"The self-described Zodiac killer is blamed for at least five murders in 1968 and 1969. He was never caught and claims about his identity are a regular occurrence.
Many people believe he was Arthur Leigh Allen, a convicted child molester who died in 1992. The case inspired a hit film starring Jake Gyllenhaal in 2007, and the killings are said to have been the inspiration for the original Dirty Harry movie starring Clint Eastwood". Source: www.guardian.co.uk
"The Zodiac killer, it turns out, was a Jekyll and Hyde carpenter from Orange County who dragged his 7-year-old daughter along for thrills as he carried out his reign of carnage in the Bay Area 40 years ago. At least that's what the daughter, Deborah Perez, told reporters and a frenzied mob of Zodiac buffs Wednesday.
She also said she hopes authorities can find DNA on the stamps of letters that the Zodiac sent and match them to herself or her father. The DNA from the Zodiac evidence, however, may not be reliable, investigators warn.
Of particular interest will be a letter written in December 1969 to Belli, who died in 1996. The letter, filled with erratic punctuation and misspellings, begins, "Dear Melvin This is the Zodiac speaking I wish you a happy Christmass. ... please help me."
Documentary in works
Privately, some investigators wondered if the timing of Perez's announcement - publicized by Hollywood PR agent Edward Lozzi, renowned for dating the late Anna Nicole Smith - had something to do with a documentary on her story that she is hoping to finish soon". Source: www.sfgate.com