Episode #60: Murder and Cover-up at the Algiers Motel & the 1967 Zodiac Back

Murder victims at the Algiers Motel, July 26, 1967

3/12/2025: On today’s episode, Valerie shares a tragic and all too familiar story of violence against three young black men in 1967 Detroit. The killings took place within the backdrop of a race rebellion, while the “Summer of Love” was dreamily unfolding on the West Coast. We cover the setting, the horrific incident, and the frustrating aftermath. Next, Amy Jo’s Zodiac Back covers the 1967 comet Ikeya-Seki, an unfulfilled plan to rendezvous with Halley’s comet in the 80s, and Beatles Astrology! Yay! Why was Paul such a dick? Why was George so into mysticism? Why is Ringo so nurturing? And why was John so into the power of the people? We discuss our sign of the week Capricorn, and finally dig into the upcoming March astrology. Ready or not, here it comes!

The sign for the Algiers Motel on Woodward at Virginia Park is seen in 1967

Algiers Motel main building and annex (left), 8301 Woodward Ave

Police standing outside the annex of the Algiers Motel after three bodies were found inside

The body of one of the victims being removed from the Algiers Motel

Emergency workers remove a body from the Algiers Manor, the annex of the Algiers Motel. The men charged in the killings also were accused of brutally beating seven other black men, and stripping and beating two white women, in the raid. The Detroit News Archives

Robert Paille, David Senak, Ronald August, Melvin Dismukes

January 1, 1967 Chart

December 31, 1967 Chart

Comet Halley's last visit before the space age: a photographic plate captured at Yerkes Observatory on 6 June 1910. Image credit: Yerkes Observatory.

1967 Eclipses

Paul McCartney

George Harrison

Ringo Starr

John Lennon

Blood Moon

Sources/Photo Sources