The Dating Game's Darkest Secret: How a Killer Won on Live TV

In September of 1978, Rodney Alcala won the date with Cheryl Bradshaw on the popular show, The Dating Game. It was said that his charm and use of innuendo ultimately got him the win. It was also said that this alleged charm was what enabled him to rape and murder at least eight women. It is believed, though, that he may have killed over 100 women in the 1970’s.

Summary of Rodney Alcala’s Life and Crimes

This is just a brief summary of the case, click the video above for a full video and breakdown of this one!

Background:

Born Rodrigo Jacques Alcala-Bulquor on August 23, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, Alcala experienced early family instability, moving to Mexico before his father abandoned them. The family later relocated to Los Angeles.
Alcala enlisted in the U.S. Army but was discharged in 1964 after a nervous breakdown and a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder.
He earned a fine arts degree from UCLA and attended NYU under an alias, studying under Roman Polanski.

Criminal History:

1968: First known assault on 8-year-old Tali Shapiro in California; he fled after nearly killing her.
1971: Added to the FBI’s Most Wanted List and arrested in New Hampshire under an alias, “John Berger,” after being recognized by campers.
Served brief sentences for child molestation and parole violations but continued his predatory behavior.

Infamous Publicity:

1978: Appeared on The Dating Game, charming the bachelorette despite being a registered sex offender. She ultimately declined the date, citing his “creepy” demeanor.

Murder Cases:

1979: Arrested for the murder of Robin Samsoe (12). Evidence later linked him to additional murders in the 1970s:
- Jill Barcomb (18): Raped, beaten with a rock, and strangled in 1977.
- Georgia Wixted (27): Beaten, raped, and strangled in her apartment in 1977.
- Charlotte Lamb (32): Raped and strangled in 1978.
- Jill Parenteau (21): Raped and strangled in 1979.
His 2010 trial connected him to these murders, and he represented himself in court. He was convicted and sentenced to death.

Additional Victims:

DNA linked Alcala to murders of Cornelia Crilley (23) and Ellen Hover (23) in New York in the 1970s. He later admitted guilt in 2012.
Believed responsible for other killings, including Christine Thornton (pregnant, 28) in Wyoming and Pamela Lambson in California.

Survivors:

Tali Shapiro (1968) and Morgan Rowan (1965) survived his brutal attacks, later sharing their experiences to promote healing and awareness.

Aftermath and Death:

In 2010, police released hundreds of Alcala’s photos to identify potential unknown victims.
Alcala died of natural causes on July 24, 2021, while on death row in California. His exact death toll remains unknown but is suspected to exceed his confirmed murders.