LAKE HERMAN ROAD- 73 OR 93

4/1/2018

Below is the police sketch of the Lake Herman Road crime scene, measured in regards to the telephone pole still present today. The turnout has changed measurably since 1968, becoming noticeably smaller in Google maps, with the telephone pole now beyond the gated section in modern images. Using the image below, along with aerial shots of the turnout today, I have recreated the turnout a little closer to how it would have looked on the night of December 20th 1968.

The distances in the police sketch above are not proportionate- the 53'3" line is actually marginally shorter in length than the 28'6" line. There are also no angles accompanying the drawing, so we don't actually know how close the Rambler was to the turnout edge.

This is shown in the diagram of James Owen below. The Rambler has shifted past the 12 o' clock position with respect to the telephone pole, compared to before the 12 o' clock position above. This could give the impression that David Faraday moved the Rambler after James Owen had passed the turnout.

Stella Borges (Medeiros) passed the turnout after the shooting, with a police sketch detailing her recollections..
However, if you compare the drawing below to the measurement sketch at the top of this page, Betty Lou Jensen has migrated to the middle of the turnout. Again, the 53'3" and 28'6" lines do not tally (see below).
The only way to make this sketch work and get the distances proportionate, is twofold: Either move the Rambler extremely close to the roadside edge, keeping the same distance from the Rambler to Betty Lou Jensen, or move the Rambler into the center of the turnout, thereby shifting Betty Lou Jensen nearer to the western bank slope, as shown in the Google image above.

To make sense of the measurements in the first sketch, and get a fix on where the Rambler and Betty Lou Jensen are positioned within the turnout, we have to calculate the total distance from the front of the Rambler to Betty Lou Jensen's feet. The Rambler is approximately 16 feet in length, Betty Lou Jensen's head is 28'6" from the rear of the Rambler, and Betty Lou is just over 5 feet in height.
Therefore from the front of the Rambler to Betty Lou Jensen's feet is approximately 50 feet (see below). If we then draw the final line back to the telephone pole on Google maps it must measure 73'1" or thereabouts. The total triangular circumference measuring approximately 176 feet. It fits perfectly (see below).
Betty Lou Jensen's feet are facing west, and she is close to the western bank. The Rambler would be positioned close to the eastern bank in the image below. However, the turnout was wider and deeper in 1968, effectively moving the Rambler away from eastern bank once again, and more in line with the measurement sketch at the top of this page.

We could swivel the triangular configuration above, using the axis of the telephone pole to pull the Rambler away from the turnout edge (see below for extreme example which fails). The above depiction can swivel slightly anticlockwise, bringing the Rambler further from the eastern edge, but this would alter position of Betty Lou Jensen's feet closer to the western bank, as well as further into the turnout. Even with a wider turnout, there is little wriggle room.

As shown in the diagram below, the amount of wriggle room is extremely limited. To maintain a distance of 50 feet between the front of the Rambler and Betty Lou Jensen's feet severely restricts how far you can pull the Rambler away from the eastern bank, without pushing Betty Lou Jensen beyond the western edge and out of the turnout altogether.

Below is a side image of the turnout today. Measuring 73'1" from the telephone pole to near the western bank, we can place the approximate position of Betty Lou Jensen. Then by running a line 50 feet across towards the eastern bank, we can then put the Faraday Rambler into position. These two lines together total 123 feet, yet again leaving 53 feet to reach back to the telephone pole. You can see the margin of error on both sides of the turnout is limited. The turnout was slightly wider in 1968, allowing for a little more flexibility.

However, we have a major problem. Take a look at this newspaper cutting of the crime scene. Drawing a line through the pools of blood from the head of each victim, it can be seen that the green line clearly heads out of the turnout, whereas a line drawn between these two points above would skirt the edge of the turnout at best. Remember, these are just approximations and allow for a margin of flexibility.

So, let us consider that the measurement on the police sketch looks like 73'1", but is actually 93'1". This will now be placed into a new depiction within Google images below.

Now we will add the green line into the image above and show that it tallies with the newspaper cutting. The yellow line is based upon a 73'1" distance and again skirts the turnout edge.

