From Ted Bundy to the BTK Killer, here are the 7 most chilling phone calls made by serial killers.
The Zodiac Killer
On October 22, 1969, a man claiming to be the Zodiac killer called a live Jim Dunbar’s television show. The guest on the show was famed attorney Melvin Belli. Mr. Dunbar’s operator patched the caller through so the entire Bay Area could hear “Zodiac’s” voice. It was suggested the caller be referred to as “Sam” during the conversation.
Later that day, the only three people to hear the real Zodiac’s voice – Nancy Slover, David Slaight and Bryan Hartnell — were brought to the studios of KGO-TV to see if they could recognize the caller’s voice. They didn’t.
“I felt that the voice on the tape was not as deep and as old as Zodiac’s,” said Bryan Hartnell. Nancy Slover, a Vallejo police dispatcher who fielded a call from the Zodiac in July, said Sam’s voice was “too pitiful and pathetic to be the Zodiac.”
It was eventually determined the calls were made by a mental patient named Eric Weil.
The Original Night Stalker
The Golden State Killer became infamous for having a twisted trait – taunting the authorities and even his victims before and after the attacks via phone.
Although there are over 10 phone calls attributed to Original Night Stalker’s name, only 3 of them have been caught on tape.
1977 “Never Gonna Catch Me” Call
On December 2, 1977, a man claiming to be the rapist called the Sacramento Police, saying: “You’re never gonna catch me, East Area Rapist, you dumb fuckers, I’m gonna fuck again tonight. Careful!” The call was recorded and later released to the public. The killer attacked his next victim the same night.
1978 “Is Ray There?” and “Gonna Kill You” Call
On January 2, 1978, the first known rape victim received a wrong-number call asking for “Ray”.
The soft-spoken caller didn’t raise an alarm until later that evening when the phone rang again. This time, the victim instantly identified the voice of her assailant. The caller said, “Gonna kill you … gonna kill you … gonna kill you … bitch … bitch … bitch … bitch … fuckin’ whore.”
The “BTK Killer” Dennis Rader
On December 9, 1977, a 25-year-old Wichita resident named Nancy Fox was found dead in her home partially clothed, lying face down on the bed with her hands and feet bound with nylon stockings.
The only lead police had was a mysterious man who called them that morning to report the horrific crime he had committed.
Transcript:
Operator #1: “Dispatcher”
BTK: “Yes. You will find a homicide at 843 South Pershing. Nancy Fox.”
Operator #1: I’m sorry sir I can’t understand you. What is the address?
Operator #2: I believe 843 South Pershing…
BTK: “That is correct”
Weepy-Voiced Killer
An eerie collection of the tearful and taunting 911 calls made by the “Weepy-Voiced Killer” Paul Michael Stephani.
Ted Bundy
After fleeing the Pitkin County Courthouse, Ted Bundy called Dr. Al Carlisle to discuss his plans and motives of the escape.
