SFPD announce $100K reward for information leading to arrest of ‘Doodler' cold-case killer

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) Police released new details Wednesday about the cold case suspect they call the "Doodler," who is believed to have attacked and killed several gay men in San Francisco more than 40 years ago.

The first two attacks happened within two weeks of each other in July 1976 inside the Fox Plaza Apartments at 1390 Market St. Both victims were gay, white men, and one told police he had met the suspect at a diner.

The suspect was described by both victims as a black man between 19 and 25 years old. Police were told he was drawing caricatures at the diner, leading to the name the "Doodler."

Police then connected the suspect in the attacks to a man who allegedly killed five gay, white men between January 1974 and June 1975 in the area of Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park. 

The suspect likely lived in the Bay Area outside of San Francisco and would come into the city at night on weekends, according to police. There may have been additional victims who were attacked and did not tell police.

On Wednesday, police announced they would be offering a $100,000 award for anyone who has information about the suspect. Police also released forensic sketches of the suspect using age-progression to depict how he may look today.

Additionally, police released a transcript of a phone call from Jan. 27, 1974, detailing an exchange between a dispatcher and a witness reporting a body at Ocean Beach. The caller did not share their name with police.

Anyone with information can share it anonymously by calling (415) 575-4444 or texting TIP411. 

“Doodler” SFPD Cold Case Investigation from San Francisco Police on Vimeo.