Cold Case Consultant to Unveil Theory Linking Two Infamous Murders
An investigative consultant whose work triggered one of the most explosive cold case breakthroughs in modern American history is preparing to present his controversial theory at a major crime event. Alex Baber, who stunned the true crime world by concluding the Zodiac Killer and the Black Dahlia murderer were the same individual, will take this hypothesis to one of the country's most talked-about crime gatherings.
Hamptons Whodunit Event Brings Together Experts
Sponsored by the Daily Mail, the Hamptons Whodunit event in East Hampton, New York, will assemble leading investigators, forensic specialists, and bestselling authors to dissect the mysteries that have transformed true crime into a global obsession. Baber, serving as director of Cold Case Consultants of America, will headline a panel alongside Daily Mail Senior Correspondent Kayla Brantley and The Crime Desk US Editor Rachel Sharp.
Sharp notably broke the world exclusive story that upended more than five decades of true crime history. The panel, scheduled for Friday, April 17 at 4pm at the East Hampton Library, will reveal how Baber identified Second World War veteran Marvin Margolis as the man he believes responsible for two of history's most notorious unsolved crimes.
Groundbreaking Developments in Historic Cases
Baber will share new groundbreaking developments in his Zodiac and Black Dahlia investigation while teasing other cases currently under examination. Between 1968 and 1969, the Zodiac Killer terrorized Northern California, murdering at least five victims while claiming responsibility for numerous others. The killer taunted police and media with cryptic letters and ciphers, daring anyone to uncover his identity.
Two decades earlier in 1947, another killing had already sent shockwaves through California. Elizabeth Short, later known as the Black Dahlia, was found brutally murdered in Los Angeles with her body severed in half and grotesquely posed—a chilling detail that horrified the nation.
Decades of Investigation Culminate in New Theory
In December 2025, after decades of dead ends and failed theories, the Daily Mail revealed Baber's claim that he had finally solved both cases following an exhaustive, years-long investigation. Baber asserts he has also cracked the Zodiac's infamous Z32 cipher, uncovering a message he believes directly links the killer to the Black Dahlia murder.
Baber told the Daily Mail: 'I am honored to be invited to participate in the upcoming Hampton's Whodunit panel. It represents a valuable opportunity to engage in substantive discussion alongside respected voices in the field, with a shared focus on investigative integrity and the thoughtful examination of complex cases.'
'I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Daily Mail for their involvement in supporting and amplifying this event. Their continued commitment to covering meaningful, in-depth stories plays an important role in fostering informed public discourse.'
Event Partnership Expands Reach of Crime Stories
Hamptons Whodunit CEO and co-founder Carrie Doyle added: 'We are excited to collaborate with The Daily Mail to showcase the incredible true crime and forensic experts as well as the bestselling mystery and thriller authors featured at Hamptons Whodunit.'
'Our festival is a unique interactive weekend where attendees can hear all about crime from those solving real cases, as well as from those creating fictional mysteries in their books. Hamptons Whodunit's partnership with The Daily Mail allows us to bring riveting stories of the quest for justice not just to our local audience, but to the masses.'
The Daily Mail will provide comprehensive coverage of the panel titled Behind the Headlines: One Theory That Could Change True Crime History, which will include a question and answer session with the audience. The publication will also report on events throughout the weekend, with stories posted on DailyMail.com, across social media platforms, and in their free weekly The Crime Desk newsletter.
