No one knows the motives behind the Zodiac's shocking crimes or what may have inspired him to choose that name and the crossed-circle symbol as his signature. The name and symbol had origins in astrology, and the Zodiac's crimes indicated that he may have been influenced by other killers in history. Was he also inspired by popular culture, including fiction, film, and television? Did the Zodiac imitate the villains and crimes in the Batman comic books and TV series, or in the films The Most Dangerous Game and Charlie Chan at Treasure Island? The new episode of ZODIAC: A TO Z titled "Perfect Crime" examines many possible inspirations and influences, including: the strange case of a cab driver killing and taunting telephone calls to police, the still-unsolved murder of Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside, California, the story of the "3X Killer," and more.

Written and produced by Michael Butterfield for ZodiacKillerFacts.com / Copyright 2020

Voice of "The Zodiac" by John Knight 

All music licensed and used by permission. “Run and Hide” composed and produced by Jens Kiilstofte. “Ghost” composed and produced by JM Scherf.