An investigation that triggered one of the most explosive cold case breakthroughs in modern American history is now heading to a prominent crime festival. Alex Baber, the investigative consultant who stunned the true crime community by concluding the Zodiac Killer and the Black Dahlia murderer were the same individual, is bringing his controversial theory to one of the nation's most discussed crime events.
Hamptons Whodunit Event Details
Sponsored by the Daily Mail, the Hamptons Whodunit festival in East Hampton, New York, will assemble leading investigators, forensic specialists, and bestselling authors to dissect the mysteries that have fueled a global obsession with true crime. Baber, who serves 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.
Revealing a Historic Breakthrough
On Friday, April 17 at 4pm at the East Hampton Library, the trio will disclose how Baber identified Second World War veteran Marvin Margolis as the person he believes responsible for two of history's most infamous unsolved crimes. Rachel Sharp originally broke the world exclusive story that overturned more than five decades of true crime history, making this panel a significant moment for enthusiasts and experts alike.
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 an interactive question and answer session with the audience. Throughout the weekend, the publication will report on festival events, with stories featured on DailyMail.com, across social media platforms, and in the free weekly The Crime Desk newsletter.
Groundbreaking Developments in the Investigation
Baber plans to share new, groundbreaking developments in his Zodiac and Black Dahlia investigation during the panel, while also hinting at other cases he is currently working on. Between 1968 and 1969, the Zodiac Killer terrorized Northern California, murdering at least five victims and boasting of many more. He taunted law enforcement and the media with cryptic letters and ciphers, challenging anyone to uncover his identity.
Two decades earlier, in 1947, another killing sent shockwaves through California. Elizabeth Short, later known as the Black Dahlia, was found brutally murdered in Los Angeles, her body severed in half and grotesquely posed—a chilling detail that horrified the entire nation.
Decades of Investigation Culminate in a 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 expressed his honor at being invited to participate in the upcoming Hamptons Whodunit panel, stating it represents a valuable opportunity to engage in substantive discussion alongside respected voices in the field. He emphasized a shared focus on investigative integrity and the thoughtful examination of complex cases, while also extending appreciation to the Daily Mail for their support in amplifying the event.
Partnership and Festival Impact
Hamptons Whodunit CEO and co-founder Carrie Doyle highlighted the excitement of collaborating with The Daily Mail to showcase incredible true crime and forensic experts, as well as bestselling mystery and thriller authors. Doyle described the festival as a unique interactive weekend where attendees can hear about crime from those solving real cases and those creating fictional mysteries in their books.
The partnership with The Daily Mail enables the festival to bring riveting stories of the quest for justice not only to a local audience but to the masses, fostering informed public discourse and deepening engagement with true crime narratives.
