pose as a photographer and lure victims to their demise.
Justice finally caught up with Alcala in 1980 when he was convicted and sentenced to death for murdering a 12-year-old girl. Authorities discovered hundreds of photos of potential victims, but the exact number of casualties remains unknown, estimated to be over 100.
In 2016, Alcala faced additional charges for a 1977 murder, identified through photos released to the public in 2010. His twisted game of cat and mouse with the law ended on July 24, 2021, when he died of natural causes at 77.
During one of his trials, Alcala bizarrely defended himself, adopting two distinct voices to differentiate between his roles. This unusual tactic didn’t sway the verdict, and he received a death sentence for the third time.
None of The Dating Game contestants fell victim to Alcala’s brutality. However, Cheryl Bradshaw, the bachelorette who refused his date, may have narrowly escaped his clutches. Experts speculate that her rejection could have further fueled Alcala’s malevolent tendencies.
Alcala’s eventual capture brought relief, but the legacy of his heinous crimes continues to haunt. His ability to manipulate and deceive, even on national television, serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath charismatic surfaces.
