'Dating Game' Serial Killer Rodney Alcala Sentenced to Death
March 30, 2010— -- Rodney Alcala, one of California's most vicious serial killers, has been sentenced to death.
The man known as the "Dating Game" killer, for his appearance on the 1970s television game show, will die for murdering 12-year-old Robin Samsoe and four Los Angeles women, a jury decided today, according to ABC's Los Angeles affiliate KABC. The jury had seven men and five women.
In addition to Samsoe, Alcala was convicted in the murders of Charlotte Lamb, 32, Jill Barcomb, 18, Georgia Wixted, 27, and Jill Parenteau, 21.
Before upholding the jury's recommendation, the judge denied Alcala's request for a new trial.
Earlier this month, police released a stash of photos three decades old in hope of finding closure for the families of dozens of missing persons who may have been murder victims.
Police are also hoping more families of loved ones come forward so they can link more killings to Alcala.
And they may never know exactly how many woman Alcala may have killed. Police have nearly 2,000 photos of possible victims and a lengthy investigation ahead for investigators who say they will solve as many cases as they can.
"They want to go at 110 mph after every lead they get," said Huntington Beach Police Department Capt. Chuck Thomas. "That's what we're here for and we'll do everything we can for these potential victims."
