The twisted “Dating Game Killer” already sentenced to death has now been charged in the 1977 slaying of a 28-year-old pregnant woman in Wyoming.
Rodney Alcala is accused of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Christine Ruth Thornton, according to the Orange County Register.
Alcala, in prison in California, has been connected to six murders in two states, though authorities believe he has killed up to 130 people across the country.
The serial killer allegedly met and killed Thornton while on a road trip and buried her on a ranch, according to the Register. Her body was uncovered by a rancher in 1982, but the possible link to Alcala was not discovered for decades.
Authorities give the credit for the new charge to the Huntington Beach Police Department in California. Six years ago the department released approximately 200 photographs taken by Alcala, hoping people who knew other possible victims would see them.
“I had a gut feeling there were more out there,” Huntington Beach police Detective Patrick Ellis told the paper.
Kathy Thornton recognized her sister Christine as the subject of one of the photographs, according to the Register.
Authorities believe Alcala killed Thornton in Sweetwater County based on the photo that appears to show her on remote public land near Granger, close to where her remains were found.
“This wouldn’t be solved if he didn’t have a hunch,” Police Chief Robert Handy told the paper, referring to Ellis. “This is a case of a detective who was super passionate.”
The 73-year-old Alcala, who appeared on the “Dating Game” during his killing spree, has been incarcerated for nearly four decades.
With News Wire Services
