Who Was Rodney Alcala? Inside the Serial Killer’s Crimes and Cameo on a Popular Show

Mar. 15, 2025

Rodney Alcala in 2010, as the penalty phase of the ‘People vs. Alcala’ trial begins at a Santa Ana, Calif., courtroom.Photo:Ted Soqui/Corbis/Getty

Ted Soqui/Corbis/Getty

Despite having already begun his murder spree, the San Antonio-born veteran competed as one of three bachelors rivaling for bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw’s attention. His charm — the same tool he used to lure his victims — won him the date, though Bradshaw had no idea she was interacting with a killer.

From his small-screen stint to his many convictions, here’s everything to know about one of America’s most notorious serial killers, Rodney Alcala.

Who was Rodney Alcala?

Black-and-white close-up photo of Rodney James Alcala in 1980.Getty

Born Rodrigo Jacques Alcala-Buquor on Aug. 23, 1943, the notorious killer spent his early years in Mexico before he and his family moved to Los Angeles when he was 8.

At 17, Alcala enlisted in the Army but was discharged in 1964 following a nervous breakdown and allegations of sexual misconduct,per CBS News.

He graduated in 1968 from the University of California, Los Angeles with a fine arts degree, but soon after his first attack, fled to New York University — where he attended a class withRoman Polanskiunder the alias “John Berger.”

Host Jim Lange (left), bachelorette Anita Gillette and three contestants on a 1972 episode of ‘The Dating Game’.Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty

Alcala appeared on a 1978 episode ofThe Dating Game,the popular competition series where three eligible bachelors vied for a date with a bachelorette — eventually earning him the moniker, “The Dating Game Killer.”

The ABC program was heavy on innuendo. Host Jim Lange introduced Alcala as a “successful photographer who got his start when his father found him in the darkroom at the age of 13, fully developed.”

Throughout the episode, Alcala enthusiastically responds to the bachelorette’s suggestive questions: likening himself to a banana, saying that nighttime is when he “really gets good” and acting out the part of a dirty old man.

Though Alcala ended up being the most eligible suitor, bachelorette Bradshaw sensed something was wrong. After the show, she ultimately refused the date,telling contestant coordinator Ellen Metzger, " ‘I can’t go out with this guy. There’s weird vibes that are coming off of him. He’s very strange. I am not comfortable.’ "

What did Rodney Alcala do?

Rodney Alcala is pictured at age 35 on July 25, 1979.Los Angeles Times/AP

Previously, he had served 34 months in prison for the brutal rape and beating of an 8-year-old girl,Tali Shapiro. He had briefly been put on the FBI’s Most Wanted list as well.

By the time of his 1979 arrest, Alcala had killed at least seven women, but authorities believe the body count could be much higher.

Prosecutors said Alcala was a cruel killer who toyed with his victims. He would beat or strangle them until they lost consciousness. When they woke up, he would repeat the process before finally killing them.

What was Rodney Alcaca convicted for?

Rodney Alcala mugshot; Rodney Alcala on ‘The Dating Game’.Orange County District Attorney’s Office

Orange County District Attorney’s Office

In 1980, Alcala was sentenced to death for 12-year-old Robin Samsoe’s murder; the judgment was reversed in 1984, though, and he was granted a new trial. He was sentenced to death again in 1986, only for that judgment to be overturned in 2003.

However, Orange County prosecutors soon discovered Alcala’s DNA matched evidence connected to four other women murdered between 1977 and 1979: Jill Barcomb, 18; Jill Parenteau, 21; Georgia Wixted, 27; and Charlotte Lamb, 32.

In 2010, an Orange County jury convicted Alcala on five counts of first-degree murder, for whichhe was sentenced to deathyet again.

Where is Rodney Alcala now?

Rodney Alcala enters the courtroom before the start of final arguments in the death penalty trial in Santa Ana, Calif., on Feb. 22, 2010.Michael Goulding/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty

Michael Goulding/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty

On July 24, 2021, the serial killer and sex offenderdied of natural causesat age 77 while on death row in California. Though the true death toll remains unknown, authorities believe Alcala may have killed up to 130 people,according to the Associated Press.

Since his death, Alcala’s crimes have continued to capture public scrutiny — featuring in the 2022 Sky Original docuseriesDating Death,a 2024 episode ofPeople Magazine Investigates: Surviving a Serial Killerand the 2024 thrillerWoman of the Hour.

source: people.com