SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance with a cold case investigation spanning over four decades. During the mid-1970s, the SFPD investigated several assaults against gay, Caucasian males. As authorities investigated the string of attacks, one victim provided details that led to a forensic sketch of the suspect that was developed in 1975.
According to the SFPD website, one of the victims provided information to police that the suspect said he was a cartoonist and the suspect doodled while talking with the victim during a late night diner. The victims included a diplomat and two other persons. The Police Department detained a suspect in 1976, but that individual was never charged.
During the time frame, five victims were found murdered in the Ocean Beach / Golden Gate Park area. Four of the victims were found along the beach and one was found in the park. While no connections has been made between the “Doodler” attacks and the five homicides, investigators in the SFPD Homicide / Cold Case Unit are working to determine if the same suspect is responsible for both sets of crimes.
A new forensic sketch shows an “age progression” of the suspect has been created, but the SFPD Investigators have additional follow up steps to take before they the sketch can be released publicly.
The SFPD Homicide Detail is working this cold case investigation and asking anyone with details on any of the crimes to call the SFPD 24 hour tip line at (415) 575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. Tipster can remain anonymous.
Written By Casey Jacobs
