In the mid-1970s, San Mateo County, California was terrorized by the Gypsy Hill Murders—a string of brutal killings near Pacifica, Daly City, Millbrae, and South San Francisco. For decades, the crimes went unsolved.

Then in 1976, Michele Mitchell, a nursing student at the University of Nevada, Reno, was murdered in a case that also went cold. Decades later, DNA evidence revealed the shocking truth: both cases were tied to the same man—Rodney Halbower, the Gypsy Hill Serial Killer (aka the San Mateo Slasher)

In this episode of Reno Murders, we trace Halbower’s violent timeline—his prison escapes, attacks across states, and the breakthrough that finally brought justice. We also remember the victims, including Michele Mitchell, and ask the chilling question: how many more could there be?

References & Sources

CBS News (2018) – Gypsy Hill killer sentenced to life in prison
Coverage of Halbower’s California sentencing.
Read here

KTVU News (2018) – Life sentences in Gypsy Hill cold case murders
Trial verdict and sentencing highlights.
Read here

SFGate (2018) – Life in prison for Gypsy Hill murders
Local Bay Area coverage of the conviction.
Read here

San Mateo Daily Journal (2018) – Life in prison for Gypsy Hill murders
Local reporting on sentencing.
Read here

The Guardian (2015) – Oregon prisoner charged in 1976 murders after DNA link
First major coverage after DNA tied Halbower to Gypsy Hill.
Read here

Los Angeles Times (1986) – Two inmates escape Nevada prison by scaling walls, cutting fences
Contemporary reporting on Halbower’s second escape.
Read here

The Cinemaholic (2020) – Where is Rodney Halbower now?
Updated details on current incarceration.
Read here

ABC7 News (2018) – Accused Gypsy Hill killer speaks out from prison
Interview coverage during trial phase.
Read here

Spectrum Local News (2018) – Trial begins for Gypsy Hill serial killings
Trial coverage from opening statements.
Read here

KSL.com (2018) – Trial begins for Gypsy Hill serial killings
National reprint of trial coverage.
Read here

Disclaimer & Listener Warning
This podcast discusses sensitive and potentially disturbing topics, including murder, sexual assault, domestic violence, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. All information presented has been compiled from publicly available records, news reports, archival sources, and historical accounts. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, details may vary depending on source material.

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