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Richard Grinell, Coventry, England
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DAY-BY-DAY FORECAST FOR LEONA ROBERTS

8/21/2019

 
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The following is a summary of the abduction and murder of Leona LaRell Roberts by Steph54 on Websleuths:

On Wednesday, 10 December 1969, 16-year-old Leona Larell Roberts worked her first day at a part-time job at the White Front Discount Store in Pleasant Hill. After her 1-5 p.m. shift, she drove to her boyfriend's apartment (749 Tormey Ave, Rodeo) where she planned to cook him dinner. At the time, Leona attended K's American Beauty College in Napa, where she also lived with her mother. Within 15 minutes of arriving at her boyfriend's apartment, a neighbor heard a girl scream. The neighbor called the sheriff and soon after heard someone running down the stairs at the back of the apartment house followed by the slam of a door from the direction of the downstairs apartment where Leona's boyfriend lived. When the boyfriend arrived, he saw Leona's red VW out front but did not find her inside the apartment. The apartment was dark and the back door was unlocked. He noticed scuff marks on the wall near the back door. He found that a pair of his pants had been removed from the bedroom closet and left on the living room couch, the belt missing. He noticed Leona's work smock crumpled on the couch. A sheriff's deputy arrived 30 minutes after the call. Another neighbor told the deputy of seeing a white male, about 25 years old, short blonde hair, acting suspicious. He walked several times from the front door to the rear of a blue station wagon before driving away.

On 28 December 1969, a man searching for driftwood on the beach at Bolinas Lagoon in Marin County found the nude body of Leona Roberts. It was later determined that a unique wristwatch was missing from the girl's wrist, but a Napa High School class ring given to her by a neighbor still remained on her finger. The tan dress she wore when last seen, along with two pairs of bell-bottomed pants, a blouse, a black purse and wallet, a key chain with car and house keys were also reported missing. There were marks on the wrists and ankles indicative of binding, but the coroner was unsure whether they occurred before or after death. The cause of death was reported as "due to viral infection of an unidentified species." It was also reported that there was "evidence of choking which could probably be linked to the virus." The coroner estimated that she had been dead 4-7 days (December 21-24) prior to recovery, and he theorized that she had been alive 10-14 days after her abduction. Articles reported the coroner's theory that Leona had been kept bound for a period of time, died as a result of the viral infection, and was disposed of by her abductor(s). Pathological and toxicological tests did not find any drugs or alcohol in her system.


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The day after the abduction of Leona Roberts, on December 11th 1969, a pasted message entitled DAY-BY-DAY FORECAST FOR LEO was postmarked San Francisco, and mailed to the San Francisco Newspaper Printing Company, P.O. Box 3100, Rincon Annex, San Francisco. If Leona Roberts was one day into her captivity and was to be held for some time yet, then the December 11th 1969 mailing contained some very interesting information. The pasted forecast was for the month of November. If a perpetrator (or Zodiac) was responsible for her abduction and the pasted communication, it cannot be overlooked that the communication began with part of her name - Day-by-day forecast for Leona Roberts (Leona is a female variant of the name Leo or Leon). But this is just the beginning of the story - starting with an observation by Soze, a contributor on the Zodiac Killer Site forum. He stated "The paste before "Mystery". I can make out what appears to be the word "Mile". Combing the two, I did a search on "mile mystery" and included the date "1969". I found in the November 18, 1969 Redlands Daily Facts from Redlands, California on Page 14, a mention of "Run a crooked mile mystery". It was a TV movie that debuted that day. just wondering if anyone thinks it possible that the paste reads "run a crooked mile mystery"?

