SAN FRANCISCO—On February 6, 2019, the San Francisco Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit announced a $100,000 reward and a suspect’s age-progression in its quest to find the serial killer, “The Doodler.” He’s called “The Doodler” because he drew his victims’ cartoons at gay bars, nightclubs & diners before attacking them. When the murders happened, the suspect was described as an African American male about 19-25 years old & about 6 feet tall.
On Thursday, January 27, 2022, the SFPD doubled the amount to $200,000. On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, around the reward increased to its maximum amount, $250,000.
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the SFPD sent out a notice for public’s help in finding the serial killer. His first victim was Gerald Cavanaugh, 49, who was found at the water’s edge in the area of Ulloa Street & the Great Highway at Ocean Beach on Sunday, January 27, 1974.
On Tuesday, June 25, 1974, Joseph Stevens, 27, was found at Spreckels Lake Model Yacht Facility at Golden Gate Park. On Sunday, July 7, 1974, a female dogwalker found Klaus Christmann, 31. On Sunday, April 27, 1975, Warren Andrews, 52, was attacked at Land’s End. He never recovered, passing away weeks later. On Monday, May 12, 1975, Frederick Capin, 32, was found at Ocean Beach. On Wednesday, June 4, 1975, Harald Gullberg, 66, was found with a partially decomposed body at Lincoln Park.
Investigators believed the victims were targeted because of their sexuality and were White adult males. The victims met the suspect at deserted, coastal areas. Authorities found a link to the violent attacks on July 1975 at the Fox Plaza. Cold Case Investigators identified a suspect but are unable to link the attacks at the moment. The suspect is now a person of interest, who is known to drive to the San Francisco Bay to the United States’ southeastern parts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD Homicide Cold Case Unit at (415) 553-1450 Mondays to Fridays 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Tipsters can reach SFPD at their tiplines at (415) 575-4444 or Text-A-Tip to TIP411, starting the message with ‘SFPD.’
