Rodney Alcala, infamously known as the Dating Game Killer, was born on August 23, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, and died on July 24, 2021, while serving his sentence. Raised by his mother after his father left the family when Alcala was young, his childhood was marked by instability and trauma. Reports suggest that his mother was overprotective and frequently moved the family, which may have contributed to Alcala's difficulty forming stable relationships. Despite outward appearances, there were no significant signs of criminal behavior during his early years. Alcala's adulthood was marred by a series of disturbing events, indicating a troubled psyche. He served in the army briefly but was discharged due to a mental breakdown. Throughout his …show more content…
These disorders are characterized by a lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and a disregard for the rights of others. Despite these diagnoses, Alcala did not undergo significant treatment, as he often evaded capture and spent years on the run. Alcala's crimes spanned over a decade, beginning in the 1970s. He used his charm and good looks to lure young women, mostly in their teens, into his grasp. His modus operandi involved posing as a professional photographer to gain the trust of his victims before assaulting and murdering them. The exact number of his victims remains unknown, but he was convicted of five murders in California and two in New York. In 1979, Alcala was finally captured after a successful escape from custody. His behavior upon capture was defiant and unrepentant, showcasing a lack of remorse for his heinous actions. Despite his mental health issues, he was deemed fit to stand trial for his crimes. Alcala was charged with multiple counts of murder and represented himself in court, further highlighting his manipulative nature. He was ultimately convicted and sentenced to