Crime Time Inc

In this episode, Simon and Tom examine one of the most controversial modern Zodiac Killer suspects: Gary Francis Poste.The story begins with a chilling moment—an elderly man, a simple question, and a violent response with a hammer. That moment would later fuel a nationwide media storm and reignite interest in a case that has remained unsolved for over 50 years.We break down the claims made by the Case Breakers, a team of former law enforcement and intelligence professionals who publicly named Poste as the Zodiac in 2021.Key areas explored in this episode:The hammer incident and the credibility of the sole witnessPoste’s background: Air Force service, cryptography training, and life in the Bay Area during the Zodiac murdersHis move to Groveland, California in 1970—the same year the Zodiac killings stoppedAllegations of violence, control, and disturbing behaviour reported by neighboursThe forehead scars and how they compare to the Zodiac composite sketchThe controversial cipher theory linking Poste’s name to the Zodiac’s coded messagesThe connection to the Cheri Jo Bates murder—and why police dispute itClaims of hidden weapons caches and a possible trained group of followersThe ongoing mystery surrounding DNA evidence—and why it has never been conclusively comparedWe also examine strong criticism from leading Zodiac researchers, including Tom Voigt, and explore whether the Case Breakers’ evidence holds up under scrutiny.With no confirmed forensic link—no definitive DNA, fingerprints, or handwriting match—the case against Gary Poste remains entirely circumstantial.So why hasn’t law enforcement fully addressed it?And what happens when a suspect dies before answers are found?The Zodiac case remains officially open.And the question still stands:Was Gary Francis Poste the Zodiac Killer—or just another name in a long list of suspects?🎙️ This episode sets up our next instalment, where Simon and Tom critically review the Gary Poste theory in detail.Zodiac Killer, Gary Francis Poste, Zodiac suspect, Case Breakers, true crime podcast, unsolved murders, serial killers, Cheri Jo Bates, Zodiac ciphers, cold case, forensic investigation, true crime UK, true crime US, criminal psychology, unsolved mysteries 

In this review episode, Simon and Tom take a measured look at Richard Gaikowski, one of the most frequently discussed suspects in the Zodiac case. After Alec’s suspect profile, they break down what is genuinely intriguing, what feels overstated, and why Gaikowski remains a suspect many people talk about—but one who is still far from proven.The discussion focuses on several points that continue to keep Gaikowski in the conversation: his work as a newspaper editor in the Bay Area, his background as an army medic, his reported mental health issues, and the often-mentioned claim that parts of the Zodiac material may contain references to his name. Simon and Tom weigh each of these carefully, separating factual details from interpretations that may rely too heavily on hindsight.A major theme in this episode is the danger of forcing evidence to fit a suspect. Tom raises concerns about the reliability of the anonymous informant behind some of the claims, and both hosts question how much weight can really be placed on decades-old voice identifications and speculative links drawn from coded messages.The episode also explores one of the most interesting aspects of the case: timeline gaps. Gaikowski’s stay at Napa State Hospital from 1971 to 1974 is discussed in relation to the absence of Zodiac letters during that period, raising the question of whether those missing years might matter more than they first appear.Along the way, Simon and Tom also reflect on how historic cases are sometimes solved unexpectedly—through family disclosures, long-buried secrets, or information that only emerges decades later. It is a thoughtful conversation about evidence, probability, and why some suspects can never be fully dismissed, even when the case against them remains inconclusive.This episode is not about sensational claims. It is about careful review, investigative caution, and asking whether Richard Gaikowski was a serious Zodiac suspect—or another name kept alive by mystery, coincidence, and speculation.

