A young woman disappeared from a law library, leading to a decades-long search for answers. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a chilling serial killer atmosphere in 1970s California. Shocking investigative hurdles are revealed, showcasing the limitations of past forensic technology. The tragic discovery of Leslie Perlov's body raises unsettling questions about human nature. Advances in DNA analysis eventually connect her case to other unsolved murders, offering a glimpse of justice while honoring the victims' memories.
Leslie Perlov's disappearance in 1973 unveiled the vulnerabilities young women face, sparking fear and concern within the community.
The connection between Leslie's and Janet Taylor's cases illuminated a potential serial killer operating in the Bay Area during that period.
Advancements in forensic science in 2016 led to the breakthrough in solving Leslie's case, bringing closure to her family after decades.
Deep dives
Disappearance of Leslie Perlov
On February 13, 1973, Leslie Perlov, a 21-year-old recent Stanford graduate, disappeared after leaving her job at the law library. Her absence from home was unusual, as she typically adhered to a strict routine of returning by 3:30 PM to prepare dinner for her mother. This disappearance prompted local police to investigate, leading to the discovery of her unlocked vehicle, which contained only a pair of women's shoes, heightening concerns for her safety. Despite extensive searches of the area and initial leads, no immediate sign of Leslie was found, and the case took a grim turn.
Discovery of a Body
Two days after Leslie went missing, search efforts culminated in the shocking discovery of her body in a quarry near her abandoned vehicle. The scene revealed signs of a violent struggle, with evidence suggesting she had been severely beaten and likely sexually assaulted. Disturbingly, her clothing was found arranged in a way that suggested the crime was not random but rather calculated, pointing to a perpetrator familiar with the area. This gruesome discovery sent shockwaves through the community, raising awareness of the vulnerability of young women in supposedly safe environments.
Linking Multiple Murders
The investigation into Leslie's murder prompted law enforcement to connect her case with a disturbing pattern of other unsolved murders in the area, including the 1974 murder of Janet Taylor. Both young women exhibited commonalities in their brutal attacks; they were both strangled, and their shoes were found distanced from their bodies, indicating a possible predatory pattern. This connection highlighted the potential presence of a serial killer in the Bay Area, causing significant fear among the local population. Despite numerous tips and public appeals for information, the cases eventually grew cold, with little evidence to pursue, leaving families in anguish.
Advancements Leading to Arrest
In 2016, the revival of Leslie's case occurred when Sergeant Noe Cortez took it on and recognized advancements in forensic science could yield new evidence. Critical items collected from the original crime scene were preserved, allowing for DNA analysis that had not been possible at the time of the initial investigation. This process led to the identification of a male DNA profile, linking the suspect to the attack. Further investigation revealed connections to a man named John Getreu, who had a history of violence against women and lived near the crime scene at the time of Leslie’s murder.
Justice for Leslie and Janet
After obtaining definitive DNA evidence through genealogical databases, authorities arrested John Getreu, leading to a breakthrough in the long-unsolved cases of both Leslie Perlov and Janet Taylor. Getreu ultimately pleaded guilty to both murders, shedding light on his predatory behavior over decades, which included multiple sexual assaults and murders. The resolution of Leslie's case provided a sense of closure for the Perlov family, who had endured years of uncertainty and pain. Such advancements in forensic science not only brought justice for Leslie and Janet but also rekindled hope for other cold cases nationwide.
A young woman left the law library and was never seen alive again. It would take years of persistence and advancements in technology to finally get the answers her family had waited decades to hear.
