If Rodney Alcala abducted Tali s. today, there would have been an Amber Alert (photos)
Rodney Alcala is getting a lot of press coverage as the world discovers more facts about the convicted serial killer who is facing death row. Dubbed the ‘Dating Game Killer,’ Rodney Alcala appeared on the game show in 1978. His words are eerily haunting as he stated that his favorite time was ‘night time.’ Before he appeared on The Dating Game, Rodney Alcala had abducted an 8 year old girl on her way to school. If that attack had occurred today, an Amber Alert most certainly would have been issued.
A number of criteria must be met for law enforcement to issue an Amber Alert. A description of the victim, a description of the abductor, and a description of a vehicle are critical. Additionally, there must be credible reason to believe that an abduction occurred. The case of 8 year old Tali S. had all those factors, however, she was abducted nearly 30 years before the first Amber Alert was enacted.
Thankfully, Tali S., had the heroic actions of a concerned citizen working on her behalf. In 1968 there was no organized task force that was immediately activated in missing children cases. The FBI did not immediately work with local police departments to find missing children. When considering the factors working against Tali S., it is a miracle that police reached her in time and saved her from becoming another of Rodney Alcala’s victims.
Tali S., was walking to her elementary school in Hollywood when she was approached by Rodney Alcala. The date was September 25, 1968 and Alcala pulled up to the girl in his car. He convinced her that he would show her pretty pictures and lured her in.
The information is chilling knowing that police have just released more than 100 photos of unidentified women and children, believed to be possible victims of Alcala’s. The photos were retrieved from a locker in Seattle, Washington where he kept earrings belonging to one of his child victims. Police believe that some of the photos are trophies of the serial killer’s victims. The lure used by Alcala is eerie and disturbing.
A motorist saw Alcala pull over and watched as young Tali S, entered the vehicle. Concerned he followed the vehicle and used a pay phone to call police. When police arrived at the scene, they saw a possibly naked Rodney Alcala peer through a window. He told police that he had taken a shower, would put his clothes on and would come to the door. Instead, he escaped through a back window and was on the lamb for three years.
Former LAPD Officer Chris Camacho broke down the door and discovered little Tali S., lying naked on the floor, her head split open after being beat with a metal pipe. She had been raped.
Tali S. survived, thanks to the concerned citizen who had the wherewithal to follow Alcala and call police. She is alive for the bravery of Officer Chris Camacho, who arrived on the scene in quick time and broke down the apartment door.
During Alcala’s recent trial, Tali S., testified about the horrific ordeal she encountered. Though the physical scars have healed, she still bears the emotional wounds.
Rodney Alcala represented himself in court. He apologized to Tali for raping and nearly murdering her over three decades ago.
When asked if Alcala’s apology meant anything, the now grown woman answered, “Hell no. He only apologized because he got caught.”
You may view the photos of potential victims of Rodney Alcala in the slideshow below.
Please contact Detective Patrick Ellis from the Huntington Police Department at 1-714-375-5066 if you recognize any of the people in the photos. You may send an E-Mail to pellis@hbpd.org.
Convicted serial killer Rodney James Alcala finishes his final argument presentation, which included playing a recording of "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie, during final arguments in the penalty phase of his trial at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, Calif. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Pool, Ken Steinhardt)
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