The documentary series This is the Zodiac Speaking debuted on Netflix on October 23, 2024, presenting a new perspective on the enigmatic Zodiac killer case, which continues to baffle investigators. This engaging three-episode exploration delves deeper into the unsolved mystery.
Featuring Connie Seawater, a former pupil of Arthur Leigh Allen—identified as the primary suspect in the Zodiac investigation—the documentary includes interviews with other members of the Seawater family and individuals acquainted with the Zodiac case.
Currently, Connie Seawater resides in Dobbins, Yuba County, California.
Meet the Seawater Siblings: Connie, David, and Don Seawater
According to the documentary This is the Zodiac Speaking, Paul Fredrick Seawater, the father of the siblings, was apprehended and confined after his psychopathic tendencies came to light. It was revealed that he had allegedly abused Connie, which led her to report him. Following this incident, Paul was committed to a mental institution, and during his absence, the children encountered Arthur Leigh Allen.
The encounter took place when Connie and her brothers first met Arthur at Santa Rosa Elementary School, where he had recently started teaching. His friendly nature quickly won the children over.
As depicted in the series, the Seawater siblings addressed the man suspected of being the Zodiac as Mr. Allen. With their mother’s warm disposition towards him, Mr. Allen became a frequent guest in their home. Over time, he developed a close bond with the children, often taking them on excursions and trips.
Arthur Leigh Allen would drive the Seawater children home from school daily, caring for them as if they were his own. A talented swimmer and a state champion diver, he engaged the kids in activities such as decoding messages and ciphers, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Reflecting on her initial feelings toward Allen, Connie recounted:
“When I met him, I was in awe. He was like the Hoss Cartwright off of Bonanza.”
However, the seemingly idyllic relationship took a dark turn. Connie revealed that Allen had drugged her and her brother, leaving them with no recollection of subsequent events. On another occasion, while sailing with him, she posed the question of whether he was the Zodiac killer, to which he ominously responded:
“If I told you that, I would have to kill you too.”
“We didn’t connect Mr. Allen to the murder sites until we saw him in the movie.” – Connie Seawater
In the documentary, the Seawater siblings, upon viewing the 2007 film Zodiac directed by David Fincher, noted that the storyline felt “scary familiar.”They struggled to reconcile the revelation that Allen could be the perpetrator, piecing together clues that indicated he was present at the same locations where the murders occurred.
Unfortunately, by the time they made this connection while watching the film, Arthur had passed away from a heart attack, leaving the Seawater family with only circumstantial evidence against him.
The investigation remains open, and Connie Seawater remains hopeful for justice. She expressed her feelings on the show, stating:
“The things that we connected the dots with are real and if they can somehow, someday help solve this case, whether it’s him or not, that would be great.”
This is the Zodiac Speaking is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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