Zodiackiller.com Message Board: Other Possible Zodiac Victims: Kathleen Johns: Kathleen Johns, 1947-2002

Today I was informed that possible Zodiac victim Kathleen Johns died of a heart attack in her California home in late April.

When Tom informed me of Kathleens death I felt sorrow for her and her family that loved her.They,including her closest friend,believed her story(as I do) and they believe the man that abducted her was Zodiac.
One thing is certain -Zodiac claimed her as a victim when he wrote that he gave the 'woman and her baby a rather interesting ride for a couple of hours a few months back which ended in my burning her car where I found them.'
Kathleens closet friend,a nurse,told me that they had many private conversations about the abduction and she believed "Johns"(or Smith)account.She told me that the police thought Kathleen was a 'hippie type' and they just didn't listen to her FULL story.KJ did tell the officers that the driver was 'friendly and didn't threaten her',but she meant that during the FIRST 30 minutes or so he didn't say that much.LATER, he SUDDENLY said 'You really know you're going to die' and 'You know I am going to kill you' or words to the same effect.What broke the ice is when she told him, somewhat sarcastically,'do you always go around and help people this way'?He,with a flat monotone voice said 'when I get through them they won't need any help.'It was after that the driver got threatening and constantly repeated the same two statements,except for when he suddenly said 'I want to throw the baby out of the car.'It was this remark that really caused her great fear.To threaten the life of a baby meant that this was a very cold individual that meant what he said.She then waited for the right time to escape.Remember, she was seven months pregnant and holding a baby she loved dearly(I met Jennifer and it was strange to see a young woman that now had a child of her own as I was used to reading about the "baby"Jennifer)and she was totally scared.
Another example of this partial reporting was when she told the officer that she jumped out of the car.She DID say that the driver remained in the car,at first(she told him she was "going to be sick" and this threw him off at first)but then he got out with a flashlight(probably the same one she saw on his dash) and 'pursued her' and the child.This part was left out of the report.This would make it a 'kidnap' for sure!The driver was 'playing the light in the field' and calling for her to come out while she tried to smother the cries of the baby was missing too.
Later,when KJ got to that hick PD station,she was "hysterical" and crying, according to MC Natts report.He told this to the press also.
She may not have told her account perfectly and this is understandable(but not to a hardened Z computer detective!)when one considers her emotional state.
KJs friend said that KJ "tried to tell them the driver did threaten her life",etc,but they really "didn't listen" and 'didn't put it in the reports.'
Again,they saw her manner of dress and appearance( which was "hippie")and just didn't want to do a kidnap.This would bring the Feds in also and more paper and foot work.
One thing did make it in the PD report and that was the drivers statement'When I get through with them they don't need any help'.
Kathleen told me that she did tell them the driver was threating,etc.,but they didn't write it down and that they didn't show concern for her or the event.Her husband saw this atitude at the time,but the young couple just returned home after trying to salvage the wagon.
Leaving Johns pregnant with a hungry child in a darkened bar and grill(which is still there)for some time alone, was an example of how "professional" the PD was in that oakie area.So those that believe those reports were written by unbiased professionals can-
I DON'T!
I was proud of the fact I got to interview her for some time and I firmly believe her account and that it was Zodiac that abducted her.Others believe differently and that's fine.I think it looks like a Zodiac down to the full moon and military appearance.I just wished that Halloween card KJ received in 1970,would have found the correct destination!I am sorry she has passed away.


paul Avery!

Very sorry to hear this news. She'll be missed.

Howard,
I believe all the evidence points to KJ being a Zodiac crime. As I understand it, Zodiac's version of events was actually more correct Kathleens. And he knew facts that were not in the small Modesto Bee article.

Sylvie:
"As I understand it, Zodiac's version of events was actually more correct Kathleens. And he knew facts that were not in the small Modesto Bee article."

Within a day or two after the Johns "abduction", both the San Francisco Chronicle and Examiner ran feature stories on the incident. Even if there were details in the Modesto Bee article not contained elsewhere, all Zodiac had to do to take credit was snag a copy of the Modesto newspaper.

Sylvie, with all of the necessary information a click or two away, how can you keep making mistakes like that???

Regardless, this is not the proper thread to debate the validity of the Zodiac/Johns connection.

It was my fault as I started the expansion.Sorry.

Dear Tom:

Did not see this till after I made my earlier request. My sincere condolences to her family.