S1 Ep11: Rodney Alcala, The Dating Game Killer

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 This episode is sponsored by… Typology. To claim your free 9-ingredient lip balm when you order a tinted serum or any other product, go to www.typology.com, add the 9-ingredient lip balm to your cart and add the code DEVILS at checkout. Skin+Me. Head to www.skinandme.com to get your first month free with code DEVILS. CalmUK. Go to www.calm.com/devils to claim 40% a Calm Premium Subscription. 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