I wondered if Soze was on to something, so I checked the Internet Movie Database for the film and it returned with 'Run a Crooked Mile (1969)'. Here is a brief summary of the plot by Ralph Cabrerar: "A man witnesses a murder in a secluded mansion. When he reports it, there's no evidence of the murder, or that anyone was there. He finds a key on the floor and goes to his boss to get help when he's struck from behind. He wakes up in a hospital room after a polo accident to find he's had amnesia for two years, is now married, and living in Switzerland. He still has the key and the memories of the murder. He goes back to England to try to resolve the mystery". It was noted that a key chain with car and house keys were reported missing from Leona Roberts, however, this wasn't the point of interest regarding the pasted wording of the film - it was its position on the Day-By-Day Forecast. This got me thinking that the communication was some type of word search puzzle, with the words deliberately placed in specific positions relative to the dates on the communication. The "run a crooked mile mystery" was pasted over the beginning date of November 18th 1969 on the forecast (the exact date of the film). Obviously, if any of the other wording had relevance to the abduction of Leona Roberts in December, then we would have to focus in on the numeric dates of the forecast, rather than the month. Below I have featured the pasted forecast communication.      
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There are only two sections of dates obscured by the pasted words on the entire communication. The red rectangle above highlights the first two obscured dates of the 10th and 11th, accompanied by the pasted word of NOW. These were the dates of Leona Roberts abduction and the mailing of this communication, emphasized by the word now. The second set of dates obscured are highlighted by the green rectangle. They are the 25th, 26th and 27th, accompanied by the word HIDDEN. Obviously, the author of the communication would be projecting forward to these dates. A reasoned guess, is that these would be the dates he was intending to hide her body (but obviously not too hard, so it could be found and prove the communication correct). Leona Roberts body was discovered on December 28th 1969. The coroner estimated that she had been dead 4-7 days (December 21-24) prior to recovery. If she had been murdered on December 24th or thereabouts, then it is logical that the killer may have 'disposed or hidden' her body on December 25th, 26th or 27th, to be found on the 28th - and why he pasted the word HIDDEN on the communication in the area he did. It is curious that the first unobscured date after this section, is the 28th - the day she was found on Bolinas Lagoon beach. Three sets of dates were accompanied by a pasted word - all of which had relevance to that particular word - and thereby bringing forth the notion of a word search puzzle, akin to the 340 cipher on November 8th 1969.

On December 20th 1969, the Zodiac Killer mailed the Melvin Belli Letter, mimicking the words written in lipstick (supposedly by William Heirens) on the apartment wall of murder victim Frances Brown. She
was discovered shot and stabbed multiple times in her 3941 North Pine Grove apartment in Edgewater, Chicago. The date of Frances Brown's murder was December 10th - the exact date that Leona Roberts was abducted from 749 Tormey Ave in Rodeo.  
Rubislaw 32 link
8/22/2019 07:40:58 am

Nice to see the Leo ''Day-by-Day'' forecast ''cut and paste'',Richard,and displayed where it is quite readable....I find that I am straining to view it,at other sites.

There is the ''FLT Three of a kind'' which,along with unique font,on the ''Cancer'' card....''probably'' refers to ''Triple 5'' cigarettes,from State Express.This brand,along with ''Lucky Strike'',were,I believe,to be the Zodiac's smokes of choice.William Grant smoked ''Pall Mall',and I believe the Zodiac left ''Pall Mall'' butt ends around,as one of his ''number of'' means of trying to incriminate Grant.

This apart,I am more ''sold'' on the idea that the Zodiac chose Elaine Davis,as his ''eighth'' victim,than Leona Roberts.The circumstances of Ms.Roberts death....looks like too much,and too protracted ''work'' for the Zodiac [?].

But all of this article,is of great interest,and thank you.There is still much to find out,and confirm....either way.

Richard
8/22/2019 09:07:56 am

I have just covered the Cancer communication a minute ago Rubislaw, mentioning your help regarding the State Express Company and a little bit extra. I know how you like the cards and communications more.

Shawn
8/22/2019 12:11:12 pm

Does that spell "Harry Ott" next to Hidden?

or "Harry O ??"

Thanks

Richard
8/22/2019 12:46:56 pm

Yes, Harry Ott with a capital C in front to mimic the word Chariot.

Richard
8/22/2019 12:52:48 pm

It may be C HARRY OTT can (be) RIDDEN

WeshChappie
8/29/2019 04:33:56 am

Hey Rich, we have asked this question many a time regarding the PH police report. . . And notice how carol references 'The witness' in the singular rather than witnesses??

