The Mystery of the Zodiac Killer’s Sketch: How Did They Get It?

The identity of the infamous Zodiac Killer remains one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries in American criminal history. Yet, despite the lack of definitive evidence, a composite sketch of the killer has become a symbol of the case. How did the police create this sketch, and who was the artist? This article explores the details behind the creation of the Zodiac Killer's sketch and the evidence that led to it.

The Police Sketch: A Composite Creation

The most widely recognized sketch of the Zodiac Killer is said to have been created by two San Francisco police officers, Dave Toschi and Bill Armstrong. This sketch, often seen in media and documentaries, was based on the detailed descriptions provided by witnesses who observed the killer as he left the scene of Paul Lee Stine's murder.

Interestingly, the original sketch should have had their names under the artist's signature, but it was later erased. The original sketch read, “Armstrong Toschi” under the artist's signature, but this detail likely got lost over time.

Description from Teenage Witnesses

The descriptions that led to the sketch were provided by several teenage witnesses who watched the killer exit the cab and wipe off his fingerprints after the murder. These witnesses were particularly observant, and the conditions of the scene, despite popular belief, were not completely dark.

According to the witnesses, the lighting was adequate for them to take note of the killer's features. One of the teenagers got pretty close to the killer, and another observed Zodiac making a phone call after the Blue Rock Springs attack, providing a brief but valuable description.

Mike Mageau: A Wounded Victim's Insight

Mike Mageau, a wounded victim of the Zodiac Killer, also managed to get a glimpse before being stabbed. Although his encounter was brief and under less than ideal conditions, his insight was crucial.

Another victim, Bryan Hartnell, who was wounded in the Lake Berryessa attack, provided as many details as he could recall. Even though the Zodiac was masked during the attack, Hartnell spent time with Cecelia Shepard before the stabbing and was observant enough to offer the police valuable clues.

San Francisco Police Officers and the Stine Murder Site

Two San Francisco police officers who encountered the killer after the murder of Paul Lee Stine offered the most accurate description available at that point. The encounter was brief, and it was dark enough that the officers did not notice the blood on the killer’s clothing. However, their testimony was based on their professional training and experience, providing a surprisingly accurate depiction of the killer.

Further Witnesses and the John Haygood Case

Additionally, teenagers who saw Stine's murder and the subsequent wiping down of the cab provided descriptions, although not from the best angles and from a distance.

In a separate case, involving the abductor of Kathleen Johns, she was with her abductor for approximately 90 minutes. Upon seeing a copy of the composite sketch of Stine's killer in the police station, Mrs. Johns immediately identified it as her attacker.

Overall, the police seemed to have a reasonable composite of the killer's appearance. In his letters, the Zodiac Killer claimed to have used disguises during his killings, but he also did not always resemble the provided description. However, the evidence gathered from the aforementioned witnesses played a crucial role in creating the composite sketch that remains a key piece of evidence in the case.

Conclusion: The Zodiac Killer’s Sketch and Witness Insights

The creation of the Zodiac Killer's sketch was a result of diligent investigative work and the valuable observations of witnesses who provided detailed accounts of the killer's appearance. Despite the years of speculation and media attention, the sketch continues to serve as a tangible link to one of the most perplexing unsolved cases in American history.