Betty Lou Jensen's position in the image above looks closer to Lake Herman Road than previously, and certainly looks a lot closer fit to the newspaper cutting. So, the question arises- is this 73'1" or 93'1".

Superimposed gate from the turnout in 1968 over Google images today. Giving a more realistic view of the turnout shape in 1968.

23 Comments

Ray Jenkins

4/1/2018 03:53:55 pm

Great detective work here and stick figures. But umm, you've lost me! How is this important exactly? Either way, this still doesn't alter the fact that they were both shot at roughly this location. Why are the angles and distances so important?

There are a few different kinds of triangles to be found in the 340 cipher, if we connect the dots on matching symbols. The "rule of 3" is a common rule pertaining to that cipher. Do you think perhaps these triangles (angles) were intended to provide some "cosmic significance" to the layout of the crime scene(s)?

Richard

4/2/2018 01:18:38 am

It isn't important Ray, but to be honest 99.99% of the stuff I write isn't important. None of it will ever solve the case, as will nothing probably ever written on the internet for the last 20 years. All I do now is satisfy myself with the making sure I understand exactly how the crimes unfolded, rather than relying on what we have been told, which sometimes is correct, but many times not. I have to be satisfied with answering the small questions now, because unless I get a brainstorm, there is little else of major importance to be covered. If we face reality, the only thing truly important is who is the Zodiac Killer. The DNA testing has been a shambles from what I have read lately, we know nothing on the validity of the smudged bloodied fingerprints from the taxicab and every jurisdiction has effectively shelved the case. I try my best from the 5,000 miles away to contact the FBI and relevant bodies with little effect, but it's a drop in the ocean. There is little else for me to do or find, so I content myself with just making sure new people to the case get the fullest and accurate version of how the crimes unfolded, down to measurements, ballistics and timelines- but will it send shock waves through the Zodiac community and solve the crime-no. But neither will solving the 340 cipher, which will likely contain a message of inane ramblings. The harsh reality is this case will likely never be solved. I just like the mysteries within the mystery. As I've said to Shawn, without the cooperation of the relevant bodies in the Zodiac case, we are all just basically pissing in the wind. In the next few weeks I will send a barrage of communications off to the newspapers and law enforcement offices in an attempt to bore them into submission and send me some new information. But in essence you are totally correct Ray, the above article isn't important, but it gives me something to do on a rainy day in the UK. Cheers, Richard.

Shelli

4/2/2018 11:11:19 am

Rich, I feel for you. The biggest roadblock is Bidous son running Vallejo PD. Get too close to the meat of what happened, you get to wear the target. The Z case solved would highlight the many errors made by authorities. The fact that our mayor went to L.A. for a press conference about Z indicates she was worried about the outcome. Factor in a simmering labor strike looming within VPD and VFD, and denial becomes the destination as well as the river.

Shawn

4/1/2018 04:30:07 pm

Google maps usually shows left (West) right (East) Up (North) and down (South). As seen in your google map pictures above.

The LHR police sketch compass seems to be rotated 45 degrees off Clockwise.

Richard

4/2/2018 01:23:02 am

That is correct Shawn, it's off exactly 45 degrees. The Rambler was effectively facing S/E rather than east.

Judith

4/1/2018 09:51:43 pm

Well this pretty much goes to the point that Police frequently get it wrong in their reports, not even intentionally, they are just doing their best under the circumstances, but no police report is Gospel. Lake Herman Road is the Perfect Crime except for that someone took credit for it in a letter sent to the newspapers. I guess the best thing we can take from it is another location for the geographic profiling, victim profiling or victimology, modus operandi. Weapons used ammunition used. And this killing of couples, this murdering of couples. I do know this, there are a lot of people who float suspects who were not physically in the United States at the time of the lake Herman Road murders. They fantasize that the suspect flew back in to the USA and some how got out to Lake Herman Road to kill these two kids and then flew back to a foreign country.

