A young TikToker has sparked controversy by claiming he has uncovered the true identity of the infamous Zodiac Killer—his own grandfather. While the claim has generated buzz, many are skeptical, accusing the young man of seeking attention rather than uncovering the truth.
According to J.Foy, he has made the discovery of the century by identifying his grandfather as the notorious Zodiac Killer. He shared his findings through a series of TikTok videos, where he confidently asserts that he accomplished what law enforcement has been unable to do for decades.
The Zodiac Killer’s TikTok Revelation
In an extensive 12-part video series, the TikToker, named J. Fox, presents what he believes to be compelling evidence that his grandfather, Richard Hoffman, was the Zodiac Killer. Though many suspects have been linked to the Zodiac case over the years, Fox is convinced his grandfather belongs on that list.
@jfoy_3.0 This is my biological grandfather. My mothers dad. Richard hoffman. My grandpa is the zodiac killer, watch from start to finish i need the power of the internet to push this #truecrime #truecrimetok #zodiackiller #zodiac #truecrime #vallejoca #serialkiller ♬ original sound – J.Foy 🦅 👁️
Fox points to several reasons he believes his grandfather was the Zodiac Killer. He claims that when he searched his grandfather’s name online, it was already associated with the Zodiac. He also notes similarities between the distinctive spelling errors made by both his grandfather and the killer, as well as a strong resemblance between his grandfather and the composite sketches created by survivors.
@jfoy_3.0 Follow up on my grandpa being the zodiac killer #truecrime #truecrimetok #zodiackiller #zodiac #vallejoca ♬ original sound – J.Foy 🦅 👁️
Fox further alleges that Richard Hoffman was a former police officer involved in the Zodiac investigation. He claims Hoffman wrote reports detailing the efforts of California police to catch the killer. One of Fox’s most shocking claims is that Hoffman attacked Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau in July 1969. Fox asserts that Ferrin recognized Hoffman as her secret lover and that her final words were, “It’s Richard, he’s going to kill us.”
@jfoy_3.0 My grandpa is the zodiac killer part 3. #truecrime #truecrimetok #zodiackiller #zodiac #vallejoca #serialkiller #thezodiac ♬ original sound – J.Foy 🦅 👁️
Fox also recounts that after the homicide, Darlene Ferrin’s family received a call from a public phone detailing the couple’s last moments. He claims the call was made from a phone booth located right in front of the police station where Hoffman was working at the time.
@jfoy_3.0 My grandpa is the zodiac killer part 4 #truecrime #truecrimetok #zodiackiller #zodiac #vallejoca #serialkiller #unsolvedmysteries #thezodiac #richardhoffman ♬ original sound – J.Foy 🦅 👁️
Fox describes his grandfather as impulsive, explosive, and manipulative—traits he believes align with the Zodiac Killer’s personality. He also mentions Hoffman’s love for mathematical puzzles, another connection he draws to the infamous murderer. Unfortunately, we may never know the truth, as Richard passed away in 2020. So what do you think? Is he using his platform for clout? Or was the mystery solved?
Who Was the Zodiac Killer?
For those unfamiliar with the case, the Zodiac Killer is the name given to one of the most infamous unsolved serial murder cases in the United States, spanning the late 1960s and early 1970s. The confirmed victims of the Zodiac Killer include five people: two couples and a taxi driver. However, the killer claimed to have murdered a total of 37 individuals.
The Zodiac became notorious not just for his brutal crimes but also for sending cryptic and taunting letters to local newspapers. These letters often included ciphers and threats of future killings, adding to the terror he spread across the country.
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Over the years, numerous suspects have been linked to the Zodiac case, but none have been definitively identified. Recently, a group of investigators known as “The Case Breakers” suggested that Gary Francis Poste might be the Zodiac Killer, citing forensic and photographic evidence. However, the case remains open and is still under investigation by several agencies, including the California Department of Justice and the FBI.
The enduring mystery of the Zodiac Killer has inspired countless books, documentaries, and films, including the 2007 thriller “Zodiac,” starring Robert Downey Jr., Jake Gyllenhaal, and Mark Ruffalo.
