3: The First Letters and the 408 Cipher

As California was gripped by fear following two brutal attacks, the Zodiac Killer raised the stakes with an unprecedented move. In July 1969, he sent cryptic letters to local newspapers, taunting the public and police with a chilling puzzle. Within each envelope lay a cipher, claiming to reveal his identity to anyone able to crack the code. In this episode, we uncover the contents of these infamous letters, the public’s reaction, and the determined efforts of two citizens who dared to unravel the Zodiac’s twisted message. Enter the mind of a killer who thrived on fear, secrecy, and a deadly game.