The decades-old mystery of the Zodiac Killer has taken a new turn as J. Foy, a TikTok user from California, has come forward with explosive claims that his late grandfather, Richard Hoffman, was the elusive serial murderer. His allegations have sparked widespread debate and intense scrutiny online, with many questioning whether this revelation could finally crack one of America’s most notorious unsolved cases.

Who Was the Zodiac Killer?

The Zodiac Killer terrorised Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s, claiming responsibility for at least five confirmed murders, though he hinted at many more. Infamous for taunting the police and media with cryptic letters, ciphers, and threats, the killer has remained unidentified for over five decades. Numerous suspects have emerged, but no conclusive evidence has ever been found.

The Claims of J. Foy

J. Foy has made headlines by stating that his grandfather, Richard Hoffman, was the Zodiac Killer. He has taken to TikTok to present what he believes is compelling evidence, igniting a flurry of online speculation. Among his key points:

• A Physical Resemblance – Foy claims that his grandfather closely matches police sketches of the Zodiac Killer.
• Suspicious Police Background – Hoffman was reportedly a police officer in Vallejo, California, during the time of the Zodiac killings, potentially giving him insight into police investigations and helping him evade capture.
• Handwriting and Spelling Similarities – The Zodiac’s letters were infamous for misspellings, and Foy has pointed out that both his grandfather and the Zodiac made identical spelling mistakes, such as writing “untill” instead of “until.”
• Poetic Writing Style – Hoffman reportedly had a unique way of writing that mirrors the tone and structure of the Zodiac’s cryptic letters.

Foy has been outspoken about his belief that his grandfather was the killer, leading to widespread discussions and debates across social media platforms.

Public and Expert Reaction

The response to Foy’s claims has been mixed. While some believe his findings could be the breakthrough that finally identifies the Zodiac, others have dismissed the claims as unfounded speculation. Some Reddit users and true crime enthusiasts have scrutinised Foy’s evidence, arguing that his assertions lack conclusive proof.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have yet to validate or respond officially to these allegations, leaving the claims unconfirmed.

A New Documentary in the Works?

Foy has stated that he is currently working with a team of researchers and investigators—some of whom have studied the case for over a decade—to produce a documentary that will present further evidence. However, he has also mentioned that due to this ongoing project, he is unable to reveal additional proof publicly at this time.

What Happens Next?

As of now, the identity of the Zodiac Killer remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in criminal history. Whether J. Foy’s claims will lead to new investigations or fresh evidence remains to be seen. Until law enforcement confirms or refutes his allegations, the case remains open-ended, adding yet another chapter to the mystery surrounding the Zodiac.

For now, true crime followers and conspiracy theorists alike will be watching closely to see if this latest claim holds weight—or if the Zodiac Killer remains a ghost of the past.

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