'
(Sun Oct 11 2015 06:22:01 PM) Shawn: Carol...Napa, Benecia and Vallejo policed departments has released many pages of police reports on Zodiacs other murders......But the San Francisco Police Department has released only ONE PAGE of information on your brother's murder...WHY?
 
 (Sun Oct 11 2015 06:22:54 PM) Carol Stine: You will have to ask them! I was personally escorted Bill Anderson and Dsave. They even took me to the scene and we talked to the witness.'

Richard
8/29/2019 04:48:01 am

We both know Welsh that the 8-year-old likely lived at the 3898 residence, despite the fact he denied it was him a few years ago. My guess is he doesn't want to get involved. I checked the addresses around that intersection and he was the only viable candidate. So, this witness was in all likelihood the young child. Did Carol ever elaborate on the witness?

WelshChappie
8/29/2019 07:03:42 am

Yeah, reading on she said she was escorted to the scene of Paul's murder by Toschi & Armstrong and spoke to a witness she refers to as being the one who dialled for police and refers to the witness as "She" so she must mean Rebecca Robbins. She says tho the witnesses saw Paul struggling and fighting almost with the driver Initially.

Another point of interest, Carol states several times Paul was suppose to knock off work that night at/by 21:30. She was asked whether she knew for certain where Paul picked up Zodiac from of was she too told a guesstimate based on the meter price and the questioner states that the Westin St. Francis has been put forward by many. Carol replies direct as if she knows for sure....

"Paul picked him up in O'Farrell. Not outside the Westin, no. He picked him up from outside the Curran Theatre."

I think Carol meant Geary, but the Theatre backs onto O'Farrell.

Richard
8/29/2019 08:34:11 am

That makes sense it was one of the three children. Although Lindsey was the one who ran to the corner and attempted to show Pelissetti that Zodiac was about to exit Cherry into Jackson. As for Carol knowing where Paul picked up Zodiac - this would only be information relayed to her through the police - she couldn't possibly know for sure. The best we can reasonably guesstimate, would be in the region of Union Square.

WelshChappie
8/29/2019 08:45:21 am

". As for Carol knowing where Paul picked up Zodiac - this would only be information relayed to her through the police - she couldn't possibly know for sure. "

Which is exactly why I have emailed the San Fran Library, specifically the Historical Records Info desk to ask (Go and copy the message I sent and past it under this message ...

WelshChappie
8/29/2019 08:47:15 am

. . . Request made. . .

"To whom it may concern.

Hi, My name is Alex & I am involved in a project where by the Subject of public payohone locations have come up as part of that project.

Basically I am hoping you could help me by furnishing Me with a list of public phone booths located within one square block in and around the Curran Theatre, located at 445 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102. I am looking for specifically the locations of these public payphones for the years 1969 and/or any years previous.

I am extremely appreciative of your time & assistance and I hope you may be able to help with this & loom forward to your response.

Yours Respectfully:

Alex R. Lewis."

Richard
8/29/2019 01:22:46 pm

It's a shame no one can conclusively tell us exactly how long the AT&T operator took to ring back the phone at Springs & Tuolumne. Zodiac must have hung up before 12:41am, but the operators stated they contacted the police at 12:47am having 'traced' and rang back the phone. If they contacted the police immediately after they had rang the Springs & Tuolumne payphone, then they must have rang the payphone minutes after Zodiac hung up. If Zodiac had got in his vehicle immediately after hanging up and drove away, how was he aware the phone rang - unless he either lived extremely close to the payphone or was walking away on foot when it rang. Knowing whether Zodiac was on foot (and not in a vehicle) would place his residence close by - and why he invented this negro male eyewitness, that he not only described in great detail, but also an eyewitness who helpfully corroborated Zodiac was in a brown car. All very convenient. Knowing how long it took operators to ring back this payphone, I believe could crack this case open. Any longer than about 20 seconds and Zodiac was certainly on foot - and why he made a phone call 40 minutes after the attack, when the payphone was only 9 minutes from the crime scene.

