Investigator Links Zodiac Killer To Black Dahlia
Alex Baber, co-founder of Cold Case Consultants of America, says in December 2025 he decoded the Zodiac Killer's Z13 and Z32 ciphers using artificial intelligence, U.S. Census records, and classical cryptanalysis, identifying Marvin Skipton Margolis (alias Marvin Merrill) — a former Black Dahlia suspect. Law enforcement has not endorsed the claim; Baber urges DNA and records reanalysis while families and researchers debate verification.
Key Points
- 1Decodes Z13 and Z32 ciphers naming Marvin Skipton Margolis (alias Marvin Merrill).
- 2Connects Zodiac murders to 1947 Black Dahlia case, suggesting single perpetrator across decades.
- 3Challenges cold-case investigators; urges DNA, records reanalysis and independent cryptanalysis verification.
Scoring Rationale
Significant investigative claim using AI and cryptography; limited by single-source reporting and lack of law enforcement verification.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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