Due to the graphic nature of this killer's crimes, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes graphic discussions of rape, murder, and assault that some people may find offensive.

We advise extreme caution for children. and assault that some people may find offensive.

We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

As night fell on December 10th, 1975,

Detective Bill McGowan crept between the houses of a small neighborhood in Bicelia, California.

The quiet unnerved him, and his muscles tensed before he turned each corner.

All of a sudden something broke the silence behind him.

McGowan spun around to see a masked figure lurking by the side of a home.

Without hesitation, McGowan fired a warning shot in the air.

The prowler stopped, then stepped out of the shadows with his hands up.

Realizing the detective had him cornered,

he begged McGowan not to shoot.

To prove he'd surrendered, he started to remove his mask.

The detective pointed a flashlight at him, trying to get a good look at the elusive

Viselea Ransacker.

However, the burglar, a trained cop and war veteran, was no common criminal.

He'd been waiting for McGowan to let his guard down.

As the detective strained to see the man's face in the dark, the Ransacker saw his chance.

Without warning, the shaggy-haired figure drew a gun and shot back at McGowan.

The bullet hit the detective's flashlight, sending shards of glass into his eyes.

Then the prowler disappeared into the night.

...