Portraits of a Serial Killer

Rodney Alcala was convicted last month of murdering a child and four women between November 1977 and June 1979.  He is lead suspect in several unsolved murders, and has been linked to dozens of disappearances and deaths.  He also had a knack for photography.

Police have just released 125 photos of women and children that Alcala kept stashed in a storage trunk.  I can't help but be reminded of the storage locker scene in The Silence of the Lambs.  Chillingly, the cops believe that these photos may be trophies from unidentified victims. 

Some of the pictures feature nudity or hardcore sexual acts, and have been edited to feature only the headshots.  The police have already gotten some tips, including one woman who says that she is featured in some of the pictures. Alcala told her he could advance her budding modeling career.  Here's to hoping that these pictures will help police to close some cold cases finally bringing closure for some victim's families.  If you would like to take a look at the photographs, they are here.  I must say, Alcala has an eye for composition.

On to lighter fare.  Those of you who know me know that I am fanatical about "Mad Men," AMC's period drama about 1960s advertising executives.  Toy maker Mattel recently announced that it is releasing four "Mad Men" themed Barbie dolls.  I totally want them.  Who says boys can't play with dolls?  Alas, they are priced at $75 dollars each, so I'm afraid I'll have to pass.  I could put that kind of money towards a new fedora or a herringbone coat.