December 20

On December 20, 1968, David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen were discovered shot to death on Lake Herman Road near Benicia. These killings were the first officially attributed to the unidentified assailant who would become known as the Zodiac Killer. The brutal nature of the crime and the lack of clear motive captured national attention. The Zodiac soon began taunting police with cryptic letters and codes sent to newspapers. Despite extensive investigations, the killer's identity remains unknown to this day. The case has inspired countless books, films, and amateur sleuths aiming to crack the mystery.

On December 20, 1984, six-year-old Jonelle Matthews disappeared while returning from school in Greeley, Colorado. Despite exhaustive searches, no trace of her was found for 35 years. On July 23, 2019, her remains were discovered in a remote ravine 24 km southeast of her home. Forensic investigation confirmed her identity and revealed she died from a gunshot wound to the head. In 2021, a suspect was arrested and convicted in connection with her death. The case’s resolution brought long-awaited closure to a grieving family and community.