In this episode, we examine one of the most controversial and debated Zodiac Killer suspects — Richard Gaikowski.A journalist with ties to San Francisco’s counterculture scene, Gaikowski has long fascinated researchers due to a series of striking coincidences, disputed claims, and lingering questions.We break down the full case for and against Gaikowski, separating documented facts from speculation.In this episode, we cover:Gaikowski’s background, military service, and journalism careerHis movements between California and New York during key Zodiac yearsThe origins of the theory — and the role of Blaine “Goldcatcher”, the informant who first accused himThe Darlene Ferrin connection and the Albany timeline overlapThe controversial “GYKE” cipher claimThe disputed voice identification by Nancy SloverLinks to Good Times newspaper and cultural references like The MikadoClaims around the Exorcist letter and “Me = 37”Physical resemblance to the Zodiac composite sketchWe also examine the critical weaknesses:The lack of credible supporting evidence from law enforcementThe highly questionable reliability of the original sourceThe disputed passport and travel alibiHandwriting analysis that did not match the ZodiacA missed opportunity for fingerprint comparisonAnd most importantly —no public forensic evidence (DNA, fingerprints, or handwriting) has ever tied Gaikowski to the Zodiac crimesThis episode takes a balanced, evidence-led approach, asking a key question:Is Richard Gaikowski a serious suspect — or a theory built on coincidence and amplification?Perfect for:True crime fansZodiac Killer researchersListeners interested in suspect analysis and investigative breakdownsIf you enjoy deep-dive true crime analysis, follow the podcast and don’t miss our ongoing Zodiac series.Richard Gaikowski, Zodiac Killer, Zodiac Killer suspects, Zodiac Killer theory, Blaine Blaine Goldcatcher, Zodiac evidence, Darlene Ferrin, Zodiac cipher, GYKE, true crime podcast, unsolved murders, Zodiac case

This week on Crime Time Inc, Simon and Tom mark the last of their general-topic episodes for a few weeks — while they push on to finish their in-depth series on the Zodiac murders — with an episode packed full of Scottish crime, policing, politics, and culture.Simon opens with a warning about "true friendship fraud", the growing phenomenon where criminals cultivate online relationships with vulnerable and elderly people in order to steal their money. With Scotland's older population increasingly targeted through Facebook, WhatsApp and other platforms, Simon and Tom explain the warning signs to look out for. Tom brings his characteristic dry wit to the subject, suggesting that any would-be fraudsters targeting him would leave considerably out of pocket.The political agenda is front and centre this week. Simon highlights new UK legislation cracking down on political donations — including a ban on crypto donations and a £100,000 cap on overseas contributions — ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections on 6 May. Tom draws on his years as Deputy Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders to give a frank insider account of what it takes to police a major election: the pre-planning, the management of rival factions, security at counting centres, the Representation of the People Act, and why rising political temperatures mean this May's vote will be a particularly demanding operation. Both hosts share their frustration at the state of modern political debate, noting that First Minister's Questions has descended into a catalogue of accusations rather than a forum for policy.Glasgow has finally joined the rest of the UK in rolling out police body-worn cameras, and Tom is blunt about why it took so long: Scotland's police capital budget is "lamentably inadequate", representing close to 0% of the Scottish Government's public spending despite policing accounting for roughly 3% of costs. Tom draws a direct line between that chronic underfunding and the £50 million Sheku Bayoh public inquiry — a cost that would have paid for body cameras across the whole of Police Scotland. The hosts also discuss privacy implications and Simon's affectionate memory of "Mr Gadget", a community officer from his days in Govan who wore every piece of kit simultaneously — including body armour he'd acquired himself — until being rendered immobile by the weight of it.Elsewhere, Tom gives his assessment of the Lockerbie bombing trial in New York, where alleged bomb-maker Abu Masud faces charges but legal delays are raising fears that the evidence may never be heard in open court. Tom warns of defence tactics designed to "run the clock round" and expresses hope that the Crown's reported intention to publish all evidence publicly — should the trial collapse — will at least bring some form of truth to the families of the 270 victims. The episode also features the latest instalment of the hosts' regular Scots language segment, with explorations of "wee", "Hogmanay", the "Loony Dook" and the beautiful Scots blessing "Lang may yer lum reek". Finally, Simon trails a forthcoming episode on Scotland's £6 billion annual drug crisis, following a major new Social Market Foundation report.KEY TALKING POINTS------------------• Friendship fraud and befriending scams: how to spot them and protect vulnerable people• New UK rules on political donations: crypto ban and the £100k overseas cap• Policing Scottish elections: behind the scenes with a former Deputy Chief Constable• Why First Minister's Questions has become "yaboo politics"• Glasgow body cameras: why Scotland was years behind — and the true cost of delay• The Sheku Bayoh inquiry: £50m that could have paid for national body cam rollout• Lockerbie trial update: delays, defence tactics and the risk evidence is never heard• Scots Language: "Wee", "Aye", "Hogmanay", "Loony Dook", "Lang may yer lum reek"• Preview: Scotland's £6 billion drug crisisHOSTS

