The Dating Game Killer Documentary: A Shocking True Crime Story
From 1965 to 1979, Rodney Alcala was a contestant on The Dating Game, a popular TV show where bachelors or bachelorettes would ask questions to three eligible suitors hidden from their view. However, what the show's producers didn't know was that Alcala was a convicted rapist and serial killer who would go on to murder at least five women and girls.
In 2017, Investigation Discovery released a documentary called The Dating Game Killer, which explores Alcala's crimes and the investigation that led to his capture. The film includes interviews with Alcala's victims' families, law enforcement officials, and even one of the show's former producers.
The Crimes
Rodney Alcala's first known murder occurred in 1971 when he killed Cornelia Crilley, a 23-year-old flight attendant. Her body was found in her Manhattan apartment, and police were unable to solve the case at the time.
Alcala continued his killing spree throughout the 1970s. He was arrested in 1978 for the rape and attempted murder of an 8-year-old girl, but he managed to escape from custody and fled to New York City.
In 1979, Alcala was finally arrested and charged with the murder of four women: Jill Barcomb, Georgia Wixted, Charlotte Lamb, and Jill Parenteau. He was also charged with the murder of Robin Samsoe, a 12-year-old girl who had been abducted on her way to ballet class in California. DNA evidence linked Alcala to the crime, and he was convicted and sentenced to death.
The Investigation
The Dating Game Killer documentary delves into the investigation that ultimately led to Alcala's arrest and conviction. One of the key pieces of evidence was a pair of earrings found in Alcala's storage locker that belonged to Robin Samsoe. Alcala had rented the locker under a false name, but police were able to connect him to it through his handwriting.
Another crucial piece of evidence was a collection of photographs found in Alcala's possession. The photos were of young women and girls, many of whom were never identified. Police believe that some of these women may have been other victims of Alcala's.
The Victims' Families
The Dating Game Killer documentary features interviews with the families of Alcala's victims. They describe their loved ones and their grief over their loss.
One of the most heartbreaking moments in the film is when Robin Samsoe's mother talks about her daughter's last words to her: "I'll call you when I get home." Samsoe never made it home, and her mother spent years searching for her before her body was finally found.
The Dating Game Connection
Perhaps one of the most shocking aspects of Alcala's story is his appearance on The Dating Game. The show's former producer, Jed Mills, is interviewed in the documentary and recalls Alcala's audition.
According to Mills, Alcala was charming and engaging on camera. He was selected as one of the contestants and even won the date with bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw. However, Bradshaw decided not to go on the date with him after she found him unsettling during their pre-show meeting.
The Legacy of Rodney Alcala
Rodney Alcala is currently on death row in California. He has been convicted of five murders, but authorities believe that he may have killed many more women and girls. He is known as the "Dating Game Killer" because of his appearance on the show, but his crimes are far more gruesome than anything seen on television.
The Dating Game Killer documentary is a chilling reminder of how dangerous people can be when we don't know their true nature. It also shows how important it is for law enforcement to pursue justice for victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed.