What do the numbers on the cover of “55 Zodiac Killer Identified” signify?

The numbers on the book’s cover relate to the Zodiac’s first cryptogram to the press, in which his identity (though not his name) could not be determined.  These numbers were crucial to solving his identity, and without them, his identity could not have been determined.

 

Why is the number 55 important and why is it in the title of your book?

The significance of the number 55 lies in the fact that it represents the 1955 blue and white convertible that the Zodiac Killer was seen in.  This number was pivotal as it coincided with his most active year, involving murders, a frame-up, a jailbreak, and other events. The number 55 appears in the Zodiac communications,by substituting letters with their corresponding numeric values (A=1, B=2, C=3, and so on). What does 55 give you in letters?

 

How was Ed Edwards Caught?

In 2009, Ed Edwards’ daughter, April, contacted Wisconsin authorities after watching a TV special about the 30-year-old unsolved murders of Timothy Hack and Kelley Drew.  She suggests to the lead detective Chad Garcia that her father should be considered a person of interest in the case.

 

If Ed Edwards confessed to five murders, why didn’t he confess to all, including the Zodiac killings?

Ed Edwards was a pathological liar, known to fabricate stories about various aspects of his life.  His confessions are available on platforms such as YouTube.  Eash confession served a specific purpose, and he had different motives for each one.  The reasoning behind each confession is a storyitself.

 

What was so important about the 408 cipher? Has it been solved?

No, the 408 cipher has not been fully solved.  Although the Hardins translated it into English, the cipher’s full meaning remains elusive.  The Zodiac killer explicitly stated in the cipher that he was sending three parts to three newspapers and that his identity was contained within this code.  Furthermore, the Hardins translation reveals the statement, “I will not give you my name,” emphasizing his identity being something other than a name.

 

How did you break the cipher and what is the key?

To thoroughly investigate the case, the author revisited the beginning, as it’s often where a perpetrator may make his initial mistake before refining their methods.  With this in mind, he took another look at the 408 cipher, which was the Zodiac killer’s first.  In the cipher, he explicitly stated, “NO NAME!” and asserted that his identity could be found within it, emphasizing that it was easy and that once discovered, it would reveal him.  This is a crucial clue that should not be overlooked.  Despite the efforts of the CIA, FBI, HSA, and numerous knowledgeable individuals over 55 years from 1968 to 2023, the Zodiac killer’s identity remains elusive. 

The key to deciphering the 408 cipher lies within the numbers.  The challenge is not to find the killer’s name, but rather his identity.  It is essential to ponder the significance of the distinction to unravel the solution.

 

What does “Identity” mean?

After extensive study, the author considered numerous ideas related to the term “identity,” but none seemed promising except for one: a number.  While there are various possibilities such as social security numbers, addresses, occupations, driver’s licenses, and military records, the notion that the killer’s identity could be represented by a number seemed most compelling.

 

Did you find the number?

Yes! As the author mentioned, the key was to start at the beginning, the first.  Returning to the 408 cipher, he realized that the seemingly nonsensical references to slaves, the afterlife, and other obscure topics were merely misleading distractions.  Despite studying for years, he ultimately found the number that held the key to unlocking the cipher.

 

Why did the Zodiac killer wear a hood and costumer at Lake Berryessa, even though he didn’t intend to leave any witnesses?

No one would have ever known he wore it at all if Hartnell had not survived.

 

The Zodiac hood and costume refers to Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Mikado”, where Lord Koko was the “High Executioner.”  It is believed that Ed Edwards considered himself an executioner and used the persona to intimidate and control his victims.  The author believed he planned on using the costume again but reconsidered after being seen by a witness.

 

 

Was Cheri Jo Bates a victim of the Zodiac killer in 1966 in Riverside?

No, absolutely not. According to a Riverside police report, they are confident they have identified the perpetrator, as the evidence is substantial.  However, due to a DNA mismatch, the district attorney declined to pursue the case further.  Additionally, two leading psychologists who examined the note concluded that the individual behind the Riverside notes harbored a specific hatred for women.  This contradicts the modus operandi of the Zodiac killer, who sought publicity and did not adhere to a specific victimology, being willing to target anyone.

 

Did Ed Edwards write a book?

Yes, Ed Edwards’ autobiography as a criminal, titled “Metamorphosis of a Criminal”, was published by Hart in 1972.  While it is now out of print, copies occasionally surface on platforms like eBay.  It’s important to note that another individual has used the same title, so buyers should exercise caution.

 

What was Ed Edward’s first murder?

Although controversial, the author believes it was his own mother at the age of 5.

 

How many people did Ed Edwards kill?

Ed Edwards confessed to five murders, but he is suspected of killing many more.

 

How certain are you that Ed Edwards was the Zodiac?

Absolutely certain.  The combination of circumstantial evidence and discovering the key (mathematical proof) of the 408 cipher, the Zodiac’s identity seems undeniable.

 

Do you have other reasons, other than “identity code” found in the cryptograms, for believing Ed Edwards as the Zodiac?

1. In 15 years of investigation, I have not found any facts that disprove his involvement.

2. The Zodiac was undoubtedly a criminal. Ed Edwards’ extensive criminal record supports this. Among all the other suggested suspects, none have been found guilty, confessed, convicted, or sentenced to death row for murder.Ed had been convicted and served prison time for impersonating an officer, grand theft auto, armed robbery, burglary, and more.He is also a major suspect in multiple other murders. The Zodiac himself confessed “I like killing people.”

3. In his autobiography, Ed Edward stated, “My crimes were stoking the fires of my desire for attention,” indicating a possible motive.

4. Ed Edward’s daughter, April, claimed that he would make the family watch everything related to the Zodiac, and at times would interject, “No, no! That’s not the way it happened!”How could he have known this unless he was involved?

5. ​

There is so much more…..