He won a date on national television. He should have been in prison.
In 1978, Rodney Alcala charmed millions as a contestant on
The Dating Game
. Handsome, intelligent, and quick-witted, he won over the bachelorette with ease. But behind his winning smile lurked a sadistic killer who had already murdered multiple women-and would kill again.
How did a serial predator end up on a television soundstage?
The Dating Game Killer: Unmasking Rodney Alcala
reveals the chilling true story of one of America's most prolific serial killers. From his first known attack in 1968 to his death row conviction for at least eight murders-with the true count potentially exceeding 130-this meticulously researched account exposes how charm, intelligence, and a broken justice system allowed Alcala to hunt for decades.
Inside, you'll discover:
- The horrifying dual life of a photographer who used his camera to lure and trap victims
- Never-before-compiled details of his victims' stories and the investigations that finally connected the dots
- The three separate trials that led to his conviction and the DNA evidence that linked him to cold cases across the country
- Hundreds of mysterious photographs found in his possession-many depicting unidentified women and children who may be additional victims
This is more than a true crime story. It's an examination of evil hiding in plain sight, the resilience of survivors, and the families still seeking answers.
Some monsters don't lurk in shadows. Some smile for the cameras.