The Tale of Heriberto Seda: The New York Zodiac

Heriberto "Eddie" Seda, often known by his chilling aliases—The New York Zodiac, The Brooklyn Sniper, and The Copycat Zodiac Killer—was an American serial killer who terrorized New York City from 1990 to 1993. Born on July 31, 1967, in New York City, Seda's reign of terror resulted in the deaths of three people and left six others critically wounded. His capture on June 18, 1996, marked the end of a gruesome chapter in the city's history.

The Seeds of Infamy

Seda admired the notorious Zodiac Killer of San Francisco, who evaded capture despite a spree that began in the late 1960s. The San Francisco Zodiac was responsible for at least five murders and was known for taunting the police and media with cryptic messages. Unlike his infamous predecessor, Seda was eventually apprehended, but not before leaving a trail of blood and horror across New York.

A Brooklyn recluse, Seda was obsessed with astrology and death. He began his attacks on March 8, 1990, and continued until October 2, 1993. Following his capture, he was formally charged on June 21, 1996, convicted on June 24, 1998, and sentenced to an extraordinary 232 years in prison. He currently resides at the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York.

The Crimes

Each of Seda's attacks was accompanied by a taunting message to the police and media. These messages contained complex codes based on International maritime signal flags. Kieran Crowley, a journalist for the New York Post, with help from his father-in-law, a World War II cryptography veteran, decoded these messages. The killer claimed that his victims were chosen based on their zodiac signs and that he only struck when particular stars were visible in the night sky. To anticipate his next move, police enlisted the expertise of an astronomer, whose predictions were eerily accurate.

Seda used an improvised firearm, believing that the lack of rifling marks on the bullets would shield him from the law. At one point, police even considered the possibility that the original Zodiac Killer had moved to the East Coast. However, a handwriting analyst and consultations with California authorities ultimately discounted this theory.

Capture and Arrest

In March 1994, Seda came under police scrutiny when he was arrested for possessing a deadly weapon. The weapon, a zip gun, was found to be non-functional, leading to all charges being dropped and his arrest record sealed, thanks to his public defender. Seda saw this as a sign that he was invincible.

Living with his mother and half-sister, Seda was a high school dropout. Despite being a good student, he was expelled for bringing a starting pistol to school and chose to drop out rather than attend mandatory counseling. He supported himself by stealing coins from payphones and vending machines.

Seda's violent tendencies extended to his family, particularly his teenage half-sister, Gladys "Chachi" Reyes. On June 18, 1996, during a heated argument with Reyes and her boyfriend, Seda brandished a weapon and shot her in the buttocks. Despite her injuries, Reyes managed to escape to a neighbor's apartment and call the police. Seda was arrested after a prolonged standoff.

The Investigation and Trial

Initially, Seda's arrest seemed unrelated to the Zodiac killings. However, a symbol at the end of his handwritten statement about the family incident matched one used by the Zodiac killer. This revelation turned the police's focus onto Seda. Despite his belief that the lack of rifling marks would protect him, tool-mark evidence linked him to the attacks. Fingerprint evidence and handwriting analysis further connected him to the crimes. Most incriminating was the discovery of Seda's DNA on a stamp used to mail one of the taunting letters.

In court, Seda was a disruptive presence, frequently shouting at the judge. The trial lasted six weeks, culminating in a conviction on June 24, 1998. Presided over by Justice Robert J. Hanophy, the case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Robert J. Masters and Raymond E. Scheer. The prosecution's case was bolstered by the testimony of 45 witnesses and 150 pieces of evidence. Seda's defense was handled by court-appointed attorneys David A. Bart and John S. Wallenstein. Ultimately, Seda was sentenced to 232 years in prison.

The Victims

• March 8, 1990: Mario Orozco, a Pisces, was shot in the back, with the bullet lodging near his spine. He survived.
• March 29, 1990: Jermaine Montenesdro, an Aries, was shot in the left torso, with the bullet piercing his liver. He survived.
• May 31, 1990: Joseph "Joe" Proce, a Gemini, was shot in the lower back. The bullet hit his kidney, and he succumbed to his injuries on June 24, 1990.
• June 19, 1990: Larry Parham, a Gemini, was shot in the chest. The bullet exited through his right armpit. He survived.
• August 10, 1992: Patricia Fonte, a Leo, was shot twice and stabbed over 100 times, succumbing to her injuries.
• June 4, 1993: James "Jim" Weber, a Gemini, was shot in the buttocks. He survived.
• July 20, 1993: John DiAcone, a Cancer, was shot in the head at close range, resulting in his death.
• October 2, 1993: Diane Ballard, a Libra, was shot in the neck. The bullet lodged against her spine, but she survived.
• June 11, 1994: Gladys Reyes, a Gemini, was shot in the buttocks. She survived.

Personal Life

In the confines of prison, Seda began a relationship with Synthia-China Blast, a transgender woman incarcerated for a gang-related murder.

See Also

• Copycat crime
• List of serial killers in the United States

Sources

• Heriberto Seda: Who Were His Victims? Where is He Now?
• Sleep My Little Dead: The True Story of the Zodiac Killer
• Suspect Is Charged in 4 Zodiac Cases in Queens
• Man Said to Be Zodiac Killer Becomes Enraged at Trial
• Brooklyn Man Is Guilty In Three Zodiac Killings
• Police Say Zodiac Suspect Admits Attacks That Killed 3 and Hurt 5
• 3 Weeks Later, A Victim Shot By 'Zodiac' Dies
• Kiss of the Scorpion Woman

Heriberto Seda's story is a grim reminder of how one individual's obsession and delusion can wreak havoc on countless lives, leaving a permanent scar on the fabric of a city. His capture brought relief, but the echoes of his crimes continue to haunt those who survived and the families of those who did not.