Rodney James Alcala

Serial Killer

Rodney James Alcala: The Dating Game Killer

Early Life and Background

Rodney James Alcala, born Rodrigo Jacques Alcala-Buquor on August 23, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, was a notorious American serial killer. His family moved to Mexico when he was young, but his father abandoned them, leading his mother to relocate the family to Los Angeles. Alcala joined the U.S. Army at 17 but was discharged due to allegations of sexual misconduct and a nervous breakdown. He later attended UCLA, graduating with a fine arts degree, and studied film at New York University under Roman Polanski.

Criminal Beginnings

Alcala's criminal activities began on September 25, 1968, when he lured 8-year-old Tali Shapiro into his Hollywood apartment. He brutally assaulted and raped her, leaving her in a pool of blood. Shapiro survived but was in a coma for 32 days. Alcala fled the scene and evaded capture, leading to his placement on the FBI's Most Wanted list in 1971.

The Dating Game Appearance

In a bizarre twist, Alcala appeared as a contestant on the popular TV show "The Dating Game" in 1978, in the midst of his killing spree. He won the competition, but his date, Cheryl Bradshaw, refused to go out with him, sensing something was off. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (7)

Cornelia Crilley Age: (23), Date of Death: June 12, 1971

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Suspected Victims:

Cherry Greenman Age: (19), Date of Death: September 14, 1976

Antionette Tony Witaker Age: (13), Date of Death: July 9, 1977

Joyce Gaunt Age: (17), Date of Death: February 16, 1978

Christine Thornton Age: (28), Date of Death: 1977

Pam Lambson Age: (19), Date of Death: October 8, 1977

Survivors:

Morgan Rowan Age: (16), Date of Attack: 1968

Tali Shapiro Age: (8), Date of Attack: September 25, 1968

J. Julie Age: (13), Date of Attack: 1974

Monique H. Age: (13), Date of Attack: February, 1979

Condemned Inmate Rodney Alcala Dies of Natural Causes - CDCR

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