Gary Stewart In Some Room Above The Street

Gary Stewart's story is one of the most intriguing and debated mysteries in the world of technology and crime. It revolves around his persistent claim that he was the son of the infamous Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who terrorized Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Stewart dedicated a significant portion of his life to unraveling this mystery, fueled by discoveries and circumstantial evidence that led him down a rabbit hole of family secrets, potential cover-ups, and chilling connections to one of America's most notorious unsolved cases. His investigation, detailed in his book "The Most Dangerous Animal of All," paints a disturbing portrait of a man grappling with a dark legacy, all starting with clues found in "some room above the street."

The Discovery That Started It All

The narrative begins with Gary Stewart's difficult childhood. Abandoned as a baby, he grew up without knowing his biological parents. It wasn't until much later in life, in the early 2000s, that he began his quest to uncover his origins. This search led him to his biological mother, Judy Chandler, and eventually to the man he believed to be his father, Earl Van Best Jr.

The pivotal moment in Stewart's investigation came with the discovery of documents and photographs stored in an old box, hidden in a spare room above a pawn shop – "some room above the street" as it would become known in his narrative. This room, located above a business that his mother had ties to, held the keys to unlocking a past shrouded in secrecy. Among the items were:

• Photographs: These images depicted Earl Van Best Jr., and Stewart was struck by the resemblance between himself and the man in the photos.
• Documents: These included birth certificates, adoption papers, and other legal documents that pieced together the story of his abandonment and his parents' identities.
• Handwriting samples: These samples, purportedly of Earl Van Best Jr.'s handwriting, would later be compared to the Zodiac Killer's letters.

It was within this room, surrounded by these artifacts of a hidden life, that Gary Stewart began to connect the dots, forming the foundation of his controversial theory.

Earl Van Best Jr.: The Prime Suspect

Stewart's book meticulously lays out the case against Earl Van Best Jr., arguing that he possessed the motive, means, and opportunity to be the Zodiac Killer. The evidence presented includes:

• Physical Resemblance: Stewart emphasized the striking physical similarities between himself and Earl Van Best Jr., which he believed were undeniable proof of their familial connection.
• Handwriting Analysis: This is one of the most debated aspects of Stewart's theory. He commissioned handwriting analyses that suggested similarities between Best's writing and the Zodiac's coded letters. However, it is important to note that professional handwriting analysis is not considered a definitive science, and these findings have been disputed by other experts.
• Circumstantial Evidence: Stewart pointed to a number of coincidences and circumstantial connections between Best's life and the Zodiac killings. For example, he claimed that Best had lived in the areas where the Zodiac crimes occurred and that he possessed the skills and knowledge to create the Zodiac's complex ciphers.
• Name as Cipher: Stewart also claimed that Earl Van Best Jr.'s name could be deciphered within one of the Zodiac's coded messages, a claim met with skepticism by many.
• Personality and Behavior: Stewart portrayed Best as a violent and disturbed individual, capable of committing the heinous crimes attributed to the Zodiac Killer. This characterization was based on anecdotes and stories he collected from people who knew Best.

The Controversies and Criticisms

Gary Stewart's theory has been met with both fascination and skepticism. While some have praised his dedication and thoroughness, others have criticized his methodology and the strength of his evidence. Key points of contention include:

• Handwriting Analysis: As mentioned earlier, the validity of the handwriting analysis is heavily debated. Experts disagree on whether the similarities between Best's handwriting and the Zodiac's are significant enough to establish a definitive connection.
• Circumstantial Evidence: Critics argue that many of the connections Stewart draws are based on coincidences and speculation rather than concrete proof. They point out that many people lived in the areas where the Zodiac crimes occurred, and that possessing certain skills does not automatically make someone a suspect.
• Lack of Definitive Proof: Despite Stewart's efforts, there is no DNA evidence or direct eyewitness testimony linking Earl Van Best Jr. to the Zodiac killings. This lack of definitive proof is a major obstacle to accepting Stewart's theory.
• Alternative Suspects: The Zodiac case has attracted numerous theories and suspects over the years. Many researchers believe that other individuals are more likely to be the Zodiac Killer.

The Impact of the Investigation

Regardless of whether Gary Stewart's theory is ultimately proven correct, his investigation has had a significant impact on the public's perception of the Zodiac case. His book brought renewed attention to the unsolved mystery and sparked a fresh wave of interest in identifying the killer.

Moreover, Stewart's personal journey resonates with many people who have struggled with questions of identity and family secrets. His determination to uncover the truth, even in the face of daunting obstacles, is an inspiring story.

Understanding the Zodiac Killer

To understand the context of Gary Stewart's claims, it's crucial to understand the basics of the Zodiac Killer case:

• The Murders: The Zodiac Killer terrorized Northern California between 1968 and 1969. He is known to have committed at least five murders, but he claimed to have killed as many as 37 victims.
• The Letters: The Zodiac Killer gained notoriety by sending taunting letters to newspapers, often containing cryptic symbols and ciphers. These letters challenged the police to catch him and threatened further violence if his demands were not met.
• Unsolved Mystery: Despite extensive investigations, the Zodiac Killer has never been identified or apprehended. The case remains one of the most infamous unsolved mysteries in American history.
• Cultural Impact: The Zodiac Killer has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous books, movies, and television shows. The case continues to fascinate and intrigue people around the world.

The Room Above the Street: A Symbol of Hidden Truths

The "room above the street" represents more than just a physical location; it symbolizes the hidden truths and buried secrets that Gary Stewart unearthed in his quest to understand his past. It was in this unassuming space that he found the clues that would lead him down a path of discovery, suspicion, and ultimately, obsession.