In this episode, former detectives Simon and Tom review the case against Lawrence Kane — one of the most persistent suspects in the Zodiac Killer investigation. We advise you listen to the previous episode. While Kane appears to “tick many boxes” on paper, this discussion goes deeper — separating compelling evidence from misleading coincidence.Key points explored include:Kane’s background: Navy experience, coding knowledge, brain injury, and a history of sexual and petty offencesHis proximity to key Zodiac crime locations, including San Francisco and VallejoThe significance of his convictions for prowling and voyeurism — and whether these behaviours align with the Zodiac’s possible pre-offence patternsThe detectives focus heavily on identification evidence, often considered the backbone of any case:Darlene Ferrin’s sisters identifying Kane as a man who frightened herKathleen Johns later identifying Kane as her abductorWhy these identifications are compelling — but still fall short of proving he was the ZodiacHowever, major challenges to the Kane theory are also examined:No confirmed link to firearms — despite the Zodiac’s demonstrated skill with multiple weaponsThe Donna Lass case, which differs significantly from known Zodiac crimes in method and executionThe risk of forcing connections between unrelated crimesA key theme of this episode is the copycat theory:Could some incidents attributed to the Zodiac actually be separate crimes triggered by media coverage?Are investigators and researchers grouping together crimes that don’t belong?The discussion also highlights a critical investigative danger:Becoming too focused on one suspect and forcing evidence to fit — rather than stepping back and reassessing the bigger pictureUltimately, the conclusion remains frustratingly familiar:Lawrence Kane cannot be definitively linked to the Zodiac KillerBut equally, he cannot be fully ruled outThis episode is a grounded, expert-led breakdown of a suspect who continues to divide opinion — and a reminder of just how complex the Zodiac case truly is. 

n this episode, we examine one of the most persistent and controversial Zodiac Killer suspects: Lawrence Kane.Unlike lesser-known names, Kane is a suspect that serious investigators — including retired detective Harvey Hines — returned to repeatedly.We explore Kane’s background, including:His military training in electronics and codingA life-altering brain injury in 1962 and subsequent psychological declineA long criminal history that abruptly stopped just before the Zodiac killings beganWe then break down the most disturbing connections:Darlene Ferrin – Identified by her sisters as a man who frightened her prior to her murderVehicle change – Kane replaced his car days after the Blue Rock Springs shootingPaul Stine murder – Kane lived just blocks from the pickup locationOfficer Don Fouke – Described Kane as the closest likeness he had seen to the ZodiacThe case becomes even more chilling with the disappearance of Donna Lass:Worked in the same building as Kane in Lake TahoeVanished in 1970 under suspicious circumstancesLater linked to a possible Zodiac communicationHer remains were only identified in 2023 — over 50 years laterWe also revisit the Kathleen Johns abduction, where she identified Kane in a photo lineup — an incident the Zodiac himself claimed responsibility for.Despite these connections, the forensic case remains inconclusive:Fingerprints did not match — but may not belong to the killerDNA evidence is disputed and unreliableHandwriting analysis failed to confirm or eliminate himSo why was Kane never ruled out?No definitive alibiMultiple circumstantial overlaps with Zodiac crimesContinued interest from law enforcementThis episode lays out the full picture — the evidence, the doubts, and the unanswered questions — surrounding a man who may be one of the strongest Zodiac suspects, yet remains officially unconfirmed.Next episode: Richard Gaikowski — a name some believe the Zodiac hid in plain sight.