WelshChappie
8/29/2019 01:57:17 pm

They never traced Zodiac's call to enable them to return the call. The operator followed protocol and when Zodiac asked to be patched through to police, the operator asked him what Tel. No. He was calling from, and Zodiac gave her the payphones number. She patched him through likely with "Go ahead caller" and this is the point that legality comes into play because Operators are required, by law, to disconnect when two parties are connected by Him/her.

The same way police or FBI need to have probable cause and take it before a Judge to tap or listen in to persona call, Operators are subject to the same privacy laws and wiretapping as the police. She should have immediately discontinued her end of the three way call but she did not. She stayed on the line and she headed the man essentially confessing and kne the obvious significance so she used the No. Z have her himself to immediately call back.

She can't admit no trace was ran because then Law Enforcement will ask how she knew the Tel no to call it back and why would she be in a position to return the call In seconds when she shouldnt have known there was a reason or need to call back.
.
The second time when he called & got through to David Slaight, the operator that time again asked for his number but he point blank refused to give it. Even though he took that precautions move to not enable an operator fl ring straight back, he still must have been concerned that they would somehow know what No. he called from brcause if u want to ensure nobody dials your number and that number and it's associated telephone begins to ring, well just leave the line open or the phone off its hook.

It seems, Zodiac had learned from that previous blue rock error.

Richard
8/29/2019 02:14:35 pm

I am aware Zodiac gave the operator the number, but why would there be at least a 6 minute delay in informing the police - at 12:47am.

You stated "She can't admit no trace was ran because then Law Enforcement will ask how she knew the Tel no to call it back and why would she be in a position to return the call In seconds when she shouldnt have known there was a reason or need to call back".

So, you are suggesting that they wilfully delayed contacting police because of the illegal nature of her listening in.

WeshChappie
8/29/2019 03:12:47 pm

Yes Rich, that is exactly what I was intending to say.

police will ask questions & honesty in isn't the best policy then from there perspective as it will be admitting to breaking law.

I mean Slaight said that he left the caller line open and rang operator off sepetate Line to ask them to run a trace which they did begin to do. However, as you know Rich, a journalist with police scanner heard they were looking for a phone off the hook And he began driving round random payphones and found the correct one.

As Dave Slaight said, the operator had not got back to them yet with the payphones location.

Richard
8/30/2019 04:00:43 am

What is the importance of the payphone locations in that area Welsh? Are you trying to pinpoint the location that Zodiac allegedly ordered the taxicab from according to Harvey Hines statement. ie:"In looking at an area map of San Francisco, I found 217 Eddy Street appeared to only be two to three blocks from where Paul Stine picked up the Zodiac on October 11, 1969. I then called Inspector Dave Toschi at the SFPD and got more details on the Stine Killing.
Toschi said that they had determined that the killer had called for a cab using the public payphone located at Union Square. Toschi said the cab then picked the killer up and drove to the corner of Washington and Cherry Streets".

WelshChappie
8/30/2019 04:19:46 am

It's not overly significant I wouldn't say but the more facts & data you have to work with, better the chances or odds will be to further any investigation.

I think it's always preferable to know if Paul happened upon Zodiac by sheer bad luck and chance or if he drove directly to the CurranTheatre on orders of Leroy, Paul's dispatcher.

Also, knowing precise pick up spot opposed to 'Somewhere over by' or 'General vicinity of' may help to answer other unanswered questions.

I would always rather be able to say Rich 'We know' rather than 'We believe'

WelshChappie
8/30/2019 08:21:19 am

They (SF Library Historical Archive desk) got back to me with a fairly interesting & very detailed map which I have fwd to you Rich via email.

WelshChappie
8/30/2019 06:40:21 am

Dear Editor:

You'll hate me, but I've got to tell you!

The pace is much much slower! It's just one big comment vetting!

I have grown rather angry with Richard for comment screening me, so I shall change the way my commenting on site!".

Seriously though Rich why have you started Vetting comments? Your sire mate and I hope you dont think i'm telling you not to vet comments.

I used to hold comment @ my site but it slows the flow of conversation considerably.


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    The Zodiac Killer may have given us the answer almost word-for-word when he wrote PS. The Mt. Diablo Code concerns Radians & # inches along the radians. The code solution identified was Estimate: Four Radians and Five Inches To read more, click the image.
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