
Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast — Series 33
Vallejo: Zodiac's Ferrin & Mageau Attack
March 13, 202420mEpisode 2
Show Notes
Uncover Zodiac's Ferrin & Mageau Attack, as Foul Play reveals... Experience the harrowing events of July 4th, 1969, in Vallejo, California, when the Zodiac Killer’s terrifying actions once again came to the fore. In this episode, learn about the disturbing attack that left Darlene Ferrin dead and Michael Mageau fighting for his life, casting a long shadow over the quiet city.
Season 33 of Foul Play is dedicated to unpacking the fearsome legend of the Zodiac Killer, with 'Vallejo: Zodiac's Ferrin & Mageau Attack' casting a spotlight on another of his chilling crimes. This haunting story of survival and loss explores the pathology of a murderer who has eluded capture and identification for over fifty years.
Darlene Ferrin was a young, vivacious mother, well-loved by those who knew her, while Michael Mageau represented hope for a future suddenly marred by violence. On that fateful night, celebration turned to chaos as bullets shattered the night, etching their tragic reality into history.
Understanding this attack’s historical impact offers a window into America’s fixation on the Zodiac narrative—a terrifying embodiment of random violence and malevolent intelligence. Ferrin’s death and Mageau’s survival became a bitter reminder of the threats lurking in the shadows of American life.
As the Zodiac’s MO unfolded, authorities pieced together timelines and suspect sketches, pressured by public fear and the killer’s own taunts. The Vallejo attack, with its public park setting and brazen nature, amplified the Zodiac’s terrifying presence and emphasized his unpredictability.
This era, beset by political turmoil and social reformation, found itself hostage to murder dramas playing out in real-life theaters. Such crimes underscored the mutual uncertainty felt across communities already on the brink of change.
Listeners will delve into gripping narratives of that fateful night, featuring testimonials, trauma, and the persistent fight for justice that endures. Through expert voices and fresh interpretations, Foul Play revives essential conversations around these chilling events.
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Credits
Shane Waters — Founder & Host
Wendy Cee — Co-Host
Produced by Myths & Malice