It was the summer of 1990 – 16 years after the last-known written communication from the Zodiac Killer – and this time New Yorkers all the way across the country were blanketed in fear. City residents were being shot in 21-day cycles; an alleged perpetrator, calling himself the Zodiac, was not only claiming responsibility but also displaying eerie similarities to the now-infamous West Coast serial killer. Like his Californian namesake, the New York murderer used riddles and ciphers, goading police and the media, which reignited the panic surrounding the Zodiac name.
By 1990, the metro area – along with the rest of the country – was already all too familiar with the hair-raising stories from the late 1960s about the Zodiac’s taunts and torture. The killer’s nickname had already entered the pop culture lexicon, with 1971’s Dirty Harry being loosely based on the case. Any mention of or association with the long-dormant killer was terrifying, and as news broke of an apparent copycat, fear rippled through the streets of New York.
Five murders had been confirmed as Zodiac victims in California between 1968 and 1969, and the killer claimed at least 37 more in communication with police and the media. With puzzles and codes – some still to be cracked to this day – Zodiac issued threats and rambled about how those he murdered would be his slaves in the afterlife. This legacy left by the original Zodiac loomed large over the events that were unfolding in New York.
- The Emergence of the Copycat Killer
- Investigation Details and Key Evidence
- Heriberto Seda: The Man Behind the Crimes
- Impact and Consequences of the Zodiac’s Return
The Emergence of the Copycat Killer
The story begins with a shocking incident on May 31, 1990, when an elderly man named Joseph Proce was shot in Queens. This event was just the beginning of a series of terrifying occurrences that would grip New York City. The police received a cryptic note at the crime scene, which immediately drew parallels to the infamous Zodiac Killer. The note stated, “This is the Zodiac the twelve sign will die when the belts in the heaven are seen.” This chilling message indicated that the perpetrator was not only aware of the original Zodiac's history but was also eager to mimic his style.
As detectives began piecing together the evidence, they uncovered a disturbing pattern: the shooter seemed to be operating on a 21-day cycle, mirroring the timing of the original Zodiac's attacks. This revelation sparked fear and urgency among law enforcement, who were determined to prevent further violence. The media quickly picked up on the story, reigniting the public's anxiety about a killer who had seemingly returned from the shadows.
Investigation Details and Key Evidence
Detective Michael Ciravolo, who was in charge of the Senior Citizens Robbery Unit, led the investigation into Proce's shooting. As the investigation unfolded, a second note surfaced that contained similarly ominous messages. This time, the handwriting matched the first note closely, suggesting a direct link between the two incidents. The police were faced with a daunting task: finding the killer before he could strike again.
The notes revealed the shooter's knowledge of astrological signs, as he referenced signs like Taurus, Scorpio, and Gemini. This astrological connection added a layer of complexity to the investigation, prompting detectives to look into the occult and astrology for potential insights into the killer’s motives and next moves. With each passing day, the tension mounted as the police raced against time to prevent another attack.
Heriberto Seda: The Man Behind the Crimes
Eventually, the investigation led to the arrest of Heriberto Seda, a 26-year-old high school dropout from Brooklyn. Seda was apprehended after a series of investigations revealed his connection to the Zodiac letters. He had initially denied being the Zodiac but later confessed to his crimes. Despite his claims of not knowing anything about astrology, his detailed attacks closely mirrored the Zodiac Killer's methods, raising further questions about his motivations.
Seda was ultimately convicted of killing three people and attempting to kill five more. He received a life sentence without the possibility of parole, ensuring he would never again terrorize the public. The chilling similarity between Seda's methods and those of the original Zodiac Killer left a lasting impression on both the police and the public, highlighting the psychological impact of these crimes.
Impact and Consequences of the Zodiac’s Return
The resurgence of the Zodiac name in New York City brought a wave of fear and anxiety that swept through communities. The media frenzy surrounding the copycat killings reignited interest in the original Zodiac case, prompting renewed discussions about unsolved mysteries and the psychological profiles of serial killers. Many people in New York were left questioning their safety, as the specter of the Zodiac Killer returned to haunt the city.
As detectives and the public processed the events, a sense of relief washed over them upon Seda's apprehension. The Zodiac's legacy continued to impact the public consciousness, with the chilling tales of both the original and the copycat killer serving as a stark reminder of the darker aspects of human nature. The story of the New York Zodiac Killer remains a haunting chapter in the annals of crime history.
