Ep 4. The Other Zodiac

In Mark of a Killer season 2 episode 4, titled The Other Zodiac, viewers are taken on a thrilling exploration of one of the most notorious and enigmatic serial killers in history. The episode sheds light on the elusive identity of the Zodiac Killer, who terrorized northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a string of brutal murders and cryptic messages to the media.

The episode opens with a chilling reenactment of the Zodiac's first confirmed killing, which occurred on December 20, 1968, in the outskirts of Vallejo. A young couple, David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen, had pulled over to the side of the road to enjoy the moonlight when a masked man approached them and opened fire with a .22 caliber gun. Both victims died instantly, and the killer fled the scene without leaving any clues.

From there, the episode delves into the meticulous research and investigation that has been conducted over the years to try and unmask the Zodiac. The first suspect is Arthur Leigh Allen, a troubled man with a history of violent behavior who was known to have worn a Zodiac-like watch and had been seen in the vicinity of some of the murders. However, despite a thorough probe of Allen's life and belongings, no concrete evidence tying him to the killings was found.

The episode then introduces a new theory regarding the Zodiac's identity, which revolves around a mysterious man named Lawrence Kane. Kane was a local resident who worked in construction and was known for his peculiar behavior, such as writing cryptic notes to his coworkers and wearing a Zodiac-like costume to a Halloween party. After his death in 2010, a box containing his personal effects was discovered and turned over to investigators. Among the items was a coded message that resembled the Zodiac's letters to the media, leading some to believe that Kane was the elusive killer.

To support this theory, the episode delves into Kane's life and personality, revealing a troubled and socially awkward man who had a fascination with puzzles and cryptography. Kane's brother and former coworkers are interviewed, providing insight into his behavior and possible motivations. However, the evidence linking Kane to the Zodiac is circumstantial at best, and the theory remains disputed among investigators and the public.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, and experts who have spent years studying the Zodiac case. They provide their perspectives on the killer's motivations, patterns, and possible inspirations, as well as the challenges and frustrations of trying to solve a case that has remained unsolved for over half a century.

In addition to the investigative aspects, the episode also features dramatizations of some of the Zodiac's most infamous actions, such as sending taunting letters to the media and threatening to attack a school bus full of children. These scenes are intense and suspenseful, capturing the horror and confusion that the Zodiac instilled in his victims and the public at large.

Overall, The Other Zodiac is a gripping episode that adds new dimensions to the ongoing mystery of the Zodiac Killer. It highlights the dedication and persistence of those who have spent years trying to understand and apprehend one of the most deadly and elusive serial killers in history, and leaves viewers with plenty of food for thought and speculation.