'Dating Game' serial killer's rise to fame was key to his downfall, arresting officer reveals for first time

The individual responsible for apprehending serial killer Rodney Alcala, who served as the basis for the recent Netflix special “Woman of the Hour,” shared the authentic account depicted in the popular film and how Alcala’s participation in a dating show from the 1970s ultimately led to his apprehension. 

Referred to as the “Dating Game killer”, Alcala gained this moniker after his appearance on a television program called “The Dating Game” as Bachelor No. 1 in 1978 while actively engaging in his series of killings.

“Despite possessing a notably high IQ… the issue with individuals like him, I believe, is that the majority of their intelligence is not directed towards fostering personal connections… or similar aspects… instead, it is entirely focused on seeking out his next victim and formulating ways to manipulate women and girls,” Craig Robison, the chief investigator in the Alcala case at the Huntington Beach police department, conveyed to Fox News Digital during his inaugural public discussion of the investigation. “If we had not intervened, he would undoubtedly still be pursuing these actions.”

Robison is also a retired California prosecutor and judge. Since judges in the state are not permitted to speak on “pending” cases, he has never spoken publicly about the investigation previously and was even prohibited from testifying during the serial killer’s third trial. Robison said the case was considered “pending” from Alcala’s arrest up until he died in prison in 2021. 

In this March 30, 2010 file photo, convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala listens as victim-impact statements are read in a Santa Ana, Calif.

In this March 30, 2010 file photo, convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala listens as victim-impact statements are read in a Santa Ana, Calif. (AP)

Alcala died of natural causes on July 24, 2021, while awaiting execution in California. He was 77 at the time of his death. 

Though it took over 30 years to sentence Alcala for his crimes, he remained incarcerated from the time Robison arrested him in 1979 up until his death. 

“Huntington Beach back at the time, I think maybe they had 150 police officers, but it was a small, much smaller community than it is today…locals were able to catch this guy with all of this intelligence and put him behind bars,” Robison said. “That’s what started his complete undoing, was his arrest that we made in July of 1979.”

You May Also Like
American Airlines passengers evacuate flight on wing of plane after landing in Georgia, video shows

Video shows American Airlines passengers evacuating flight onto wing after landing in Georgia

Passengers onboard an American Airlines plane evacuated the aircraft from its wings…
General Motors Responds to Trump's Tariffs in a Way That Will Make Indiana Very Happy

General Motors Reacts to Tariffs from Trump in a Manner That Will Please Indiana Greatly.

Here are just a few of CNN’s doomsday headlines: Not everyone is…
Power Plays: Alaska Democrats Are Trying To Find an Election Mary Peltola Can Win

Alaska Democrats Striving to Secure a Winning Election for Mary Peltola

Alaska has an interesting political landscape. Historically, we have consistently supported Republican…
Drew Barrymore Stunned As Matt Bomer Kisses Her On The Lips: “That’s The Only Action I Get”

“Drew Barrymore Surprised by Kiss from Matt Bomer: Jokes About Lack of Action”

Drew Barrymore got some action from Matt Bomer on this morning’s episode…
Karen Read jury selection: Dozens in pool already have an opinion on the case

Investigation into town police in Karen Read case reveals no evidence of ‘conspiracy to frame’ girlfriend of slain officer

An independent agency, as part of an audit ordered last year, did…
University of South Carolina student, 21, killed in hit-and-run crash involving illegal immigrant: DHS

DHS: Illegal immigrant involved in hit-and-run that killed 21-year-old South Carolina student

A hit-and-run incident near the University of South Carolina claimed the life…
Sick 'memoir' teacher accused of raping 15-year-old student kept in Notes app on her phone is revealed

Teacher accused of raping 15-year-old student recorded details in Notes app on her phone

A married teacher accused of raping a 15-year-old student she was tutoring…
Scott Jennings Nukes Kamala’s ‘I Told You So’ Comment, Explains Why Trump Voters Are Still Happy With Him

Scott Jennings criticizes Kamala Harris for her ‘I Told You So’ statement and clarifies why supporters of Trump are still satisfied with his performance.

Conservative political analyst Scott Jennings from CNN voiced his disapproval of former…
Vigil held in Chicago after Joliet man, Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr., among 4 US soldiers killed in training accident in Lithuania

Chicago hosts memorial after Joliet resident, Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr., along with 3 other US soldiers, tragically passed away in Lithuania training incident

CHICAGO (WLS) — A vigil Thursday in Chicago honored a Joliet soldier…
US Senate confirms Dr. Mehmet Oz to take lead of Medicare and Medicaid agency

Dr. Mehmet Oz Confirmed by US Senate to Lead Medicare and Medicaid Agency

WASHINGTON — Former heart surgeon and TV pitchman Dr. Mehmet Oz was…
A-lister makes shock transformation into killer Alex Murdaugh as he's seen for first time filming new drama

Famous actor transforms into character Alex Murdaugh for new TV show

Popular actor Jason Clarke underwent a striking transformation to portray family murderer…
Storms kill 7 people; South and Midwest face potentially catastrophic rains, floods while reeling from tornadoes

Severe storms take the lives of 7 individuals; Southern and Midwestern regions brace for dangerous rainfall and flooding following tornado outbreaks.

Some parts of the Midwest and South were under the threat of…