My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

506 - New York Favorites

Nov 13, 2025
Delve into the chilling tales of the New York Zodiac Killer, with letters that taunted authorities and astrologers predicting the killer's next move. Unravel the intrigue surrounding Heriberto Seda, who drew inspiration from his infamous predecessor. The episode also celebrates the groundbreaking work of Nellie Bly, who exposed the horrors of Blackwell's Island asylum by going undercover. Her fearless journalism led to significant reforms and continues to inspire today, proving that one person can indeed make a difference.
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ANECDOTE

New York Zodiac Case Emerges

  • Georgia recounts the 1990 New York Zodiac shootings where notes linked victims by astrological signs and a crosshair symbol.
  • Detectives connected multiple shootings across Brooklyn and Queens that matched victims' zodiac birthdays and received taunting letters.
INSIGHT

Patterned Timing And Star Visibility

  • The shootings followed a 21-day pattern and astronomical visibility linked constellations to dates of attacks.
  • Police used astronomers and astrologers to predict potential next strikes and flooded neighborhoods with patrols.
ANECDOTE

Crucial Central Park Letter

  • A Central Park shooting produced a fingerprint on a letter claiming to be the Zodiac, increasing police confidence.
  • That fingerprint later became crucial evidence tying a suspect to the letters.
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