Rodney Alcala, The Dating Game Killer

Season 1, Episode 11,   Apr 25, 2022, 04:00 AM

Helen Anderson and Danni Howard take a look at one of the worst killers in history, the Dating Game killer, Rodney Alcala. After ‘reforming’ twice, Rodney was free to roam The United States, studying under Roman Polanski, and killing an unimaginable number of young girls and women… oh, and he had time to star on American reality TV dating show The Dating Game too. Expect the worst self defence since Ted Bundy and the creepiest game show contestant you’ve ever heard. 

Devils in The Dark contains graphic details of sexual assault and violence, including against children, and is not intended for all audiences. Listener discretion is strongly advised.  

00:00 - Introduction
09:19 - Where Rodney’s story begins
13:43 - Rodney’s first known assault 
18:47 - Rodney’s first stint in jail
19:40 - The ‘reformed’ Rodney
22:05 - The murder of Ellen Hover
24:43 - The murder of Jill Parenteau
25:41- The murder of Robin Samsoe
30:19 - The Dating Game
35:25 - Rodney is arrested
35:59 - The discovery of the storage locker
38:57 - A shocking conviction U-Turn
41:24 - DA Matt Murphy steps up to the plate
44:41 - Rodney Alcala decided to represent himself at trial
49:07 - Brand new evidence
50:22 - The final verdict
52:45 - Outro

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Follow Helen Anderson at @helenanderz and Danni Howard at @thatdannihoward. Special thanks to Woodcut Media. See audioboom.com/about/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Produced by Alexandra Jueno at Audioboom Studios. 

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this week’s episode please consider contacting the following resources:

The Samaritans helpline: 116 123
Confidential Emotional Support Line: 01708 765200
Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (help is also available at live chat at https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/live-chat-helpline/ *times apply)
Sexual Assault Support Line: 01708 765200