Serial Killer Rodney Alcala “The Dating Game Killer”: Hollywood & Crime Podcast Episode 1 “Tali” Steve Hodel’s Investigation and Arrest of Alcala
May 17, 2019
Los Angeles, California
After working LAPD uniform patrol for six-years, I transferred to Hollywood Detectives and one of my first case assignments was the investigation of the rape and attempted murder of the eight-year-old victim, Tali Shapiro.
Tali’s assailant was RODNEY JAMES ALCALA, who after serving less than three years for the attempted murder of young Tali in his “1 to 99-year indeterminate sentence” after a prison psychiatrist declared him “cured” was released from prison and would go on to become one of America’s most notorious serial killers.
To listen to Hollywood & Crime podcast “Tali” Episode 1 Click Below.
Alcala circa 1971
Actor Jay Allen in 2017 episode Murder Made Me Famous, “The Dating Game Killer” Season 3, Episode 9, aired November 2017. (Steve Hodel interview lower right of photo.)
Alcala Hodel CBS News Interview (4 minutes)
Rodney James Alcala circa 1969
CLICK TO HEAR FULL “TALI” PODCAST
Episode 1 TALI (Hollywood Homicide Detective Steve Hodel’s investigation/arrest of Alacala)
Wow Steve
I had no idea you locked that sicko punk up.
When you were promoted to detective was W. Pierce Brooks still At LAPD ? y in the mid to late 1970s Dad and uncle both worked for him in Oregon. I Just finished BDA 3 Awesome book !
Best regards Steve
Steve R: No, wish I had known Pierce Brooks. I think he retired just before I came on in 1963? Not sure, but never met him. From what I’ve heard he was really one of the “Good Guys.” Thanks, glad you enjoyed BDA III. That last chapter totally came out of Left Field. Best, Steve
Great job, STeve. Ron Gilbert, the wrestler, was a personal friend before he went on the job. Craig Liehdal and Chuck Lenane are in homicide now, I think. Losing touch.
Love your books!
Bill Davenport
Bill D: Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated. Yes, time passes so quickly now. Best to you and yours. Steve
Wow! I read about this man years ago. He is locked up in New York now ( on the news here in N.J.a few years ago). You truly are a phenomenal detective to have nailed this monster.
Peggy C. Thanks. Unfortunately, letting him out after a few short years as “rehabilitated” allowed him to go on to kill again and again. He truly is a monster. One of the worst.