How did Arthur Leigh Allen die? Zodiac killer suspect explained

As a true crime enthusiast with a penchant for the unsolved mysteries of the 1960s, I find myself captivated by the enigmatic case of the Zodiac killer – a chilling tale that has lingered in the annals of American criminal history. The recent Netflix documentary, ‘This is the Zodiac Speaking’, delves deep into the murky waters of this unsolved mystery, focusing on the life and actions of Arthur Leigh Allen, the prime suspect who was never charged for these gruesome crimes.


Arthur Leigh Allen is widely regarded as the main suspect in the Zodiac murder case. Recently, a Netflix documentary has been released, shedding light on this tragic series of events. Here’s some information about Allen, including details surrounding his death.

The identity of the Zodiac killer remains one of the greatest mysteries in American criminal history.

During the 1960s, an unidentified individual, known as Zodiac, committed murders of couples and individuals, both male and female, across California, with most of the crimes taking place in the vicinity of the San Francisco Bay Area. The perpetrator also sent letters to local news outlets, mocking law enforcement officers and journalists covering the case. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts, the Zodiac was never apprehended.

The recently released Netflix documentary titled ‘This is the Zodiac Speaking’ offers fresh insights into the mystery, primarily implicating Arthur Leigh Allen through the perspective of the Seawater family who had personal connections with him.

Arthur Leigh Allen was the prime Zodiac killer suspect

During the Zodiac killings, Arthur Leigh Allen worked as a school teacher, and he was considered the prime suspect by the authorities.

The reason for this is that there was a significant amount of indirect evidence tying him to the case. He owned and wore a watch similar to the Zodiac, which could have contributed to his nickname. He drove a car like the one used by the perpetrator. Owned a typewriter consistent with the letters sent. Additionally, he shared the same shoe size.

Michael Mageau, a survivor from the Zodiac incident, identified him in a lineup many years afterwards. Meanwhile, Bryan Hartnell, another survivor, thought he could recognize his voice and build based on his memory.

Additionally, Friend Don Cheney stated that Leigh allegedly declared his intention to murder couples, and even discussed a plan to target a school bus filled with kids, echoing the chilling manner in which the Zodiac Killer detailed such a crime in letters sent to news outlets.

Arthur was never charged with any of the crimes

How did Arthur Leigh Allen die? Zodiac killer suspect explained

In 1971, Don Cheney shared information he’d obtained with the authorities, who subsequently questioned Arthur Leigh Allen and conducted a search of the trailer where he resided.

However, since the evidence was only circumstantial and his fingerprints and handwriting did not align with the Zodiac’s, Allen was set free.

On two separate occasions during the 1970s, the police interrogated him regarding the crimes, and they conversed with Lee and conducted searches on his premises more than once.

To clarify, Arthur Leigh Allen was the sole individual police openly identified as a suspect, whereas Robert Graysmith, an investigator and writer, asserted in several publications that he was the murderer.

In much the same vein, Director David Fincher translated Graysmith’s work into the 2007 movie ‘Zodiac’, where John Carroll Lynch portrayed the character of Arthur.

In 1974, Allen was apprehended for committing child molestation. He admitted guilt and served his time at Atascadaro State Hospital. Remarkably, the Zodiac killings and associated media correspondence ceased while he was imprisoned during this period.

Allen denied being the Zodiac Killer

Arthur Leigh Allen always publicly denied being the Zodiac killer, both to police, and reporters.

In the aforementioned television interview, Allen admits, “I’m not generally considered lucky, and this seems to be further evidence of that. Frankly, I could never commit murder.

The new Netflix documentary features a video compilation of those interviews and Zodiac news reports that Allen edited together and sent to his friend Phylis Seawater.

Additionally, the children of Phyllis received various letters penned by Allen, where he makes mentions of the killings. Remarkably, one passage reads: “The riskiest situation arises when I came close to admitting my guilt.

Arthur Leigh Allen’s death explained

How did Arthur Leigh Allen die? Zodiac killer suspect explained

On August 26, 1992, Arthur Leigh Allen passed away at the age of 58. As depicted in the documentary, his body was discovered lying face-down in his basement, having sustained a head injury known as a hematoma. A subsequent autopsy determined that he had died from arteriosclerotic heart disease.

In the documentary, Robert Graysmith remarks: “Interestingly, when he was found dead in his underground hideout, the item he clutched was a missive to the police. We thought, ‘Here it is, this could be the breakthrough.’ But alas, it wasn’t. Instead, it read something like, ‘You people are simply awful.’

In his last written communication, Arthur Lee Allen penned: “Should this message be revealed, it will only be due to my demise… I am not the Zodiac killer; the authorities are mistaken on this matter… All the best to the world, with the exception of the Vallejo Police Department. May they experience nothing but misfortune, for they truly deserve it.

The Zodiac film directed by David Fincher is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Here’s a link if you want to know where else you can watch it.

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2024-10-24 14:18