What Happened to the Dating Game Killer? Is the Dating Game Killer Dead? Who Was the Serial Killer on the Dating Game?
by Kowsalya
Updated Jul 22, 2023
What Happened to the Dating Game Killer?
Rodney Alcala, the infamous Dating Game Killer, passed away at the age of 77 on July 24, 2021, from natural causes while awaiting execution, as announced by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Alcala gained notoriety for his appearance on the show in 1978, where he was chosen as a contestant despite having a history of heinous crimes. He had previously served prison sentences for assaulting an 8-year-old girl in 1968 and a 13-year-old girl in 1974. Despite being a registered abuser, he managed to appear on the show as a "photographer" and even won.
Initially sentenced to death in 1980 for the murder of 12-year-old Robin Samsoe in 1979, Alcala's conviction was later overturned in 1984, leading to a new trial. In 1986, he was convicted and sentenced to death once again. However, this conviction was overturned in 2003, granting him yet another trial.
Finally, in 2010, Alcala was convicted and sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder of Robin Samsoe, as well as four other women. The evidence linking him to the victims included DNA analysis. Additionally, in 2013, he pleaded guilty to two more murders in New York, resulting in an additional sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Authorities suspect that Alcala may have been responsible for up to 130 murders, according to The Associated Press. In 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order halting all executions in the state.
Is the Dating Game Killer Dead?
Yes, the Dating Game Killer, Rodney Alcala, is dead. He passed away from natural causes at the age of 77 while awaiting execution. Rodney Alcala, known as the Dating Game Killer, was a serial killer who gained notoriety due to his appearance on the television show The Dating Game in 1978. Despite his heinous criminal history, he was selected as a contestant on the show, where he introduced himself as a "photographer" and even managed to win the game.
Before his appearance on the show, Alcala had already committed horrifying acts. In 1968, he was convicted of assaulting 8-year-old Tali Shapiro and, later, in 1974, he was convicted of assaulting a 13-year-old girl. Despite these convictions and being a registered sex offender, he was able to participate in the popular dating show without raising suspicions.
Who Was the Serial Killer on the Dating Game?
Rodney James Alcala, born Rodrigo Jacques Alcala Buquor on August 23, 1943, was an American serial killer and abuser. Alcala earned the moniker "Dating Game Killer" due to his appearance on the television show The Dating Game in 1978, which occurred during the time of his murder spree. This chilling fact made him even more infamous in the public eye.
His criminal activities and the heinous nature of his crimes left a dark legacy, and the true extent of the devastation he caused may never be fully known because he died of natural causes while on death row in California on July 24, 2021. Alcala was convicted for five murders committed in California between 1977 and 1979 and also pleaded guilty to two homicides in New York State in 1971 and 1977, receiving an additional sentence of 25 years to life.
Although he was conclusively linked to eight murders, the actual number of his victims remains unknown, and authorities suspect that it could be much higher, possibly reaching up to 130 victims.
Alcala had amassed a collection of over 1,000 photographs, featuring women, teenage girls, and boys, with many of them subjected to abuse. In 2016, he was charged with the 1977 murder of a woman who was identified from one of his photos.
Described as a "killing machine" by one police detective, Alcala was known to "toy" with his victims, strangling them until they lost consciousness and then allowing them to revive before repeating the process multiple times before finally killing them. His modus operandi and the brutality of his crimes have led some to compare him to infamous serial killer Ted Bundy.
How Many People Did the Dating Game Killer Kill?
Rodney James Alcala, the Dating Game Killer, was convicted of five murders in California between 1977 and 1979. These five confirmed victims are:
In addition to these five murders, Alcala was also linked to two homicides in New York State, for which he pleaded guilty. Those victims were murdered in 1971 and 1977. Therefore, Alcala was conclusively linked to and convicted of a total of seven murders – five in California and two in New York. However, it is believed that his true number of victims could be much higher.
Authorities have speculated that he may have been responsible for as many as 130 murders, but due to the lack of definitive evidence and unresolved cases, the exact number remains unknown.
The Dating Game Killer Netflix
The Dating Game is an upcoming crime movie that marks the directorial debut of Anna Kendrick. She will also star in the film, known for her roles in movies like Pitch Perfect, Trolls, and The Twilight Saga. The script, written by Ian MacAllister McDonald, was listed among The Black List entries in 2017. Chloe Okuno was initially attached to direct the project when it was called "Rodney & Sheryl."
The movie is produced by Anna Kendrick, along with Roy Lee (IT), J.D. Lifshitz (Barbarian), Raphael Margules (The Vigil), and Miri Yoon (I Love You, Phillip Morris). AGC Studios is handling the production, along with Vertigo Entertainment, BoulderLight Pictures, and Let’s Go Again.
Originally, Netflix was associated with the project when they acquired the package built around the script in May 2021. However, at some point in 2022, the project became independent and is no longer attached to Netflix. Production commenced toward the end of the year and is expected to wrap up in March 2023. As of now, the release plans for the movie remain unclear, and it's yet to be revealed where it will be released instead.
Dating Game Killer Victims
In 1979, 12-year-old Samsoe from Huntington Beach was abducted by Alcala while on her way to ballet class. Described as a precocious and beloved girl who enjoyed the beach and dancing, her kidnapping and murder left her family devastated.
Alcala faced multiple trials for his heinous crimes. In 2010, he was convicted and sentenced to death by a jury for the murders of Samsoe and four other victims in California: Barcomb, Wixted, Lamb, and Parenteau.
In 2011, Alcala was charged in New York for the murders of Crilley and Hover. Detectives linked his DNA to saliva found on Crilley's body and matched a mold of his teeth to the bite marks.
In 2012, Alcala pleaded guilty to the New York murders. During this time, authorities in Seattle also considered him as a possible suspect in two unsolved murders from 1977 and 1978, as well as a woman's disappearance in 1976. However, the outcome of the Seattle investigation remains undisclosed.
In 2013, Thornton's sister recognized her in a photo database created by California investigators, featuring women Alcala had photographed. The photo was taken near the location where Thornton's body was found. In 2016, Alcala was charged with her murder in Wyoming.
Following Alcala's death in prison from natural causes in 2021, prosecutors dismissed the Wyoming case. Investigators and prosecutors believe that Alcala may have had more than 100 victims.
The overturned convictions and numerous trials took a heavy toll on Samsoe's surviving relatives. Alcala's arrogance led him to believe he was smarter than everyone else, but the prosecutors ensured a solid case to prevent any chance of appeal.
Obtaining Alcala's third conviction brought some sense of justice to Samsoe's family, although the devastation he caused could never truly bring closure. His death is seen as a form of satisfaction, knowing he will face consequences beyond this world.
What Happened to the Dating Game Killer-FAQs
Rodney Alcala, the Dating Game Killer, died of natural causes while on death row in California on July 24, 2021.
Rodney Alcala was convicted of five murders in California between 1977 and 1979.
Yes, Rodney Alcala was apprehended and convicted for his heinous crimes. He faced multiple trials and was sentenced to death for the murders of his California victims.
Yes, Rodney Alcala's crimes reached beyond California. He was also charged and pleaded guilty to two additional homicides in New York.
Rodney Alcala's crimes came to light when he appeared on the television show "The Dating Game" in 1978. His suspicious behavior led to his identification and eventual arrest, linking him to multiple murders.