Richard

4/2/2018 01:44:53 am

Yes, Dennis Rader being the perfect example of a 'suspect' residing in Japan, who would had to have flown back to California no less than 10 times every year to kill or post a letter. In the next few years there will be a cavalcade of new suspects, as people inevitably search for new names in the Zodiac case. Almost every police officer and cryptography expert has been thrown into the mix as well.
I have been trying to secure the BRS photographs Judith- they do exist- but I haven't had any luck so far. It may have something to do with Michael being alive, I'm not sure. Tahoe posted an article on Zodiac Killer Site forum about more sensitive DNA testing, that can now unearth much smaller amounts of biological material on ballistic evidence. Zodiac likely handled the bullets and casings, which possibly could contain trace amounts of DNA, which hopefully one would assume haven't been handled by numerous people, if they were collected from the scene of each crime in time honored tradition. The article also explains how just a small section of fingerprint, such as contained on a casing, is enough to identify potential suspects.
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/SDPD-Crime-Lab-Using-DNA-From-Ammunition-to-Link-Suspects-to-Crimes-477989573.html

Ray Jenkins

4/2/2018 05:11:03 pm

Haha, yes indeed, the ubiquitous Dennis Rader, who must have possessed supernatural powers to be in two parts of the world at the same time.

Others have claimed that serial killers from the east coast somehow were the Zodiac. But without proof of how the alleged culprit managed to travel to and fro, they really have no case.

Seems the most likely scenario is that the Zodiac was a local (at least Bay area, California) resident who had sufficient time on his hands to carry out the nefarious deeds and write and post the letters and ciphers.

Funny how the most likely suspects are often ruled out by those who prefer to make up extraordinary tales.

Lemonboy

4/2/2018 02:56:49 am

Your time and effort is appreciated Richard don’t let someone like ray get you down.

Richard

4/2/2018 03:31:30 am

I wasn't upset by Ray's comments Lemonboy, I appreciate all feedback.
The only thing I was trying to say, was that little has moved forward in the last 20 years despite all our input and offerings. We all try our best and would love to see a resolution, so we can move onto Jack the Ripper or the Golden State Killer. Learning about, or discussing most of the aspects of this case will actually not forge this case on one iota. Did Zodiac travel in the front or rear of the taxicab? What does the 340 say? What colour was Zodiac's vehicle at BRS? Did he enter Presidio Park or not? Was his vehicle parked behind the Volkswagen Ghia at Berryessa? Did he look like the sketch? We ask these questions all the while and pass the time with shared interest and discussion. But none of these issues or questions really make any difference to the case 50 years on. Finding an answer to any of the above and almost all other discussed topics will make little difference. But we all probably have an interest in unsolved mysteries and crimes, and we all likely have an interest in solving unanswered questions, regardless of whether they will result in a resolution. I certainly understand Ray's angle and it's a valid question- I suppose, depending on the topic, some will be interested, others will not. When I began writing the above, even I realized, why am I bothering. But it passes the time and keeps the mind ticking over. Thanks for your support Lemonboy, as with every other contributor to the discussions we have, I really appreciate it. The great feedback from everybody is what makes it worthwhile.
Hopefully I get some good replies from the USA soon, when I contact Sacramento again. We'll see.

Ray Jenkins

4/2/2018 05:28:16 pm

Thanks for clarifying Richard. I have never intended to "insult" you or "get you down". I actually find the whole idea laughable. Seems that the person who asks the most questions is always painted as the ogre. I guess this is why real life detectives frequently have few friends.

Ray Jenkins

4/2/2018 05:25:45 pm

LOL! Why do people keep saying these thing? Why are people so touchy? Am I really that bad? I was not being critical of Richard in the slightest. I was simply asking a relevant question. Please learn to understand the difference! Are we not allowed to ask questions??? Are we not allowed to be critical if we disagree on some salient point??? Are we not allowed to say "I don't get it, please explain it to me". Are we not allowed to ask "Why?". If so we might as well just all agree with the Tom Voigts of this world that it was Gyke, so case closed, and let's all go bury our heads in the sand like a bunch of silly ostriches.