Gary Stewart's Legacy

Gary Stewart passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on through his book and the ongoing debate surrounding his theory. While his claims remain controversial, his dedication to uncovering the truth and his willingness to confront a dark family history have left a lasting mark. His story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the enduring appeal of unsolved mysteries.

The Science Behind Handwriting Analysis (Graphology)

While handwriting analysis played a central role in Gary Stewart's investigation, it's important to understand the scientific basis – or lack thereof – behind this practice. Handwriting analysis, also known as graphology, is the study of handwriting to determine personality traits. While it's used in some contexts, like historical document analysis and occasionally in hiring processes, its scientific validity is highly questionable.

• Subjectivity: Handwriting analysis is inherently subjective. Different graphologists may interpret the same handwriting in different ways, leading to inconsistent results.
• Lack of Empirical Evidence: There is little empirical evidence to support the claim that handwriting can accurately predict personality traits. Studies have consistently failed to demonstrate a strong correlation between handwriting characteristics and personality.
• Barnum Effect: The Barnum effect, also known as the Forer effect, is a psychological phenomenon where individuals give high accuracy ratings to descriptions of their personality that supposedly are tailored specifically for them, but are in fact vague and general enough to apply to a wide range of people. Graphology often relies on broad generalizations that can apply to anyone, making it seem more accurate than it actually is.
• Acceptance vs. Validity: While some people find graphology to be interesting or even helpful, this does not necessarily mean that it is scientifically valid. Many pseudosciences have a following despite lacking empirical support.

In the context of the Zodiac Killer case, the use of handwriting analysis to link Earl Van Best Jr. to the Zodiac letters is particularly problematic. The samples are limited, and the interpretations are open to bias. It's crucial to approach such claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.

The Psychology of Obsession

Gary Stewart's relentless pursuit of the truth about his parentage and the Zodiac Killer case raises questions about the psychology of obsession. Why did he dedicate so much time and energy to this investigation, even in the face of skepticism and criticism?

• Need for Closure: One possible explanation is that Stewart was driven by a deep-seated need for closure. Abandoned as a child, he may have felt a strong desire to understand his origins and to fill in the missing pieces of his life story.
• Identity Formation: Discovering one's parentage is a crucial part of identity formation. Stewart's quest to uncover his biological parents' identities was likely motivated by a desire to understand who he was and where he came from.
• The Thrill of the Chase: For some, the process of investigation can be inherently rewarding. The challenge of piecing together clues and solving a mystery can be a powerful motivator.
• Confirmation Bias: Once Stewart developed his theory about Earl Van Best Jr., he may have been susceptible to confirmation bias, the tendency to seek out and interpret evidence that supports one's existing beliefs while ignoring or downplaying contradictory evidence.
• The "Sunk Cost" Fallacy: The "sunk cost" fallacy is the tendency to continue investing in a project or endeavor, even when it is failing, because one has already invested so much time, effort, or money into it. Stewart may have felt compelled to continue his investigation simply because he had already devoted so much of his life to it.

Could Earl Van Best Jr. Have Been the Zodiac Killer?

Despite the controversies and criticisms, the question remains: could Earl Van Best Jr. have been the Zodiac Killer? While there is no definitive proof to support this claim, it's important to consider the evidence presented by Gary Stewart in a balanced and objective way.

• Arguments in Favor: The physical resemblance between Stewart and Best, the handwriting analysis (though disputed), and the circumstantial connections between Best's life and the Zodiac crimes all lend some credence to Stewart's theory.
• Arguments Against: The lack of DNA evidence, direct eyewitness testimony, and the subjectivity of handwriting analysis are major weaknesses in Stewart's case. Additionally, the existence of other credible suspects and the possibility of coincidences cannot be ignored.

Ultimately, the question of whether Earl Van Best Jr. was the Zodiac Killer remains unanswered. The evidence presented by Gary Stewart is intriguing, but it falls short of definitive proof.

The Enduring Fascination with the Zodiac Killer

The Zodiac Killer case continues to fascinate and intrigue people for a number of reasons:

• Unsolved Mystery: The fact that the Zodiac Killer has never been identified or apprehended adds to the allure of the case. People are drawn to unsolved mysteries and enjoy trying to piece together the clues.
• The Ciphers: The Zodiac's coded letters and ciphers present a challenge to amateur and professional codebreakers alike. The hope of cracking the remaining ciphers and uncovering the killer's identity continues to drive interest in the case.
• The Psychological Profile: The Zodiac Killer's personality and motives are a subject of endless speculation. People are fascinated by the psychology of serial killers and try to understand what drives them to commit such heinous crimes.
• The Cultural Impact: The Zodiac Killer has become a part of American folklore, inspiring numerous books, movies, and television shows. This cultural representation keeps the case alive in the public consciousness.

The Importance of Critical Thinking

Gary Stewart's story serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of critical thinking. While it's important to be open to new ideas and theories, it's also crucial to evaluate evidence objectively and to avoid jumping to conclusions. In the case of the Zodiac Killer, there are many competing theories and claims, and it's up to each individual to weigh the evidence and decide what to believe.

Conclusion

Gary Stewart's journey, fueled by the discoveries in "some room above the street," remains a compelling and controversial chapter in the ongoing saga of the Zodiac Killer. Whether his theory about Earl Van Best Jr. is ultimately proven correct or not, his dedication to uncovering the truth and his willingness to confront a dark family history have left a lasting impact. His story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, the allure of unsolved mysteries, and the importance of critical thinking in the pursuit of knowledge. The quest for answers continues, and the identity of the Zodiac Killer remains one of America's most enduring enigmas.