Synopsis
Sighting In on The Zodiac Killer: Unmasking America's Most Puzzling Unsolved Murders by Drew Hurst Beeson is a true crime book that delves into one of the most enduring mysteries in American history: the identity of the Zodiac Killer, a serial murderer who terrorized Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Published in 2019, the book coincides with the 51st anniversary of the first canonical Zodiac crime on December 20, 1968, and seeks to reinvigorate the investigation into this elusive figure whose reign of terror followed the cultural upheaval of the “Summer of Love.” Beeson, a first-time true crime author inspired by programs like Coast to Coast AM and Unsolved Mysteries, approaches the case with a fresh perspective, arguing that even after five decades, new clues and connections can still unmask the killer. His mission is to explore the unknown and present compelling evidence pointing to a suspect he believes has been hiding in plain sight.
The book begins by setting the historical context of the Zodiac’s crimes, which include at least five confirmed murders, though the killer claimed responsibility for up to 37. Beeson outlines the canonical attacks, starting with the 1968 murder of David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen in Vallejo, followed by other brutal killings, such as those of Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau in 1969, and the stabbing of Cecelia Shepard and Bryan Hartnell at Lake Berryessa later that year. The Zodiac’s taunting letters, cryptic ciphers, and phone calls to police and victims’ families are central to the narrative, as Beeson emphasizes how these communications both baffled investigators and fueled public fascination. He acknowledges the work of police and amateur sleuths over the decades, particularly the focus on suspects like Arthur Leigh Allen, who was famously highlighted in Robert Graysmith’s Zodiac and Zodiac Unmasked. However, Beeson challenges some of Graysmith’s conclusions, notably debunking claims about Allen based on inconsistencies in physical evidence and witness accounts.
At the heart of Beeson’s book is his theory that Don Cheney, a figure often considered a peripheral witness in the Zodiac case, may be the killer himself. Cheney, a friend of Allen’s, is known for reporting incriminating statements Allen allegedly made about planning murders similar to the Zodiac’s crimes. Beeson finds Cheney’s role suspicious, particularly his changing stories and what some, including Detective George Bawart, described as “shady” behavior. The author uncovers previously unreported details about Cheney, such as his attendance at Bakersfield Junior College alongside journalist Paul Avery in 1952–53, where the school performed The Mikado, a play referenced in Zodiac communications. Beeson also highlights Cheney’s Air Force service, his passion for big-game hunting, and his craftsmanship in making custom leather knife sheaths, which align with the Zodiac’s use of weapons and cryptic symbolism. These connections, combined with Cheney’s potential motive to frame Allen, form the crux of Beeson’s argument, which he supports with research and counterarguments to address skepticism about his theory.
Beeson’s writing style is conversational and engaging, designed to appeal to readers familiar with the Zodiac case, though some critics note it assumes prior knowledge and may not fully introduce novices to the case’s complexities. The book is praised for its readability and fresh perspective, with Beeson presenting his findings in a way that feels current despite the case’s age. He includes unpublished photos of Cheney and explores other suspects, offering a broad overview of existing theories while maintaining focus on his primary hypothesis. However, reviews are mixed: some readers applaud Beeson’s creative detective work and compelling case against Cheney, describing it as the most promising lead in years, while others criticize the book for lacking definitive evidence or strong conviction, calling it a “whistle-stop tour” of Zodiac theories with limited new insights. Beeson’s transparency in addressing counterarguments and admitting where evidence falls short is noted as a strength, reflecting his commitment to honest research.
Ultimately, Sighting In on The Zodiac Killer does not claim to solve the case but aims to recontextualize the involvement of key figures and spark renewed discussion. Beeson’s exploration of Cheney as a suspect, supported by new biographical details and connections to the Zodiac’s methods, challenges readers to rethink long-held assumptions about the case. The book also reflects Beeson’s broader interest in unsolved mysteries, as he was working on related projects, including books about the Riverside murder of Cheri Jo Bates and the D.B. Cooper hijacking, at the time of publication. For true crime enthusiasts, the book offers a thought-provoking addition to the Zodiac canon, blending meticulous research with speculative detective work to keep the mystery alive.