Episode
Was Ross Sullivan the Zodiac Killer? The Riverside Connection Explained
- Podcast
- Crime Time Inc
- Published
- Mar 18, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1432
- Processing state
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Summary
Ross Sullivan remains one of the most debated and mysterious suspects in the Zodiac Killer case. In this episode, we explore the evidence linking Sullivan to both the infamous Zodiac murders and the earlier 1966 killing of Cheri Jo Bates at Riverside City College. Sullivan, a library assistant at RCC, was present on campus at the time of Bates’ murder and later drew suspicion from co-workers who described him as unsettling and potentially dangerous. His sudden disappearance following the killing, combined with a change in appearance, raised further questions. We break down the key elements of the case: The Cheri Jo Bates murder and its possible connection to Zodiac Witness accounts and co-worker suspicions The disturbing “desktop poem” and its alleged link to Zodiac writings Sullivan’s interest in cryptography and handwriting disguise Physical similarities to the Zodiac composite sketch The controversial Mikado connection Conflicting alibi claims and institutionalisation records But the case against Sullivan is far from airtight. We also examine the major weaknesses: A significant height discrepancy with eyewitness descriptions Fingerprints that reportedly did not match crime scene evidence Claims of hospitalisation during key Zodiac attacks The lack of formal investigation by law enforcement Expert Review: Simon & Tom Analyse the Evidence Former investigators Simon and Tom provide a critical breakdown of the Sullivan theory, questioning whether modern researchers may now have a broader view of the case than original investigators ever did. They raise important questions about Sullivan’s mental health history, including what may have triggered his diagnoses and whether this is relevant to assessing his potential for violence. The discussion challenges a common assu…