I am sure Richard does not mind my occasional critical questions???? Would people please stop painting me as the bad guy just because I ask questions and refuse to take everything at face value. Detective work is all not about "making friends". I have plenty already in the real world. I do not need any more online pen pals than you. It is about getting to the heart of the matter at hand.

Please note that I always attack the issue, never the person, unless of course the person has been foolish enough to make themselves part of the issue, as many conspiracy theorists and cipher solvers unfortunately do. Their whole lives revolve and perhaps even depend on their extravagant conspiracy theories as a justification for all that is good and evil in their odd little world view of things, so the simple act of analyzing, deconstructing and criticizing their theories ultimately means that you hurt their feelings. Again, please learn to know the difference between an issue and an individual and emotions.

People get way to emotional about issues. If you attack an issue, people take offense. They see it as a personal attack on them when it is not. It is an attack against the issue. Please learn to know the difference. I rest my case.

Rubislaw 32 link

4/2/2018 05:04:00 am

Interesting photos,Richard.

I had no idea that these changes had been made.One suspects to restrict thoughts of the young,holding parties...and the ''ghouls'' gawping.

Once a ''car park'',now just a lay-by.

25,Cromwell Street,now gone,with a public walkway,in its place.

It's what the local planners do,eventually.

Richard

4/2/2018 09:51:07 am

It's sometimes good to see these aerial shots from the perspective of the crime scenes- as you get a better understanding of escape routes, locality of nearby residences and general topography of the area. The turnout, I believe from looking at all the available pictures and videos, has got slightly wider, but the biggest difference is how far it extended backwards. There was a dirt roadway extending marginally into the turnout with overgrowth on both sides, before widening out extensively. If David Faraday had been seeking privacy, then it would have made more sense to have parked further into the turnout, where the Zodiac's vehicle has always been depicted. I find it likely this where it was, with the other vehicle parked semi-alongside, but slightly back. James Owen wasn't that aware of the model of the other vehicle, so I don't put too much faith in the distances between the vehicles he stated, or for that matter whether they were perfectly aligned side-by-side. Being fair, we only interpret his statement that the vehicles being alongside each other, meant exactly aligned. If you were going to commit murder that night surely you would box the other vehicle in, or park slightly askew to the rear bumper of the Rambler. But yes Rubislaw, it's good to understand the topography of the area in 1968/9, such as the less densely populated area around Blue Rock Springs Park.

Judith

4/2/2018 10:44:13 am

Does anyone here think EAR GKS could have been Zodiac?

Richard

4/2/2018 11:06:34 am

I don't personally think so Judith. I don't like going on MO's or psychological predictions of a serial killer, because everyone is different. But Zodiac would have had to graduate from murder to rape, then back to murder again- if we know all of GSK's victims. Then we have to consider the police sketches, even if not wholly reliable as evidence.

Ray Jenkins

4/2/2018 05:32:48 pm

Judith, you never answered my questions about Peter Plante on the other page. :-)

Did he show any interest in James Bond movies?
Did he show any interest in Peter Sellers, Pink Panther movies?
Did diamonds have any relevance/importance to him?

Judith

4/2/2018 07:35:29 pm

He was really really into movies but more like A Clockwork Orange than Peter Sellers

Richard

4/2/2018 02:26:25 pm

Rubislaw-I have superimposed the old gate into modern images today, using the tree by the telephone pole and hill contours as reference points. I have coloured the turnout similar to the road for a cleaner image. This is as close as I can replicate the turnout in 1968.

Richard

4/2/2018 02:27:14 pm

See bottom image in article.

Rubislaw 32 link

4/2/2018 03:18:32 pm

Yes Richard,you've done a great job,and it really is of interest to see ''what was'',and ''what is now''.

Certainly a collection for the archives [?].

Judith

4/2/2018 06:40:41 pm

You think you're at an impasse but you're really there.

Rubislaw 32 link

4/4/2018 12:50:48 am

Whoever it is mean't for,Judith....it's a great line.

I will now take it,and place it above my bed.

A wearisome journey travelled,for some of us [?].

LAKE HERMAN ROAD- 73 OR 93

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