A shocking revelation has set the internet ablaze, linking a former police officer to the infamous Zodiac Killer case.

In a series of TikTok videos, Jeremy Foy says evidence shows that his late grandfather, Richard Hoffman, was the Zodiac Killer, rekindling interest in the decades-old mystery, as the Daily Mail reports.

The Zodiac Killer, responsible for several murders in the late 1960s in San Francisco's Bay Area, has eluded identification despite extensive investigations and public fascination. Foy, in a bold series of TikTok videos, has brought forth a compelling argument against his grandfather, Richard Hoffman, a former police officer during the time of the murders.

Foy's assertion hinges on multiple strands of 'evidence' including childhood anecdotes and a striking resemblance to police sketches of the suspected killer. This has captivated audiences worldwide, with the series amassing over 11 million views.

The Zodiac's first confirmed attack was the murder of Cheri Jo Bates on Oct. 30, 1966. This brutal initiation marked the beginning of a terror spree that would grasp San Francisco.

A Chilling Connection Surfaced

Adding to the intrigue, Hoffman was one of the first on the scene of a subsequent murder. Darlene Ferrin and Mike Mageau were attacked on July 4, 1969; Mageau survived, but Ferrin did not. Hoffman, interestingly, was not only present but also led the early investigation, wearing plain clothes in an unmarked car—an unusual protocol for an officer at a murder scene. He would later describe his movements and observations at other scenes in suspiciously vivid detail.

The most unsettling aspect Foy highlights in his videos is a statement from a 2008 documentary in which Hoffman describes a bizarre and specific detail about a victim's bra 'fluttering.' This description eerily matches the intimate tone often found in the Zodiac's communications. Foy argues that this, alongside the linguistic similarities and physical resemblances to sketches, further implicates Hoffman.

Hoffman’s activities and precise descriptions of crime scenes have been scrutinized, revealing inconsistencies and raising questions about his involvement. His presence at multiple key Zodiac crime scenes, initially as an officer responding to emergency calls, provides a disturbing overlap with the killer's timeline.

Details from the Past Echo in the Present

Internet sleuths had already pegged Hoffman as a person of interest years before Foy's claims, citing anomalies in his accounts of the Zodiac events and his access to information. Foy's accusations have reinvigorated these discussions, bringing attention to unsolved cases and the possibility of a breakthrough.

On Nov. 11, 1969, the Zodiac himself claimed responsibility for seven murders in letters to the San Francisco Chronicle, taunting the police with cryptic messages that fueled public and media frenzy. These letters, filled with chilling admissions and ciphers, catapulted the Zodiac Killer into a terrifying celebrity.

Foy has taken a bold step by putting his familial line under scrutiny, suggesting his grandfather's deep-seated secrets align too closely with the Zodiac's profile. His TikTok series not only shares personal reflections and speculations but also casts a shadow over his grandfather's legacy.

Examining an Officer's Double Life?

Supporting Foy's theory are comparisons of Hoffman's appearance with forensic sketches based on eyewitness accounts of the Zodiac and analyses of his behavioral patterns at crime scenes compared to Zodiac's accounts. This multifaceted approach has helped Foy frame a compelling case against his grandfather, urging law enforcement to revisit what might have been overlooked.

The case of the Zodiac Killer remains one of the most perplexing puzzles in the history of American crime. Despite advances in forensic science, including DNA technology, the true identity of the killer has never been verified, leaving room for new theories and suspect profiles to emerge.

"If you watch this clip here from my grandfather describing the scene, he uses the same type of statement - 'he was moaning and gargled out blood,'" Foy states in one video, drawing parallels between his grandfather’s language and the Zodiac's distinct communication style.

Turning Personal Pain into Public Inquiry

While some might see Jeremy Foy's actions as controversial, they underscore a larger truth: the ongoing impact of the Zodiac killings on families and communities across generations. Foy's determination to seek clarity speaks to a need for closure, not just for himself but for all affected by the Zodiac's reign of terror.

This renewed discourse invites not just intrigue but a critical reevaluation of past evidence through modern investigatory lenses, perhaps inching closer to solving the Zodiac mystery. "Internet sleuths have been throwing his grandfather's name around as a potential suspect for years," Foy explains, emphasizing the community of amateur detectives that has kept the Zodiac case alive in the public’s eye.

Lessons to Learn

1. Always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Crime can happen anywhere, and being observant can help you notice when something is amiss.

2. Support and rely on community efforts. Learning from others and sharing information can play a critical role in crime prevention and solving.

3. Ensure that law enforcement agencies are held accountable and transparent in their investigations. This can prevent potential oversights and mismanagement in crucial cases.

However, we must remember that despite our best efforts, crime can strike anyone, anywhere, and we should never blame the victims for the tragedies they suffer.